the utility

The utility is a one-story, two-bedroom, one-bathroom backyard cottage that sits above the ground, with two steps up to a covered deck. That small lift sets the house apart from the yard and gives it a calm, porch-like feel.

A central axis separates the social areas from the private ones. The living, dining, and kitchen areas run in a line toward the backyard for daylight and easy access outside, while the closet, storage, and bathroom sit between the bedrooms as a sound buffer.

The sloped roof is set up for solar panels and holds a large attic for storage and equipment, with room for a Passive House design if the owner wants to build near net zero. The solar array is meant to produce surplus energy for the main house, helping offset the utility costs for the whole lot.