skylight | The Silo

The tiny home sector is big on innovation as exemplified by a new crop of amazing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs across the U.S. and Canada showcasing state-of-the-art architectural and interior features, thoughtful layouts and stunning aesthetics that redefine what’s possible in small-space living. Maxable—North America’s leading provider of resources for building guest houses, casitas, in-law suites, granny flats, pool houses and other ADUs—has officially named the the #1 best ADU of 2025 and other of the ’10 Best’ for the year based on a mix of criteria: visual appeal, use of space, creativity and functionality. Multiple photos for each are showcased online demonstrating the extreme ingenuity of each build.

Every year, Maxable’s ‘Best ADU of the Year’ competition celebrates the most innovative and impressive tiny home projects from across North America. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that don’t just look great, but solve real challenges of space, budget, and lifestyle. And the Top 10 have just been named! “If there’s one thing we’ve learned this year, it’s that accessory dwelling units ADUs aren’t going anywhere,” says Maxable CEO Paul Dashevsky. “In fact, they’re chugging along at full force as new regulations make their mark, homeowners are letting their creativity bloom, and designers are pushing the limits of what’s possible in small-space living.”

Here is the #1 winner and other of the top 10 best ADUs that have earned their keys in 2025.
______________________________________________________

#1 Best ADU of 2025:

Ashby ADU, Piedmont, CA

Designer: Tuan Le Design

Builder: Atelier19AD6

Size: 800 sq ft, 2 bed, 1 bath

Built on a steep slope, the project faced challenges with utility coordination, subcontractors, supply chain delays, and neighbor considerations, yet the team navigated every obstacle to deliver a standout result. The unit is fully electric, with a heat pump, water heater, and solar panels, making it efficient and environmentally conscious. Skylights and floor-to-ceiling four-panel sliding glass doors fill the interior with natural light, creating a bright, airy atmosphere. The modern design continues on the exterior with sleek wood paneling that complements the contemporary interior. The result is a stylish, functional ADU that maximizes both the views and the livable space

Other Top 10 Best ADUs of 2025

Chamomile Cottage, Arlington, MA

Modular Design and Build: Backyard ADUs

Size: 567 sq ft, 1 bed, 1 bath

If a cozy cup of tea was an ADU, we think it’d look like this! Designed to bring an aging father closer to his family and young grandchildren, this modular build balances warmth, accessibility, and beautiful design. As one of the first detached ADUs completed under Massachusetts’ new ADU law, it also marks a milestone for backyard living in the state. Built with collaboration between Backyard ADUs and a homeowner with impeccable design taste, the result is both functional and heartfelt. Chevron wood flooring, warm olive walls, and a charming fireplace make the space feel like home from the moment you step inside. Skylights fill the rooms with natural light, while the ADA-compliant bathroom ensures comfort and safety for years to come.

Alora ADU, San Diego, CA

Designer: Ruland Design Group

Builder: Glann Fick, Coastline Construction

Size: 1,000 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 bath duplex

This project is a beautiful example of how ADUs can bring generations together while adding long-term value to a property. The homeowners created not one, but two attached backyard homes. One was designed for an aging mother, and the other for rental income to support the family. Together, the units make space for four generations to stay close while still maintaining privacy and independence. Both ADUs were designed with light, openness, and connection to the outdoors in mind. High ceilings and clerestory windows fill the interiors with natural light, while large sliding glass doors open to private patios for easy indoor-outdoor living. Each space feels modern and welcoming, complete with well-appointed kitchens and roomy islands perfect for family meals or morning coffee. It’s a true example of multigenerational living done right.

Copperline ADU, San Diego, CA

Designer and Builder: SnapADU

Size: 980 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 bath

This Spanish-style ADU in Rancho Santa Fe was designed to blend seamlessly with the community’s strict architectural standards. The homeowner, a roofing contractor, personally installed the boosted tile roof to match the main home, turning HOA requirements into an opportunity to create a timeless retreat. Today, the ADU serves as a private space for family and guests. Every element, from hand-textured stucco to arched porch openings and copper gutters, was carefully chosen to mirror the primary residence. Inside, faux wood ceiling beams add warmth to the great room, while custom shelving and professional-grade appliances enhance the kitchen. Each bedroom features an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, with a back entrance leading to a mudroom and laundry area.

Brick House ADU, Denver, CO

Designer and Builder: ADU4U

Size: 938 sq ft, 1 bed, 1.5 bath

This ADU project breathes new life into an old, historic building, while preserving its authentic character and respecting its roots. Building a modern structure within an 138 year old structure was an innovative solution to achieve this. In historic Curtis Park, Denver’s oldest neighborhood, an 1886 brick carriage house stands as a testament to the passage of time. The building sits inside the boundaries of Denver’s historic Curtis Park, so all exterior design and material selections had to be approved through the city’s Landmark Commission.

ADU4U turned this once-unlivable structure into a cozy, modern home while preserving its historic charm. To bring it up to today’s safety standards, the team strengthened the old brick with a new steel frame and carefully reused original materials throughout the interior. The hayloft door became the powder room door, and the old floor joists were turned into a beautiful kitchen peninsula. Now, this light-filled ADU perfectly balances historic character with modern comfort. It’s truly a shining example of how old buildings can be reimagined for today’s living.

Longview ADU, Washington D.C.

Designer: Ileana Schinder

Builder: J Cabido Designs

This project is a creative transformation of an abandoned garage and storage space into a bright and efficient one-bedroom ADU. By keeping the original structure’s footprint, the design team minimized both construction costs and the visual impact on the surrounding property. Every detail was planned with sustainability in mind. From upgraded insulation to energy-efficient mini splits and an energy recovery ventilator, the ADU meets Washington DC’s strict environmental standards while maintaining year-round comfort. Restoring the building’s existing openings allowed natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting space that feels much larger than its footprint. The result is a thoughtful blend of preservation, sustainability, and smart design, breathing new life into what was once an overlooked structure.

Sagebrush ADU, Menlo Park, CA

Designer: Inspired ADUs

Builder: Integrum Construction

This ADU is a masterclass in craftsmanship and timeless design. Every detail, from the cedar shake siding to the copper flashings, was carefully chosen to mirror the main home and create a seamless, cohesive look. Instead of competing with the original architecture, it enhances it, feeling like it has always been part of the property. Natural materials play a starring role here. The cedar and copper will continue to age beautifully, adding warmth and character over time. Inside, handmade tile, custom cabinetry, and a cozy loft make the space feel elevated yet inviting. Every inch was designed with intention, balancing function, beauty, and authenticity. This ADU proves that small-scale construction can be both refined and enduring.

Brushstroke ADU, Newcastle, CA

Designer and Builder: A+ Construction ADU Builders

Size: 1,198 sq ft + 800 sq ft deck, 3 bed, 2 baths

The client didn’t want to separate three generations of their family, so they built a second home in their backyard. This ADU allows their parents to live independently with their own routines and art studio, while staying just steps from family dinners, grandkid hugs, and everyday life together. At 1,200 sq. ft., the ADU includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large open living area. The layout prioritizes comfort, easy movement, and aging-in-place, with wide circulation paths, direct deck access from the primary bedroom, and plenty of natural light. A dedicated art studio with custom cabinetry and large windows supports the grandmother’s creative routine. The best feature? An 800 sq. ft. covered deck and carefully chosen exterior finishes. All of these details make the ADU feel integrated with the main home, creating a thoughtful, functional, and long-term living space for the whole family.

Alcove ADU, Los Angeles, CA

Designer: Homeowner

Builder: Doobek Brothers

Size: 593 sq ft, 1 bed, 1 bath

What started as a retrofit for a carport turned into a fully functional ADU, making smart use of limited space while navigating strict city codes. Because the property sits on a hillside, any addition beyond the existing roofline would have required expensive drainage to the street, so the design works entirely within the original footprint. The interior feels calm and spacious thanks to thoughtful layout, finishes, and furniture. A double wall between the kitchen and bathroom cleverly hides appliances while providing storage for cleaning supplies, making the space feel open and uncluttered. Temperature and sound insulation reduce energy costs for both units, making it highly efficient. Windows were sized to align with the upstairs unit, creating visual harmony. With parking right outside and a potential deck planned for the upper unit, this ADU demonstrates how careful design can turn code restrictions into a livable home.

Elevare ADU, San Diego, CA

Designer: Sergio Perlata

Builder: HM Construction

Size: 479 sq ft, 1 bed, 1 bath

This daring ADU was built on top of the homeowner’s existing house to preserve the garage while creating a luxurious, functional space. What started as a bold idea and labor of love resulted in a retreat that balances comfort, style, and modern California living. The design maximizes natural light, features high-end finishes, and offers seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Privacy for the main house was carefully considered, and practical choices like spa-like micro-cement in the bathroom create a durable, low-maintenance, and rental-friendly space. More than just a guest house, this ADU is a thoughtfully crafted space that inspires relaxation and connection.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Supplemental- ANC Brantford, Ontario, Canada

Although the smallest city to have hosted the summer Olympics, Helsinki’s functionalist structures were conceived as versatile recreational venues and have been preserved to become modestly emblematic of successful circular design 70 years later.

With functional design and sustainably-driven innovation as core priorities for Helsinki’s future, the city and the partners undertaking renovation work to the heritage sites have echoed contemporary architects and designers across the world using innovative design to renew rather than demolish existing buildings as the city grows.

Hanna Harris, Chief Design Officer, City of Helsinki, commented: “Helsinki’s Olympic landmarks are a source of great local and national pride, and are buildings that many of us have either grown up recognizing as part of the city’s fabric, or fondly remember for their original purpose. It is therefore of particular importance that we maintain and protect the legacy of these historic buildings, while reconceiving new uses and undertaking architectural updates that bring new life to former Olympic sites as sustainably as possible.”

Helsinki Olympic Stadium

Built in 1938 and intended to host the 1940 Olympic Games before its cancellation, the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, is an iconic landmark of independent Finland and Finnish functionalism. The stadium is the result of an open architectural competition held in the 1930s – a favoured design process in Helsinki – which was won by Finnish architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti. Becoming a crown jewel of 1930s functionalist concrete architecture in Finland, and at the heart of the 1952 Games, the Stadium has since been re-envisioned as a multi-purpose sporting and events location.

The refurbishment of the stadium, completed in 2020, respects the original architecture by preserving the angular concrete facade and original structure of the design. Additional features were added in a 20,000 sq m underground extension, and include sports facilities, logistical spaces, technical spaces, and an indoor running track. In addition, K2S Architects + Architects NRT improved public safety and comfort by adding new entrances to the stands, and a canopy to cover the stands almost entirely.

Amos Rex Art Museum

Originally designed as a temporary building to serve visitors to the Olympic Games, the Lasipalatsi (“glass palace” in Finnish) once housed commercial premises, restaurants, and a cinema. 2018 saw the completion of a five-year, €50 million project by Helsinki-based architecture firm JKMM to restructure the Lasipalatsi to house the Amos Rex Art Museum, amongst other public spaces.

At the heart of the museum, 13,000 cubic metres of rock have been excavated to create a world-class gallery space. The gallery is topped with a series of domes and skylights, which above-ground create a series of mounds that articulate the surface of Lasipalatsi Square. The mounds generate a playful landscape which invites residents and visitors alike to interact with the space, and are often used as grandstands, stages, or platforms for public events.

A programme of creatives are invited to also make use of this public space to produce site-specific work, such as The Nest, a sculptural installation by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata (7 May – 4 September 2022), in which reclaimed materials surge over the roof of the Lasipalatsi building and up the courtyard chimney.

Helsinki Airport

Built in 1952, Helsinki Airport saw nearly 2000 flights pass through during the Olympic Games, with guests including royalty, such as Dutch Prince Bernhard and Prince Philip of the United Kingdom, as well as Olympic sports teams from around the world.

Designed by Helsinki-based practice ALA Architects, the newest terminal extension aims to streamline the user experience and bring excitement back into air travel, with new departure and arrival halls that from 21 June 2022 centralise all flights under one roof, in addition to the introduction of next-generation security control and a new multimodal travel centre. New stores enliven the visitor experience such as Balmuir and Marimekko stores, a variety of restaurants, and the beloved Moomin Shop.

A central feature of the airport extension is a cross-laminated timber ceiling, made up of 500 unique pieces of Finnish spruce which slot together to form a feat of carpentry in an undulating structure that appears to float overhead. The terminal extension reflects a purposeful dedication to Finnish design and nature through the use of predominantly domestic materials. A freeform installation titled “Luoto” echoes the rocks and islets seen across the national landscape as a natural diorama featuring trees, plants, and stones as a memorable experience for visitors.

The redevelopment is due to complete in 2023, when a new baggage claim hall will be put into service.

Serpentine House

Designed by Yrjö Lindegren, also responsible for the Olympic Stadium, the Serpentine House in the Käpylä district of Helsinki is a highlight of Finnish architecture. The building of 189 residential flats was first constructed as part of the Olympic Village in 1951. The project to renovate the southern residential building ran from 2016 to 2018 and was led by architect Mona Schalin of Kati Salonen and Mona Schalin Architects. Serpentine House subsequently won the 2019 Finlandia Prize for Architecture, awarded annually by the Finnish Association of Architects, SAFA.

Despite its total length of 287 m, the design succeeds in avoiding a rigid and austere feel by setting the residential units in a fan-like arrangement that creates a series of private and sheltered garden spaces. The design team also worked in close collaboration with the staff at Helsinki City Museum and the city’s planning and building control departments to propose a sustainable refurbishment. The majority of the original windows and kitchen fittings were preserved and repaired and, significantly, the original natural ventilation system was retained. This energy efficient system will continue to reduce maintenance costs and prevent indoor air quality problems in the years ahead.

The City of Helsinki continues to demonstrate commitment to innovative, sustainable design and the transformational potential of architecture in shaping the city as ways in which to further improve its maritime character, create liveable spaces, and promote active citizenship.

Later in 2022, an Architecture Policy will be unveiled that formalizes the city’s relationship to architecture across landmarks, everyday buildings, coastal connections, and urban renewal.

Also in 2022, the design winner of the Makasiiniranta quality and concept competition will be announced, cementing plans for Helsinki’s most high-profile upcoming development that will house the new Architecture and Design Museum.

Instituting a new chapter for the city’s South Harbor – the last old harbor area to be transformed for public use in Helsinki, including the protected Olympic Terminal – the development of the 83,000 sq ft historic site will reconnect the expanding pedestrianized city centre with the shoreline as a new culturally-intensive destination. A separate architecture competition for the Architecture and Design Museum is set to launch during 2023.

The Silo

Tag Archives: skylight

These Award Winning Tiny Homes Draw Attention As Sector Gains

Why Helsinki’s Innovative Circular Olympic Architecture From Seventy Years Ago Will Be Renewed

Although the smallest city to have hosted the summer Olympics, Helsinki’s functionalist structures were conceived as versatile recreational venues and have been preserved to become modestly emblematic of successful circular design 70 years later.

The City of Helsinki continues to demonstrate commitment to innovative, sustainable design and the transformational potential of architecture in shaping the city as ways in which to further improve its maritime character, create liveable spaces, and promote active citizenship.

Canada's 'biggest little blogspace'