Woodinville

When our clients made the intentional decision to downsize from a six-bedroom family home to a smaller residence, they knew that the lifestyle they’d built over the years didn’t need to shrink with their square footage. Rather than dispersing memories or sacrificing the comforts that mattered most, they chose to expand outward in a purposeful way — creating a personalized Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) that would become a vibrant part of their everyday life.

This DADU isn’t a rental. It isn’t a generic backyard shed. It’s used to provide a hangout spot for their teenager and friends, offers overnight accommodation for guests and family gatherings, and delivers comfort and privacy for both residents and visitors — all wrapped into one thoughtful design. It highlights not only its aesthetic appeal, but the spirit of intentional design and multi-functional living we champion for all our clients.

Instead of converting a garage or repurposing a seldom-used room inside the main house, the family envisioned a unique detached space — one with its own identity, flow, and amenity set. It would be a destination within the backyard, a place where memories could be made independently yet still within the connected fold of family life.

The result is a space that feels larger than its footprint: airy, welcoming, and equipped for real everyday use.

One Team. One Vision. One Point of Contact.

For families considering similar projects, we underscore one message above all:

From concept to completion, you deserve one team, one clear line of communication, and one dedicated point of contact.

Instead of juggling multiple contractors, designers, and vendors — each with their own schedule, vision, and communication style — Armada clients experience:

• Unified project leadership
• Centralized design and selections guidance
• Coordinated permitting support
• Transparent budget development and management
• Consistent communication at every step

Even in projects like this DADU, the clarity of vision and thoughtful design choices reflect the kind of planning and coordination we bring to every project we oversee.

One of the most notable features of this DADU is its sleeping loft — a space that maximizes vertical area without compromising openness.

Accessed by a pull-down ladder, the loft serves as a comfortable and elevated sleeping zone, perfectly suited for a queen-sized mattress, sleepovers with friends, space for a double mattress, and a private nook for quiet reading or rest.

The pull-down ladder keeps the footprint efficient while preserving valuable floor area below. This design choice speaks directly to the project’s ethos: clever spatial solutions that make a compact dwelling feel much larger.

Inside, there is room for not just a queen, but additional sleeping options — meaning the space can flex based on occasion, guests, or family needs. The loft becomes more than a bed; it’s a retreat within a retreat.

With thoughtful ceiling height, natural light, and an open feeling above the main living space, the loft balances privacy and connection — a perfect blend for a multi-purpose backyard dwelling.

The heart of this DADU lies in its ground-level living space, where every square inch is intentional.

A large sectional sofa anchors the room — not just as seating, but as multi-purpose furniture. It easily converts into additional sleeping space when guests stay overnight, and serves as the primary social area for lounging, playing games, or watching movies.

This flexibility is critical: in a compact dwelling, furniture must work harder, and this sectional does just that.

The kitchenette provides a sink for prep and cleanup, a microwave for quick meals, and an under-counter refrigerator for drinks and snacks.

This setup supports everyday use without bulky cabinetry or unnecessary appliances. It’s streamlined, efficient, and tailored to how the family uses the space.

The bathroom features a wall-hung toilet and combined shower, maximizing floor space while maintaining modern, clean aesthetics. The compact design means there’s no wasted area, and it supports both quick use and full showers when needed.

Notably, this bathroom also became a backup resource when the main house’s hot water system failed — another example of how a well-designed accessory dwelling can provide practical benefits beyond its primary function.

Unlike the main house, this DADU is equipped with air conditioning — a feature that quickly made it the family’s preferred retreat on warm days. It’s a simple luxury, but one that transforms how the space is used, especially during summer.