A Modern ADU with Rural Charm
Set among rolling hills and oak trees in rural Novato, a new accessory dwelling unit by Fergus Garber Architects sits comfortably beside a 100 year old farmhouse on 13 acres of farmland. Though newly built, the 1,200 square foot home feels deeply connected to its surroundings, shaped by the same rural sensibility that defines the historic property next door.
Recently covered by Marin Spaces Magazine, the ADU was designed for a retired Palo Alto couple who relocated to Novato to be closer to their eldest son and grandchildren. Rather than creating a secondary structure that read as clearly contemporary, the architects approached the project as a continuation of the site’s architectural story, designing a home that feels as though it could have existed alongside the farmhouse for decades.
The scale of the property played a central role in the design. With so much open land, the new building needed enough presence to avoid feeling lost, while remaining deferential to the original house. A standing seam metal roof, simple gabled form, and generous wraparound porch give the ADU a familiar agricultural profile. These elements help the compact structure feel grounded and substantial, even within an expansive rural setting.
From the beginning, the design intent was not to replicate historical details, but to work within the language of early rural California buildings. Fergus Garber Architects focused on proportion, material honesty, and construction logic rather than decorative nostalgia. The result is a home that feels settled and believable, shaped by context rather than trend.
The project team brought a personal dimension to the work. Interior designer Peter Dolkas of Studio Dorion, the homeowners’ younger son, designed the interiors, while Michael Arruda served as contractor and Roth LaMotte Landscape Architecture completed the collaboration. That familiarity allowed for a thoughtful and efficient process, centered on how the home would be used day to day by family across generations.
Outdoor living extends the home well beyond its interior footprint. Covered porches and patios create places for dining, lounging, and gathering, while reinforcing the home’s connection to the landscape. A covered exterior entry functions as a mudroom, an especially practical solution in a rural environment, and allows the interior layout to remain open and flexible. Brick paving continues from the patio directly into the entry and hallway, visually linking inside and out.
Material selection was key to the home’s sense of authenticity. The exterior is clad in cedar painted a soft off white, a tone that complements both the farmhouse and the surrounding farmland. That same cedar lines roof overhangs and structural posts, reinforcing the building’s straightforward construction. Inside, Douglas fir appears throughout the floors, cabinetry, and ceilings, bringing warmth and continuity to the compact interior.
The home’s location within a wildland urban interface zone required careful attention to fire safety. Heavy timber was used throughout the exterior to meet WUI standards, resulting in a structure that feels solid and enduring. Rather than detracting from the design, these requirements reinforced the sense of permanence the architects were aiming to achieve.
The interior program was intentionally simple. The homeowners requested a primary bedroom, a combined kitchen, living, and dining area, two bathrooms, and the possibility of a guest bedroom. Fergus Garber Architects organized the plan around a central gathering space, with private rooms separated by a window lined hallway that brings in natural light and makes the home feel larger than it is. An unfinished basement beneath the structure provides additional storage, made possible by Novato’s more flexible ADU allowances.
In the main living areas, exposed wood ceilings create a sense of volume. A dropped light shelf along the perimeter reflects daylight deeper into the space and subtly references early modern architectural precedents. The kitchen is straightforward and functional, with open shelving, custom Douglas fir cabinetry, and black granite countertops. A vintage farmhouse table replaces the typical kitchen island, reinforcing the home’s informal and agrarian character.
Built in cabinetry throughout the living area maximizes storage while keeping the space calm and uncluttered. In the private rooms, a continuous picture rail wraps the walls, a detail drawn from California Craftsman homes that allows artwork to be displayed without penetrating the wood surfaces below.
As presented in Marin Spaces Magazine, the Novato ADU is a study in context and lived experience. Through careful siting, material selection, and a clear understanding of how families inhabit space, the project demonstrates how a small home can feel deeply connected to land, history, and daily life.
Original article by Lotus Abrams