10 Smart Designs That Just Make Sense
These dynamic ADUs have the coolest features in the smartest combinations.
In Designing the Best ADUs and Complexes, Versatility Is the Name of the Game.
Great home design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that:
enhance daily life...
maximize functionality...
and, most importantly, adapt to changing needs.
At New Avenue, we’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of homeowners to bring their visions to life, crafting ADUs and custom homes that balance style, efficiency, and long-term value. From net-zero energy homes to creative workspaces, each project showcases smart design that makes a lasting impact.
Today we’re highlighting 10 exceptional New Avenue homes, each with its own unique story. These projects demonstrate how thoughtful design and innovative solutions can transform the way we live. Dive in and get inspired by these beautifully designed spaces.
1. The Breezeway Chalet: Smart, Stylish, and Versatile
This two-story ADU combines living, workspace, and storage into one elegant, functional home. A breezeway connects the main structure to a 156-square-foot storage area, keeping essentials organized while maximizing space.
Highlights:
Bright, open kitchen and living area with home office space
Private upstairs suite with a walk-in closet and full bath
Breezeway storage for bikes, tools, and more
Future-ready for guests, remote work, or aging-in-place living
Outdoor retreat with a hot tub, boardwalk, and garden
This ADU evolves with its owners. Whether it's serving as a guest house, office, or future home, it offers functionality and long-term value in one beautifully designed package.
2. The Coastal Escape: A Serene Beachside Retreat
This 1,000-square-foot ADU in Santa Cruz brings together modern elegance and functional design, creating a flexible home perfect for relaxation, hosting guests, or future rental income.
Highlights:
Two-bedroom, two-bath layout with a bright, open great room
Barrier-free design with curbless showers
Seamless indoor-outdoor living with a patio and custom privacy screen
Outdoor feet-washing station—perfect for beach days
Future-ready for aging in place, rental income, or a permanent residence
Designed for comfort, accessibility, and lasting value, this ADU offers a stylish, low-maintenance retreat in a prime coastal location.
3. Hillside Complex with a View: Elevated Living in El Cerrito
Perched on a prime hillside lot in El Cerrito, this two-bedroom, two-bath ADU is designed for privacy, elegance, and stunning views while offering flexibility for rental income or future living.
Highlights:
Expansive windows showcase breathtaking views and flood the space with natural light
Spacious kitchen and living area with built-in storage for smart functionality
Private access from a through lot, making it feel like a standalone home
Striking interior finishes, including a bold tiled accent wall
Deeply drilled hillside foundation ensures long-term durability
Currently a high-value rental, this ADU is also a future-ready retreat—a perfect blend of smart design and lasting investment in a vibrant community.
4. The Artful Abode: A Creative Retreat with Endless Possibilities
This ADU is a light-filled, multifunctional space designed for a creative couple who write and illustrate children’s books. It can easily be a workspace, an additional living space, or guest accommodations in a modern, inspiring environment.
Highlights:
Two connected studios with a sliding door for collaboration or privacy
Large Milgard doors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and skylights for natural light
Kitchen and bath designed for both daily use and hosting guests
Modern finishes with subway tile, quartz countertops, and black fixtures
Outdoor shower and shared courtyard for relaxation and entertaining
Primarily an art studio and office, this ADU easily converts into a guest suite or rental unit, offering functionality, beauty, and long-term flexibility in one smartly designed space.
5. Lux Haven: Modern Comfort in Berkeley
This 1,000-square-foot, three-bedroom home is all about practical elegance, creating a stylish yet highly functional living space for a dynamic family.
Highlights:
Sleek, modern design with clean lines and an open layout
Abundant natural light from well-placed windows and skylights
High-end kitchen and bathrooms with luxurious finishes
Flexible layout that adapts to changing needs
Perfect for family living, hosting guests, or future rental income
Designed for both fast-paced living and quiet retreats, Lux Haven is a beautifully crafted home that supports comfort, versatility, and long-term value in the heart of Berkeley.
6. Custom Home in El Cerrito: Modern Flow with Ultimate Flexibility
This modern home replaces a 1943 structure with a versatile, thoughtfully designed space that supports both work and relaxation.
Highlights:
Dedicated home offices for remote work
Yoga studio for wellness and mindfulness
Open-concept living area for connection and flow
Sliding glass doors leading to a deck and garden
Minimalist design with natural materials for warmth and tranquility
Designed to adapt to evolving needs, this home is a calm, functional retreat that melds modern aesthetics with everyday practicality.
7. Net Zero Energy ADU in Berkeley: Sustainable, Smart, and Stylish
This ultra-efficient ADU is a modern, sustainable design that offers a flexible space for living, working, or hosting guests—all while running entirely on clean energy.
Highlights:
Net-zero energy with solar panels and all-electric systems
Efficient heating, cooling, and water heating for lower costs
Smart interior design with a spacious feel and clever storage attic
Shaded patio under a mature oak tree for outdoor relaxation
30% lower build cost than many nearby ADUs
Designed for bike-friendly, walkable Berkeley living, this eco-conscious home is a smart investment in sustainability and long-term savings.
8. Modern ADU in Oakland: Smart Social Living
This two-story backyard ADU seamlessly blends private and communal living, making it ideal for a co-housing lifestyle while maintaining independence and flexibility.
Highlights:
Ipe roof deck and bridge connecting the ADU’s kitchen to the main home
Dual kitchens designed for connection while maintaining privacy
Dedicated office spaces, living areas, and bedrooms for comfort
Remodeled lower floor adds 1,000+ square feet of usable space
Three rental units provide steady income and maximize property value
By combining smart design with social connectivity, this modern ADU transforms a historic home into a dynamic, multi-use property that fosters both community and financial stability.
9. Backyard Retreat in Mountain View: A Flexible Oasis
This ADU is the picture of versatility and elegance, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience perfect for entertaining or quiet relaxation.
Highlights:
Retractable glass wall opens to a wraparound deck
Convertible living space easily transforms into a bedroom
Large kitchen window with bar seating for effortless hosting
Built-in grill and outdoor-accessible bathroom for poolside convenience
Dipping pool for cooling off and unwinding
Designed for hosting, relaxing, or future rental, this smartly designed retreat makes the most of a tight space with absolute luxury and refreshing outdoor living.
10. Neighboring Homes in Berkeley: Classic Charm Meets Modern Sustainability
These two stunning Berkeley homes offer timeless craftsmanship and cutting-edge efficiency, creating a versatile living opportunity for those seeking community and sustainability.
Highlights:
2516 Mathews: A Classic Craftsman with custom woodwork and private outdoor spaces
2514 Mathews: A new net-zero energy home with solar power and high-efficiency systems
Prime location near Berkeley Bowl, San Pablo Park, and Ashby BART
Flexible ownership options—own one home or both
Ideal for families, community living, and anyone who lives an environmentally conscious lifestyle
A unique chance to embrace community-driven, eco-friendly living with the perfect combination of history and innovation.
Tell us where you want to live and how you want to own. We'll take it from there.
ADUs and multi-unit complexes offer unmatched flexibility, adapting to homeowners' changing needs over time. Whether serving as a home office, guest suite, rental property, or multigenerational living space, these thoughtfully designed units maximize functionality without sacrificing style.
From net-zero energy homes to modern co-housing solutions, each of these projects showcases how smart design can enhance livability, sustainability, and long-term value. As housing needs evolve, ADUs and innovative living spaces provide adaptable, future-proof solutions, making them a smart investment for today and beyond.
Take the first step toward the home you've always wanted. Schedule a free consultation call with a New Avenue Homes expert today and let us guide you through the entire process of building or buying your perfect home or family complex.
