This single family “urban cottage” located in Ann Arbor, Michigan has four bedrooms, and 1,740 sf of living space. Designed by Naseem Alizadeh of Bureau for Architecture and Urbanism (BAU), it is currently on track to receive LEED Platinum Certification.
Of its many “green” features, it uses FSC-certified wood, reclaimed trim from demolished barns, no conventional turf (no irrigation) and low flow plumbing fixtures. Every area in this house is used (there is neither an attic nor a basement).
According to the architect, the house’s concept was inspired by a matchbox, “in which the four inner quadrants slip past one another within the outer sleeve.”
Photos by Steve Maylone, courtesy of BAU.

3 Comments
Gecko Gail on 10.24.2012 at 23:40 PM
First, let me say that I really like this house, but I do have to take exception to the statement “Every area in this house is used (there is neither an attic nor a basement).” I, for one, use every inch of my attic and if I had a basement (we have a workshop under a stilt house), I’m sure it would also be well used. Normal people USE attics and basements! And I can see large hunks of space that are NOT being used very well in this house – like that big hole in the second floor to accommodate the stairs, the big space over the first floor room in the rear view (I can see an outdoor shower, jet pool or another porch). Alternatively, the entry hall seems way too small. But it IS nice looking otherwise. And they get gold stars for the LEED certification!
PYTR75 on 10.26.2012 at 08:24 AM
what disturbes me the most is the toilet door: directly into the living room???
David McLean on 10.26.2012 at 22:12 PM
Nice house. What stands out the most is in the kitchen. I would have a larger window centered on the wall with a kitchen sink centered below it.
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