Compact does not mean casual
A small studio ADU has to work harder than a large room. Storage, daylight, acoustics, and mechanical systems need to be planned together instead of added after the layout is fixed.
Design priorities
- Keep the main work wall clear and flexible.
- Use glazing for daylight without giving up privacy.
- Put storage where it will not steal the best circulation path.
- Reserve a clean service zone for electrical and HVAC decisions.
The strongest studio layouts feel quiet because the hard decisions were made before construction started.