A Guesthouse and Grotto in 68 Square Feet

A Guesthouse and Grotto in 68 Square Feet

Homeowner Hal David conceived and constructed a tiny guesthouse and grotto as a space-efficient and innovative solution because of his underutilized backyard. David wanted to reclaim his eponymous sloped backyard, which was coated in weeds and windmills. He initially planned to clean and level the backyard to build a terrace with a barbecue, but wanted to create a pleasant outdoor area where he could plant a hazelnut tree. Following a visit to Europe, he was inspired by the grottos there, and realized he could double the space by building and landscaping on top of a grotto. David saw the area as ideal property to solve his need for a place for visitors to stay. The guesthouse and grotto in the center of the deep lot are now employed by him, visiting friends and can be available for rent.

Many of the materials such as the grotto and guesthouse are sourced from thrift stores, second-use warehouses and salvage from retail remodels. Construction of this guesthouse took approximately half a year; the grotto took a year and a half.

in a Glance
Who lives here: Hal David
Location: Seattle, Wash..
Size: The guesthouse is a compact and efficient 68 square feet including a kitchenette, bed/couch, shower, bath, writing desk, loft sleeping shower and bed.

Louise Lakier

A bird -eye view of the main floor shows the tight but well-orchestrated utilization of space. A Murphy bed/couch includes a notebook table that cleverly rotates and affixes along the wall when not being used. And beneath that hatch door on the ground? It’s the bathtub, which we will see later.

The low-maintenance, durable and recycled plastic floor tiles have been salvaged from the Portage Bay Goods location on Capitol Hill when it shut.

Louise Lakier

The tiny guesthouse sits above the grotto. The 68 square feet of economically designed and used space include a loft, views plus a bed/couch mix with pulleys and moving components. The entry to the guesthouse is dubbed”Clubhouse.”

Exterior wall sconces: Value Village and Goodwill

Louise Lakier

Upon entering the guesthouse, one discovers a lovely little writing desk completely equipped with typewriter and paper plus also a view of the front lawn. The desk has been custom-built by David with strong ancient fir from The RE Store, a used building materials nonprofit.

Louise Lakier

The bathroom is a toilet/shower mix. It is complete with exhaust fan and awning window with privacy glass. Sliding panel doors maintain the water inside.

Red flat tile: Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore resale outlet

Louise Lakier

The most fascinating feature of the guesthouse is your wall bed. It doesn’t come out only at bedtime; it stays out to also be a sofa. A shelf above the sliding panels holds the bedding and becomes a headboard in the down position. The built in shelving for your kitchenette also serves as the landing for 2 small step ladders that take you up into the attic space. The wall bed is totally custom-fabricated by David: pillows, pulley systems and all.

Louise Lakier

Here is the wall mattress exhibited open and prepared for resting.

Louise Lakier

Below the living room floor driveway is a bathtub, for people who like to soak. The bathtub came from Second Use in South Seattle; the customized hatch door was built from pine pallets that David located near the Port of Seattle.

Louise Lakier

Climbing the ladders up, one comes to a loft space, complete with bed and shelving for blankets, sheets and pillows. A little sliding window looks out on the landscaped balcony. The structural beam holding up the attic bed has been salvaged from a company undergoing remodeling. The railing is made from off-the-shelf plumbing components.

Louise Lakier

The particulars in the guesthouse include: Destaco clamps for jig-making as curtain holders, a van mirror for a’Van’-ity mirror, a wall-mounted bath faucet with spray along with an appropriately sized miniature broom.

Louise Lakier

David enjoys the view from the guesthouse balcony. A push mower is supplied for lawn maintenance.

Louise Lakier

A grassy and green roof provides permeable place to the lot. The chimney to the grotto fireplace below generates a nice sculptural piece in the grassy lawn.

Louise Lakier

Below the guesthouse, the grotto is available along the side lawn. The sound of running water greets you as you approach it. Water trickles along a rockery and disappears to a metal grate, along with arched brick openings framework the entry to the sitting area. The grotto stones were recycled and reused by the original retaining walls on the site.

Louise Lakier

The grotto sitting area features a fireplace with real delineating walls, an arched brick ceiling and a rock rear wall. The fireplace is a first Wendell Lovett fire hood. David made the metallic base.

Louise Lakier

The grotto floor is inlaid with timber planks delineating the sitting room and giving the room some heat.

Louise Lakier

Details in the grotto include a trickling fountain that recirculates water, custom-built crystal glass lighting fixtures that shine in the sunlight and a delightful little owl etched and colored on the concrete by a former housemate.

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