Case Study
The University of Utah ADU – Kunga Studio | A Compact Vision for Expansive Living
Introduction
Empowered by Design: A Student-Built Haven of Healing and Hope
In the heart of Salt Lake City, architecture students from the University of Utah took on more than a school project — they embraced a life-changing mission. Their goal: to design and build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that would serve as a safe, sustainable, and empowering home for the Kunga family, whose lives were altered by a severe car accident.
The result is a compact, light-filled residence that reflects the best of human-centered design and sustainable innovation.
A Story of Collaboration and Purpose
Seamless Accessibility. Quiet Dignity.
The project emphasizes effortless transitions—indoors to out, room to room, public to private. Swinging and panel doors are strategically placed to allow wide, barrier-free movement for wheelchair users. Each entry and window was selected for durability, clarity, and comfort, supporting a design that is as practical as it is uplifting.
At the core of the Kunga Studio ADU’s thoughtful and purposeful design is the strategic use of Sierra Pacific windows and doors, chosen not only for their clean, modern aesthetic but for their performance in accessibility, energy efficiency, and long-term durability.
Where Thoughtful Architecture Meets Real-Life Needs
This compact home unfolds with warmth and simplicity. Direct glaze and Aspen casement windows flood the living spaces with natural light, reducing the need for artificial illumination and promoting mental well-being. Pine interiors bring softness to the modern structure, while satin-etched decorative glass ensures privacy without blocking the sun’s glow.
The exterior is clad in Battleship Gray 321, grounding the home in an elegant, contemporary palette that complements the Utah landscape.
Interior Intelligence: Accessible Design Meets Modern Simplicity
The Kunga Studio ADU at the University of Utah represents a deeply human approach to architecture—one born from compassion, collaboration, and thoughtful innovation. Created by graduate architecture students in partnership with the Kunga family, this accessory dwelling unit is a beacon of inclusive design, proving that function and beauty can—and should—coexist.
A Palette of Purposeful Materials
- Natural wood accents, smooth surfaces, and neutral tones define the interior, creating a warm and calming atmosphere that prioritizes comfort without compromising on aesthetics. Every material was selected with care: not just for visual appeal, but for durability, maintenance ease, and accessibility—key for a household adapting to life after a severe injury.
- The soft textures and gentle contrasts serve to elevate the sensory experience, offering a grounded, peaceful environment that invites movement, connection, and rest.
Living Area: Light-Filled and Flexible
The open-plan living space is designed to be both a gathering hub and a restorative haven. Expansive Aspen casement and direct glaze windows by Sierra Pacific flood the room with natural light, creating a dynamic relationship with the outdoors. Whether relaxing, reading, or visiting with family, the living area remains connected to nature, thanks to thoughtful window placement that offers passive lighting and inspiring views.
Wide circulation zones ensure accessibility for all mobility levels, while the overall layout encourages flexibility—a space that grows with its occupants’ evolving needs.
A Multi-Use Flex Space
One of the most innovative features of the ADU is its dedicated flex room—a space designed to adapt effortlessly between uses. Whether serving as a workspace, therapy area, guest room, or quiet retreat, this room was created with long-term versatility in mind.
Strategically placed windows maintain privacy while maximizing daylight, and Sierra Pacific’s paneled doors provide easy access to the outdoors, supporting a lifestyle that blends functionality and freedom.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
In line with the University’s forward-thinking vision, the ADU champions sustainability. Sierra Pacific’s high-performance windows and doors provide:
Enduring materials, such as Battleship Gray aluminum-clad exteriors and pine interiors, built to withstand Utah’s climate.
Exceptional insulation, helping to regulate interior temperatures year-round.
Natural ventilation, through operable casement windows that reduce the need for mechanical cooling.
Design with Dignity
At its heart, the Kunga Studio ADU is not just a structure—it’s a story of recovery, respect, and resilience. This case study proves that when architecture is driven by empathy and designed with intention, it can change lives.
From its sunlit living spaces to its adaptable floor plan, this project is a powerful model for the future of accessible, sustainable housing—proving that even the smallest homes can have a big impact.
A Blueprint for What’s Possible
The University of Utah ADU – Kunga Studio is a deeply personal success story. But it’s also more than that. It’s a model — for how design can uplift, how students can lead, and how architecture can be a tool for equity and healing.
In every angle, material, and opening, this project proves that great design is not about size or luxury — it’s about creating spaces that make life better.