Design Development
Residential
Visualization

Flanders Courtyard House

Structured visualization across a primary residence and ADU to support design clarity, coordination, and decision-making during development.
Overview

Aligning Two Structures Within a Constrained Site

This project involved a primary residence with an integrated courtyard and a secondary ADU on a dense urban lot. Aforma supported design development to ensure both structures and shared spaces functioned clearly together.

Location:
Portland, OR
Year:
2025
Status:
Completed
Collaborators
Structural Engineers, Landscape Consultants
Project Type:
Single Family Residential + ADU
Challenge

Managing Tight Transitions Without Margin for Error

The standard lot size created risks for entrance clearances and utility separation between the main house and ADU. These constraints left little room for error and could lead to rework during foundation and framing.

Approach

Verifying Build Conditions Before Construction

Aforma structured the design development phase to validate all critical transitions before permitting. The focus was to remove ambiguity and ensure both units could be built without conflict.

  • Modeled 1:1 digital assemblies to verify ADU clearances and access paths
  • Created interior studies to confirm lighting and material alignment
  • Coordinated courtyard and floor elevations to ensure build continuity
  • Separated documentation for main house and ADU to clarify utilities and access
Result

Resolving Conflicts Before They Reach the Site

All spatial conflicts were resolved before permitting, allowing the project to proceed without delays or on-site uncertainty. Builders had a clear plan to execute without confusion or mid-construction adjustments.

Zero Spatial Conflicts
All units verified to fit within the urban footprint before construction.
Faster Approval
Stakeholders approved key decisions without revisions.
Reduced RFI Risk
Critical transitions resolved before construction began.
Clear Site Execution
Builders followed a coordinated plan without confusion.