Qastic reimagines urban density with stacked ADU design in LA
Arched metal dwellings offer flexible housing solution for growing cities
1Innovative stacked housing concept
Qastic designed two stacked accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within a compact 1,500 sq ft footprint in Los Angeles. The double-level structure features arched metal volumes resembling Quonset huts, with one unit perpendicularly stacked atop another. This innovative approach rethinks traditional pitched-roof housing while maintaining practical water drainage. The project demonstrates how creative geometry can maximize living space in dense urban environments, offering a model for small-scale housing solutions.
2Contextual architectural response
The design thoughtfully responds to LA's residential neighborhoods dominated by low-rise homes. Rather than rejecting familiar pitched-roof typologies, Qastic transformed them into continuous vaulted forms. This maintains neighborhood character while introducing more efficient spatial geometry. The arched metal roofs create distinctive silhouettes that stand out yet harmonize with surrounding architecture. This approach shows how innovative designs can respect local context while pushing boundaries.
3Material efficiency and performance
The building's steel frame and white-painted PBR panel cladding create a reflective 'cool roof' ideal for Southern California's climate. The vaulted form reduces material usage while improving thermal performance. Curved ceilings enhance interior volume, increasing daylight penetration and spatial continuity within the compact footprint. These smart material choices demonstrate how sustainable design principles can be integrated into urban housing projects.
4Flexible living configurations
Each 750 sq ft unit operates independently with separate entries and outdoor spaces, but can combine into a single-family home. The upper unit features a balcony with city views, while the lower connects to landscaped patios. This dual configuration adapts to changing household structures over time. Qastic's design proves that small-scale housing can offer both privacy and flexibility, addressing diverse urban living needs.
5Thoughtful interior planning
Both units contain open-plan living areas combining kitchen, dining and lounge spaces, plus bedrooms and bathrooms. Standard finishes include timber flooring and drywall, balancing quality with affordability. The compact yet efficient layouts demonstrate how careful planning can maximize functionality in limited square footage. This approach makes the units accessible to various income levels while maintaining design quality.
6Social and urban impact
Qastic's project addresses LA's housing crisis by demonstrating how ADUs can increase density without compromising quality of life. The design combines compact planning with spatial adaptability, offering a replicable model for other cities facing similar challenges. By accommodating two households on a single residential lot, it provides an alternative to urban sprawl while maintaining neighborhood character.
7Construction and team details
The project involved principal Mahdi Bakhshian and a multidisciplinary team including structural engineers and MEP specialists. Construction utilized galvanized steel frames and prefabricated metal panels for efficiency. The team collaborated with finishing consultants and visualization experts to refine details. This comprehensive approach ensured both design integrity and buildability, setting a standard for future ADU projects.
8Broader implications for urban design
Qastic's Casa Plus demonstrates how geometry, economy and social flexibility can converge in urban architecture. As cities worldwide grapple with housing shortages, such innovative ADU solutions offer scalable answers. The project proves that small-scale interventions can significantly impact urban density challenges while maintaining livability and design excellence. It sets a precedent for future housing innovations in growing metropolitan areas.