The Art of the ADU

STORY JANET WHITE BARDWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY CAMILLA BRENCHLEY

As seen in the Waterloo-Wellington Spring 2026 issue.

On a quiet street in Guelph’s Hanlon Creek neighbourhood, Vicky and Claude, newly relocated from Etobicoke, began imagining a different rhythm of daily life at home. Downsizing was part of the conversation, as was ease, privacy and the comfort of living well without excess.

Working with Bobby Randhawa and Keiran Pattullo Graff of Two Rivers Building Group Inc., the couple created a light-filled accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in their backyard, one that reads from the street as a modest cottage and reveals itself inside as something far more expansive.

The concept emerged as the couple explored their options. They initially considered dividing the main house into two units because they love the neighbourhood. The solution arrived not as a compromise, but as a reframing. “That’s when the idea of an ADU came into play,” says Bobby. “It offered greater flexibility and customization, and they wouldn’t need to share walls with tenants.”

For Vicky and Claude, the decision was reinforced early on. “Two Rivers was highly recommended by our real estate agent,” says Vicky. “As we researched them online, we came across an article about Two Rivers building ADUs in the city and we were intrigued.” A site visit sealed the deal. “They were able to walk us through one of their completed ADUs and we were sold on the idea pretty much on the spot.”

Once the direction was clear, the process moved quickly. “They were immediately excited and we got to work,” says Bobby. Drawings, permits and engineering were completed within three months, with Michael Norrie Architecture shaping a two-bedroom, 820 sq. ft. home.

Six months later, the couple moved in. They felt the efficiency. “They took care of obtaining all of the permitting and working with the city,” says Vicky. “It was very seamless for us.” Bobby managed the project alongside Keiran on site, with Emilie Walters guiding interior decisions. “The whole team was knowledgeable, professional and incredibly nice to work with,” says Vicky.

From the outset, longevity guided every decision. The structure itself is simple and timeless, with an A-frame form that feels both charming and refined. Steel siding and roofing were selected to minimize long-term maintenance. Large, divided windows, refined exterior lighting and an entry door with transom and sidelight give the home a sense of proportion and quiet elegance.

Stylistically, the direction was clear. “The vision was an English country cottage with a white exterior and black accents,” says Bobby. “Vicky’s family is from England, so we leaned into traditional architectural elements and elegant ornamentation.”

Inside, that sensibility reads as warmth rather than nostalgia. Underfoot, durable vinyl flooring runs continuously through the entry and main living spaces, enhancing flow and making the footprint feel larger. In the kitchen, with cabinetry crafted by Newlife Cabinetry, every inch was tailored to the way the homeowners live. A pull-out pantry saves space, while an appliance garage keeps daily-use items accessible yet visually quiet.

Quartz countertops from Top Choice Counters add subtle luxury, while a custom range hood elevates the compact space. The kitchen easily accommodates a 48-inch round dining table, ideal for four.

The living and dining area is comfortable yet elevated, with room for family gatherings and quieter moments. A full-size sofa faces the television, while an armchair sits by the window for reading. Layered lighting softens the space in the evenings. Both bedrooms comfortably fit king-size beds with nightstands, thanks to generous built-in closets and thoughtful layouts. Vaulted ceilings and oversize windows bring light deep into the rooms, making them feel bright and calm.

The living and dining area is comfortable yet elevated, with room for family gatherings and quieter moments. A full-size sofa faces the television, while an armchair sits by the window for reading. Layered lighting softens the space in the evenings.

Both bedrooms comfortably fit king-size beds with nightstands, thanks to generous built-in closets and thoughtful layouts. Vaulted ceilings and oversize windows bring light deep into the rooms, making them feel bright and calm.

For Bobby, the finished project challenges assumptions. “When people hear ‘backyard home,’ they often imagine loft beds and mini fridges,” he says. “When they see it they usually say: ‘I can’t believe this is an ADU!’”

For Vicky and Claude, the success of the home is measured in how it feels day to day. “Even though it is a relatively small home on paper, it feels larger than it is thanks to the very high ceilings, windows and efficient use of floor space,” says Vicky. “It feels like we live in a modern English cottage in the country, even though we are in an urban area. Having a home in the backyard also means no traffic noise, and because it is oriented perpendicularly to the main house, there is a real sense of privacy. We are absolutely thrilled with the results.” OH