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Take a look at San Jose’s first pre-approved, Scandinavian-inspired ADU

Minimalist prefab home starts at $199,000

Small home clad in vertical wood paneling. Photos courtesy of Koto

San Jose is doing its part to help alleviate the housing crisis, one granny flat at a time.

Last month the city announced a new express-lane program that aims to make the permitting process easier for residents who want to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—sometimes referred to as “granny flats” or “backyard cottages”—on their property.

Designs for the first pre-approved ADU model for San Jose were released this week. Built by Redwood City-based Abodu, this 495-square-foot home, which costs approximately $199,000, can be delivered and installed within two weeks of initiation.

The one-bedroom unit comes clad in wood paneling featuring an overall Scandinavian-inspired look with stark white interiors. Contemporary black fixtures can be found in the bathroom and kitchen. There’s even a little outdoor deck.

Buyers can upgrade for more luxe finishes, additional landscaping, and even a curated furniture package.

If the home’s design looks familiar, that’s because Adobu tapped U.K.-based studio Koto to adapt its fanciful cabins for U.S. customers.

According to the Silicon Valley Business Journal, “To further incentivize construction of ADUs, San Jose’s City Council is exploring a new city-funded loan program. The $5 million program would provide loans of $20,000 to qualifying homeowners to build such apartments, with the loans forgivable after six years if certain conditions are met.”

Interior shows kitchen with black appliances and a eat-in area.
Living room comes with sofa, light fixture, and soaring ceilings all against white walls.
Bedroom with floor-to-ceiling window and soaring ceiling.
Bathroom comes with shower, black fixtures, white walls, toilet, and sink.
Wooden outdoor deck with white patio furniture.