Playful Swoop ADU adds absent gable to New Jersey house

Swooping into South Orange: A Masterclass in ADU Design and Neighborhood Integration

This blog post explores the recently completed Swoop ADU, a 750-square-foot accessory dwelling unit designed by Brooklyn-based studio Out of Line. Located in South Orange, New Jersey, this addition to a 1988 split-level home offers a private, independent living space for a homeowner who wants to be close to family while maintaining autonomy.

Out of Line blended contemporary aesthetics with contextual sensitivity. They created a structure that serves its functional purpose and enhances the neighborhood’s architectural character.

Contextual Reinterpretation and the Power of Subtraction

The South Orange neighborhood features a typical suburban scene: a cul-de-sac lined with similar gabled houses. Out of Line approached the Swoop ADU by confronting this sameness through strategic subtraction.

Instead of copying the common gable style, the architects carved out a large negative space to form a welcoming, distinct entryway. This bold design choice makes the ADU stand out and introduces a new perspective to the street.

A Roofline That Dances: The “Swoop” in Action

The building’s standout feature is its unique butterfly roof. From the street, it appears flat, but its profile shows a dramatic drop, creating the signature “swoop.”

This roofline breaks the visual monotony and adds a dynamic rhythm to the building. The contrast between the simple street-facing facade and the striking profile highlights Out of Line’s understanding of spatial design.

Material Harmony and Geometric Influence

Integrating a new structure with an existing home requires careful material choices. Out of Line created a smooth transition between the 1988 split-level and the new ADU.

They replaced the older home’s brick veneer and vinyl siding. Now, the lower half of both buildings features charcoal grey stucco, while the upper sections are clad in light grey fiber-cement panels.

This consistent material palette unifies the property. The team also used a rotated siding plane on the ADU and thoughtful material transitions to create a continuous line that “swoops” around openings.

This approach is inspired by the simple geometry and forms explored by artists like Ellsworth Kelly and Robert Mangold. The result is a design guided by both artistic and architectural sensibilities.

Interior Spaces: Echoes of Exterior Form

The design intelligence extends seamlessly into the interior of the Swoop ADU. The exterior’s geometric language is thoughtfully echoed inside.

Upon entering through the carved-out space, one is immediately greeted by a soaring 14-foot-tall living area. This expansive volume is enhanced by a large picture window and a glass patio door.

These features flood the interior with natural light. They also create a strong connection between the living space and the rear backyard.

Within the living area, a custom built-in unit draws inspiration from the exterior’s curved forms. This adds a unique sculptural element.

The kitchen features sleek Reform cabinetry and grey terrazzo surfaces. A circular window offers a direct view of the cul-de-sac.

Bridging the Gap: The Upper Terrace and Neighborhood First

A small upper terrace acts as a physical and visual link between the ADU and the main house. This outdoor space offers a shared amenity and helps integrate the new addition onto the property.

The Swoop ADU is the neighborhood’s first accessory dwelling unit. This project pioneers a new approach to infill development and multi-generational living in South Orange.

The talented team was led by designers Danielle Kemble and Sevki Topcu. Structural engineering support came from Onur Can, with execution by JMOC Builders.

Photography by Rafael Gamo captures the essence of this architectural gem.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Out of Line adds playful ADU with “absent gable” to New Jersey house