The Heritage Cottage: Compact Luxury & ADU Design

Project Narrative

Estate Quality in a Compact Footprint

The Heritage Cottage was designed to answer a specific market void: the lack of high-design options for small-footprint living. Most "tiny home" plans sacrifice architectural integrity for efficiency. David Stumpf Architecture took the opposite approach—applying the rigorous detailing and proportion of a custom estate to a 753 SF floor plan.

Ideal for downsizing homeowners, vacation properties, or as a high-end Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), this plan refuses to compromise. It features 9-foot ceilings throughout and intricate millwork details, such as a coffered living room ceiling, that are typically reserved for homes five times this size.

Volumetric Design & Outdoor Expansion

To combat the "cramped" feeling often associated with smaller structures, the design relies on Volumetric Expansion. By pairing high ceilings with expansive glazing, the interior feels airy and vast. Crucially, the floor plan extends beyond the insulated envelope. A massive 360 SF covered porch wraps the structure, effectively increasing the livable square footage by nearly 50%. This creates a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle, connecting the occupants to the surrounding landscape—whether that is a remote lakefront or a backyard garden.

Professional-Grade Documentation

Unlike many online home plans which offer only schematic sketches, The Heritage Cottage is a fully realized architectural package. Developed using advanced BIM software (Revit) and visualized through Twinmotion, these construction documents provide the clarity and detail required for a smooth build. The plan honors America’s rich architectural history through a traditional Craftsman aesthetic—utilizing warm wood finishes, honest structural expression, and a layout that prioritizes social connection over digital distraction.