Across the Peninsula, East Bay, Marin, and select South Bay cities, including Atherton, Tiburon, Berkeley, Hillsborough, Los Altos Hills, Orinda, and Mill Valley.

Core Pod | Luxury Backyard Studio (ADU‑Ready)

Why Homeowners Choose the Core Pod

A refined studio that doubles as an ADU‑ready envelope — perfect for offices, gyms, creative work, or guest space.

Architectural Quality

Level‑5 drywall, premium flooring, and black‑finish Low‑E, double‑pane glazing for California energy compliance and comfort.

On‑Site Construction

Built on your property for a perfect fit — cleaner staging, better access management, and superior finish compared to prefab sheds.

Transparent Estimates

Detailed scope after site review. Clear allowances for finishes and lead times.

Core Pod vs. Traditional Addition or Full ADU

When a Core Pod makes more sense than expanding the house or building a full ADU from day one.

Aspect	Core Pod	Traditional Addition	Full ADU
Speed	~4–8 weeks after design sign‑off	3–6+ months	3–6+ months
Site Impact	Low; compact crews	Medium‑High (inside access)	Medium
Cost Predictability	High; model baseline	Variable; more unknowns	High with defined scope
Future ADU Upgrade	Yes — ADU‑ready envelope	Sometimes	Already an ADU

How We Build a Core Pod in the Bay Area

Clear milestones, tidy staging, and a luxury finish — the same discipline we apply to custom homes and additions.

Step 1 • Permits & Compliance

Planning, Zoning & Submittals

We confirm setbacks, access, utilities and tree protection, then prepare planning/building submittals. When engineering is required, clients provide their own engineer and we coordinate closely to keep schedules on track.

ADU Guidance Home Additions

Step 2 • Architecture

Proportions, Materials & Glazing

Cladding alignments, reveal patterns, and glazing rhythms tuned to your residence. Level‑5 drywall and premium finishes inside.

Step 3 • Build & Schedule

Clean, Predictable On‑Site Execution

Compact crews with tidy staging and milestone tracking. Typical Core Pod timelines run 4–8 weeks after design sign‑off, depending on access and finishes.

Step 4 • ADU‑Ready Options

Future‑Proofed from Day One

Pre‑plan bath/kitchenette locations, utility routes, and rough‑ins so a future conversion to a full ADU is straightforward.

Core Pod — What’s Included

High‑end construction details that are standard across every Core Pod.

Structure & Envelope

Concrete footing foundation
2x6 framing for subfloor, walls, and roof, 16" O.C.
Sheathing + housewrap weather barrier
Architectural shingles (Presidential upgrade available)

Openings

Signature transom window above main entry
One 72×80 sliding or French door (minimum door size)
One 24×48 casement window + one 36×36 slider
All windows black finish, Low‑E, double‑pane

Interior & Electrical

Full insulation (incl. R‑23 interior walls)
Level‑5 drywall finish and premium flooring
Recessed lighting and complete electrical
Sherwin‑Williams Emerald paint system

Core Pod — Frequently Asked Questions

Do you handle engineering?

No — we don’t provide engineering in‑house. When engineering is required, clients select their own engineer and we coordinate closely to keep permits and construction on schedule.

Do you handle permits?

Yes. We prepare planning/building submittals and manage the permit process. We coordinate with your engineer for structural calculations and Title 24 documentation where required.

What sizes do you build?

The Core Pod is customizable; common footprints start at 120 sq ft and up, depending on site and goals.

How long does it take?

Typical Core Pod timelines run ~4–8 weeks after design sign‑off. Schedule depends on access, finishes, and city timelines.

Where do you build?

Across the Peninsula, East Bay, Marin and select South Bay cities — see our local pages for Atherton, Tiburon, Berkeley, Hillsborough, Los Altos Hills, Orinda, Mill Valley and more.

Core Pod — Luxury Backyard Studio (ADU‑Ready)