Finished Los Altos custom home exterior at dusk with warm interior lighting.

A 20-foot steel container converted into a complete backyard living space, with the foundation, utilities, structural openings, and surrounding deck coordinated before crane placement.

Container ADU

Saratoga Container ADU

Saratoga, California

Year

Duration

Size

Project Type

Location

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Saratoga, California

Container ADU

Approx. 160 sq ft

6 Months

2021

THE STORY


A small footprint with no room for guesswork.

Because the container had to be lifted over the house and placed by crane, the site needed to be fully prepared before it arrived. We coordinated the foundation, underground power, air-conditioning connections, and a sewer run extending more than 100 feet across the property.

Rather than burying the sewer connection beneath the concrete slab as originally shown, we routed it along an accessible path beside the foundation. This gave the owner a practical service point if repairs are ever needed without cutting into the slab.

We repeatedly verified the slab elevation, dimensions, and anchor locations so the container could land correctly on the first placement. Once set, we managed the steel modifications, framing, insulation, waterproofing, interior systems, and finish work that turned the shell into a complete living space.

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The construction story.

BEHIND THE BUILD

Foundation, utilities, and service trenches prepared before placement.

Container lifted over the house by crane.

Steel container set onto the prepared foundation.

Large steel opening cut into the container wall.

Plumbing and electrical rough-ins framed inside the container.

Finished container ADU connected to the backyard deck.

Spray insulation applied inside the steel shell.

Exterior deck and opening protection during finish work.

Cedar ceiling installation and interior finish preparation.

PHASE 01

Foundation & Utilities

Before the container arrived, we set the foundation, underground utilities, sewer connection, and anchor locations to match the steel shell precisely. That let the crane placement go cleanly and gave the unit a stable, serviceable base from day one.

PHASE 02

Steel Conversion & Rough-In

Once the container was set, we cut and reinforced the steel openings, framed the interior, and coordinated the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical rough-ins. The modifications turned the shell into a buildable structure without compromising its strength.

PHASE 03

Insulation, Finishes & Site Connection

We insulated the full shell, finished the exterior, and installed the cedar ceiling, drywall reveals, and interior details. The surrounding deck and backyard work tied the ADU to the property so it felt permanent and intentionally placed.

We insulated the full shell, finished the exterior, and installed the cedar ceiling, drywall reveals, and interior details. The surrounding deck and backyard work tied the ADU to the property so it felt permanent and intentionally placed.

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The completed ADU provides the owner with an independent living space that feels connected to the backyard rather than simply placed within it. Large glass openings bring in light and pool views, while the cedar ceiling, clean drywall reveals, compact utilities, and surrounding deck give the small footprint a finished and purposeful character.

The completed ADU provides the owner with an independent living space that feels connected to the backyard rather than simply placed within it. Large glass openings bring in light and pool views, while the cedar ceiling, clean drywall reveals, compact utilities, and surrounding deck give the small footprint a finished and purposeful character.

Bringing It Together


Finished Saratoga container ADU interior with kitchenette, glass opening, deck, and pool view.

The final result.

FINISHED HOME

Finished project architectural photo 06.
Finished project architectural photo 07.
Finished Saratoga container ADU bathroom mirror and pendant lighting detail.
Finished Saratoga container ADU bathroom ceiling, tile, window, and shower fixture.
Finished Amiari home interior
Finished Saratoga container ADU bathroom with vanity, toilet, mirror, and pendant lighting.
Still life with ceramic vessel, bowl, and architectural books

Let’s talk about what you’re planning.

Whether you’re early in the design process or preparing to build, Amiari can help bring your project into focus.

DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT →

AMIARI

CONSTRUCTION

Residential remodels, additions, ADUs, custom homes, and investment-focused renovation projects.

California General Contractor
License #1138009

PRIMARY SERVICE AREAS

San Mateo
Hillsborough
Belmont
San Carlos
Redwood City
Menlo Park

Atherton
Palo Alto
Los Altos
Mountain View
Cupertino
Saratoga

START A CONVERSATION

Ari Amiri

Founder


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in LinkedIn

© 2026 Amiari Construction Inc.

San Mateo, California

Still life with ceramic vessel, bowl, and architectural books

Let’s talk about what you’re planning.

Whether you’re early in the design process or preparing to build, Amiari can help bring your project into focus.

DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT →

AMIARI

CONSTRUCTION

Residential remodels, additions, ADUs, custom homes, and investment-focused renovation projects.

California General Contractor
License #1138009

PRIMARY SERVICE AREAS

San Mateo
Hillsborough
Belmont
San Carlos
Redwood City
Menlo Park

Atherton
Palo Alto
Los Altos
Mountain View
Cupertino
Saratoga

START A CONVERSATION

Ari Amiri

Founder


◎ Instagram
⌂ Houzz
in LinkedIn

© 2026 Amiari Construction Inc.

San Mateo, California

Still life with ceramic vessel, bowl, and architectural books

Let’s talk about what you’re planning.

Whether you’re early in the design process or preparing to build, Amiari can help bring your project into focus.

DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT →

AMIARI

CONSTRUCTION

Residential remodels, additions, ADUs, custom homes, and investment-focused renovation projects.

California General Contractor
License #1138009

PRIMARY SERVICE AREAS

Palo Alto
Los Altos
Los Altos Hills
Atherton
Menlo Park
Redwood City

San Mateo
Hillsborough
Mountain View
Cupertino
Saratoga
Los Gatos

START A CONVERSATION

Ari Amiri

Founder


◎ Instagram
⌂ Houzz
in LinkedIn

© 2026 Amiari Construction Inc.

San Mateo, California