ADU SIM design help

[gratephulred]

Our area is going thru a rezoning that will now allow for an ADU on our property; obviously this means golf sim!  I've started working with an architect so have a pretty good sense on the general footprint and where the SIM will go.  While cost is always a consideration, I've never had an opportunity for a blank slate like this so I'm looking at a mid/high end budget.  I fear I don't know what I don't know. 

 

The ADU will be attached to an existing 2 car detached garage.  Below is a plan view of where our design is headed.  I'm expecting I'll do an overhead style (Uneekor Eye XO2 or similar) and want to have a putting green style set up between hitting area and screen.  I'm likely to do a 4K projector so it can double as a TV/home theater, but will be prioritizing the SIM aspect.  Any commentary on lighting or audio appreciated as well.

 

I don't know much about the tech side of things, so will need to do some research on the cpu.  I'm mostly just trying to make sure I'm doing the space planning correctly and end up putting the power/data infrastructure in place Day 1 to keep as clean an install as possible. 

 

Open ended question, but based on the floor plan below what considerations should I have in mind that you feel are easily overlooked, either from your own experience or reading others?  If you had a chance at a brand new standalone structure SIM, what should I be thinking about or so you wish you'd done differently?  Thanks for any help!

[StalefishFS3]

I assume the 17 x 36 rectangle is currently just  blank slate, and not a retrofit?

 

And are you right handed or left handed?

[JAM01]

Looks great - can you add more storage for bags/clubs. I had a few friends leave their clubs at my sim over a winter as we played regularly. Four bags ate some space. 

[StalefishFS3]

I quickly responded earlier, but more questions:

 

1). Are you going to want to have swing cameras?

2). Purpose of sim:  practice or sim play?

3). What software are you looking at?

4). If playing sim courses, are you going to want to play online (streaming)?

5). How high are your ceilings?

6). Do you have lefties?

7). What is going to be the effective width of room (include sheetrock install)?

8). Is the bathroom and shower required under code?

9). Is your family going to want to use it (movie night, XBox, playstation?)

10). What is your budget?

[gratephulred]

19 hours ago, StalefishFS3 said:

I assume the 17 x 36 rectangle is currently just  blank slate, and not a retrofit?

 

And are you right handed or left handed?

Yes, the entire project is a new structure.  The footprint is the largest available per code with my specific property limitations.  I have both left and right handed children, so hoping to accommodate all through the overhead LM. 

 

17 hours ago, JAM01 said:

Looks great - can you add more storage for bags/clubs. I had a few friends leave their clubs at my sim over a winter as we played regularly. Four bags ate some space. 

Hmm, great idea.  Will need to think about this.

 

16 hours ago, StalefishFS3 said:

I quickly responded earlier, but more questions:

 

1). Are you going to want to have swing cameras?  

2). Purpose of sim:  practice or sim play?

3). What software are you looking at?

4). If playing sim courses, are you going to want to play online (streaming)?

5). How high are your ceilings?

6). Do you have lefties?

7). What is going to be the effective width of room (include sheetrock install)?

8). Is the bathroom and shower required under code?

9). Is your family going to want to use it (movie night, XBox, playstation?)

10). What is your budget?

1.  Yes, I'm hoping to incorporate this.

2.  Both, but probably more practice.  It's going to be an entertainment space as well, which is when I mostly expect to SIM.

3.  Wouldn't say I'm too serious about any yet.  Could see going GSPro as it seems generally highly regarded.

4.  Yes, this would interest me.

5.  Planning for 10ft, at least in the hitting area and enclosure.

6.  Yes, planning on it.

7.  16'-3" inside wall to inside wall.

8.  Yes, to make it an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) it must be set up like a 1 bed apartment.  Independent utilities and its own address.  I'll never plan to AirBnB or rent it, but a future owner very well may; these are gaining popularity in my area of Denver.

9.  Yes, though the golf will be top priority.  You can see accordion doors that we plan to have open when hosting backyard parties, which I'll probably then use the set up to stream a game on the screen.

10.  The whole project is on the order of $175k, before fitting out the golf sim.  No specific budget, but mid/high end?  I'll want flooring set up for putting practice, 4K projector, premium hitting mat.  Likely somewhere in the $20k range.

 

Thanks for any input!  

[StalefishFS3]

Sent a DM to OP. 

[wedgegame]

Are the ceilings going to be flat or vaulted?  Just did an install in my garage that I retrofitted and the angles in the ceiling made installing some of the components more difficult then I was anticipating. 

[gratephulred]

On 7/8/2025 at 9:46 PM, wedgegame said:

Are the ceilings going to be flat or vaulted?  Just did an install in my garage that I retrofitted and the angles in the ceiling made installing some of the components more difficult then I was anticipating. 

I'm trying to decide.  The HVAC will just be a mini split (no ductwork distribution and overhead diffuser/grilles) so I'm leaning towards the vaulted ceiling, at least in the hitting area.  The LM and projector mounting would then need to be suspended, but seems like it will overall feel more roomy for playing.  I could see lighting being a bit trickier too.  What did you do to make it work with vaulted ceiling?

[wedgegame]

21 hours ago, gratephulred said:

I'm trying to decide.  The HVAC will just be a mini split (no ductwork distribution and overhead diffuser/grilles) so I'm leaning towards the vaulted ceiling, at least in the hitting area.  The LM and projector mounting would then need to be suspended, but seems like it will overall feel more roomy for playing.  I could see lighting being a bit trickier too.  What did you do to make it work with vaulted ceiling?

 

I have a similar situation with a mini split.  Aesthetically, I think vaulted would be the way to go, it just requires a couple of extra considerations.  I did drywall and insulation in the ceiling the ceiling to help with climate control, but made sure to install some blocks where I knew I needed to hang certain components.  For the mounts you'll need something designed for vaulted ceilings in order to get everything level.  I used these: https://www.firefold.com/products/cav1 . They accept a standard 1.5" NPT drop arm, I ended up just buying the appropriate length NPT nipple at a hardware store.