The Backyard OptionWhy Millennials Are Moving Back In—Differently

A Globe & Mail article featuring inspiring design ideas for multigenerational living felt close to home.

The article, Living Reimagined by Matthew Hague, profiles a Smallworks client, an occupational therapist in her mid-30s who moved into a brand new custom laneway house in Burnaby—just steps from her parents' back door. It's a story about housing costs, creative housing solutions, and what multigenerational living looks like when it's done thoughtfully.

The client and her partner had been searching since 2022. Stretching their budget and still coming up short, their only option seemed to be a one-bedroom condo at best—until Burnaby changed its rules to allow laneway suites in 2024. She and her parents quickly jumped on the opportunity, becoming part of the first wave of Burnaby residents to design and build a laneway home on their long-term family lot.

Her 1,211 sqft laneway house—also known as Rear Principal House—cost less than the average Burnaby condo. It came with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully accessible ground floor, and a yard. It also came with something a condo never could: the option to swap homes with her parents one day as everyone's needs evolve.

Now that everyone's back on the family lot, the family isn’t thinking about selling anytime soon—maybe not for another 30 years.

Revisit the Globe & Mail article, featuring a Smallworks client's story:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/design/article-multigenerational-living-design-ideas/