Main Street Family CompoundTraditional Laneway House

An overhead view of a laneway house nestled among green trees, adjacent to a blue main house, with cars parked along the street.

This project’s goal was simple:

Develop the rear yard to accommodate a laneway house that would easily house the younger generation and their growing family, while maintaining the character of the principal dwelling. 

Front exterior of a Smallworks laneway house at dusk with dark blue siding, white trim, and a gray shingled roof. The large glass sliding doors are open, revealing a brightly lit interior with a living room and dining area. Outdoor planters flank the doors.
A beautifully lit laneway home behind a heritage house, surrounded by fall foliage in a quiet Vancouver neighborhood.

This cozy laneway house fits right into its surroundings, effortlessly finding a sense of place within the neighbourhood.

A cozy laneway house kitchen featuring a white subway tile backsplash, gold faucet, and glass cabinet doors, illuminated by two large pendant lights.
A tall green cactus in a minimalist white planter near a bathroom entrance with a white subway-tiled bathtub and a black shower rod.
A sleek modern bathroom with a black matte faucet, a black soap dispenser, and a black towel ring against a white marble countertop and backsplash.

A harmonious addition.

This home was designed parallel the beautifully preserved 1921 Craftsman-style heritage house. Inside, every detail was thoughtfully planned to capture the soft, year-round light that pours in from the south and east over Mount Pleasant.

A kitchen detail in a Smallworks laneway house featuring open wooden shelves with decorative items, a window overlooking a wooden fence, and white cabinets with gold handles. A framed picture with a blue mountain landscape is on the left, and a framed abstract art piece is on the right.

Specifications

Built In 2022
Home Size589 sq ft
Floors1
Bedrooms2
Bathrooms1
Lot Size33.14 x 122.42 ft
A bright bedroom in a Smallworks laneway house featuring a white bed with pillows, white curtains over a window, two nightstands, and a simple ceiling light.

The final box that needed to be checked was ensuring the home could comfortably accommodate an older generation in the future. Should the young family outgrow the cozy two-bedroom cottage, the single-level layout provides an accessible and practical solution for aging in place.

While there's no immediate need for an "age in place" solution, this thoughtfully designed, accessible home is ready and waiting—just in case the need arises in the future.

A bright, open-concept living room in a Smallworks laneway house with white walls, a vaulted ceiling, a large window, and sliding glass doors leading to a patio. The room features a white sofa, a gray rug, a round coffee table, and pendant lights. A kitchen island with stools is visible in the background.

This project is a great example of how a laneway house can seamlessly blend with an existing property, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

A small, single level laneway house with dark blue siding, white trim, and a gray shingled roof. The house has several windows, including two prominent dormer windows, and a white front door with a light on. A small yard with landscaping is in front, and trees are visible in the background.

Main Street Family Compound Floor Plan

Download Floorplan PDF
Floorplan
Front exterior of a Smallworks laneway house at dusk with dark blue siding, white trim, and a gray shingled roof. The large glass sliding doors are open, revealing a brightly lit interior with a living room and dining area. Outdoor planters flank the doors.
Open concept living and kitchen area in a Smallworks laneway house with white walls, a vaulted ceiling, pendant lights, a kitchen island with stools, and a white sofa. French doors lead to an outdoor patio. A person is visible in the kitchen.

See what you can build.

Close-up view of the gable of a Smallworks laneway house with dark blue siding, white trim, a small square window glowing with warm light, and two outdoor lights on either side. A tree branch is visible at the top.

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