Minimalist Cottage

One bedroom, a den, a bathroom, a compact kitchen, a finished attic space.

While this home has a similar feel and layout to an apartment that this young couple could have purchased, it offers something that is still far out of reach for them–the neighbourhood.

A cozy outdoor patio space of a Smallworks laneway house, featuring a paved seating area with a table and chairs, lush greenery, and an open glass door leading into the modern kitchen.
A top-down view of a full residential lot showcasing a front house and a modern laneway home, both thoughtfully designed and integrated by Smallworks, with landscaped outdoor spaces and shared courtyards.

Privately positioned behind their parents’ magnificent West Van home, this young couple has created their dream living space. With real estate prices soaring, they have forged a unique path to homeownership in a neighbourhood and city they love but previously considered out of reach.

A bright and airy living space in a Smallworks laneway house featuring large glass doors opening to a private outdoor patio.
A bright and inviting patio viewed through large glass French doors of a Smallworks laneway house, showcasing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Specifications

Year Built2022
Home Size548 sq ft
Floors1
Bedrooms1
Bathrooms1
Lot Size33 x 130.3 ft
A contemporary kitchen in a Smallworks laneway house featuring white cabinetry, pendant lighting, and stainless steel appliances.
A stylish living room in a Smallworks laneway house featuring a sleek gray sectional sofa, wall-mounted TV, and a furry feline relaxing in the sunlit space.
A bright and minimal bedroom in a Smallworks laneway house, featuring a comfortable bed, modern furnishings, and large windows allowing for ample natural light.
A cozy attic space in a Smallworks laneway house featuring a white storage cabinet, a modern chair, and personal decor items like a guitar, framed certificate, and surfboard.
A stylish bathroom shower featuring white subway tiles, a built-in teal accent niche, and a modern adjustable showerhead in a Smallworks laneway house.
A soft white faux fur pillow bathed in natural light on a dark gray couch in a Smallworks laneway house, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.

Bathed in natural light.

A nod to the couple’s self-proclaimed minimalism. With functionality at the forefront of its design, this home delivers a satisfying and clutter-free lifestyle that beautifully balances practicality with aesthetics.

A close-up of sliding glass doors in a Smallworks laneway house, with sunlight casting geometric shadows on the concrete floor and patio beyond.
A narrow horizontal window in a modern laneway house, featuring wooden slats and small decorative accents on the sill.
A modern, open-concept kitchen and dining space in a Smallworks laneway house featuring white cabinetry, a glass dining table, and large windows leading to the outdoor patio.
A bright and modern ceiling with sleek skylights and recessed lighting in a Smallworks laneway house, showcasing natural light and minimalist design.
A bathroom niche with glossy blue accent tiles set within white subway tiles.
A circular skylight in a modern laneway house, letting in abundant natural light.
A gray couch in a modern living room with decorative pillows and framed art on a minimalist shelf.
A well-organized attic in a Smallworks laneway house, featuring a compact utility area with a water heater, electrical panels, and neatly stored shoes on built-in shelves.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of urban living and real estate, laneway homes stands as a beacon of possibility and innovation.

A beautifully designed laneway house by Smallworks with a landscaped garden and modern architectural details.
modern laneway house kitchen featuring white cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting.
An airy living and dining area in a laneway house with a glass dining table and a stylish gray couch.
A minimalist kitchen with white cabinets, gold handles, and a black sink in a Smallworks laneway home.

It’s proof that with thoughtful design, a dash of creativity, and a lot of determination, even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a home that’s not just comfortable and sustainable, but truly your own.

Spacious open-concept living room and kitchen in a Smallworks laneway house featuring a cozy seating area, a hanging chair, and a contemporary kitchen with white cabinetry and black barstools.

Minimalist Cottage Floor Plan

Download Floorplan PDF
Floorplan

See what you can build.

A close-up view of a Smallworks laneway house featuring a steep gabled roof with dark shingles, a round accent window, and stylish exterior finishes.