North Shore Pied-a-Terre

A contemporary black laneway house designed by Smallworks, featuring metal cladding, a sloped roof, and a private balcony. Large windows and minimalist architecture enhance the modern aesthetic.

Cladded by robust and striking building materials, this two-storey coach house is one that catches the eye.

Our clients set out to build a pied-a-terre with exceptional livability and were inspired by the neighbourhood, which is peppered with contemporary contrasts. The result is a remarkable dialogue between old and new, light and dark.

A woman in a patterned dress walks through the open glass front door of a modern laneway house with dark grey wood siding. A contemporary light fixture is visible next to the door.
Interior detail of a Smallworks laneway house featuring a black framed window overlooking a wooden fence, a modern gold and white sconce, white walls, an electrical outlet, and light wood flooring.
Interior view of a Smallworks laneway house, looking from a hallway into the living room. A rust-colored armchair, a round coffee table, and a striped rug are visible in the living room. Light wood floors run throughout.

When you enter the home, it is no coincidence that you are greeted with bright light and warmth.

A sleek kitchen with light wood cabinets, a built-in stainless steel dishwasher, and a clean countertop with minimal decor, featuring a bright and airy design.
A modern kitchen featuring light wood cabinetry with an open corner cabinet pull-out storage system, showcasing smart organization and efficient space utilization.

Everything from window placement to millwork.

This home was carefully considered to balance the rather ominous exterior. Natural maple shines in the kitchen and living area with a custom solid-slab table as the focal point.

A bright, Scandinavian-style kitchen in a Smallworks laneway house, featuring sleek white cabinetry, a large island, and a striking wooden pendant light.
A bright, Scandinavian-style kitchen in a Smallworks laneway house, featuring sleek white cabinetry, a large island, and a striking wooden pendant light.

Specifications

Year Built2021
Home Size1000 sq ft
Floors2
Bedrooms2
Bathrooms2
Lot Size6850 sq ft
A bright loft area in a Smallworks laneway home, featuring white walls, natural wood flooring, and a minimalist aesthetic with ample natural light.
Close-up of a modern shower in a Smallworks laneway house featuring grey tiled walls, a built-in niche with a bar of soap, a light wood stool with rolled white towels, and a white shower base with a drain.
A sleek modern bathroom in a Smallworks laneway house featuring a white vessel sink, minimalist faucet, and pendant lighting reflected in a large mirror.

Nestled on the east side of the main floor is a powder room and additional bedroom. Though modest in size, they are large in functionality; the flex room connects to the parking pad which creates a perfect segue for bikes and adventure gear to allow our clients to live the North Shore dream to the fullest.

North Shore Pied-A-Terre Floor Plan

Download Floorplan PDF
Floorplan
Smallworks Image
Modern bathroom in a Smallworks laneway house featuring a walk-in shower with grey tiles and glass enclosure, a white toilet, and a light wood vanity with a white countertop. A small window is above the toilet.
A bright, Scandinavian-style kitchen in a Smallworks laneway house, featuring sleek white cabinetry, a large island, and a striking wooden pendant light.
Modern living room in a Smallworks laneway house featuring a contemporary gas fireplace, custom built-in cabinets, a round coffee table, and a rust-coloured armchair. A staircase is visible in the background.

Thoughtful furnishings and accessories were provided by Barter, a Vancouver company that unites materials and craftspeople.

Barter focuses on local resources, skills and knowledge to create timeless objects and ideas that carry value. Peruse through the photos to catch a glimpse of their connect table + stools, clay tableware, smokestack stool and candles.

Modern living room in a Smallworks laneway house featuring a round coffee table, a rust-coloured armchair, a striped rug, and light wood floors. A white door and a window are visible in the background.
Open concept kitchen and living room in a Smallworks laneway house. Features a modern kitchen with white cabinets and light wood accents, a grey sofa with pillows, a rust-colored armchair, a round coffee table, and large windows.
A contemporary Smallworks laneway house with a dark black exterior, metal roof, and a second-floor balcony, showcasing modern minimalist architecture in an urban setting.

A multitude of building materials were considered to find one that would seamlessly transition from roof to exterior cladding.

It was standing seam metal that won out. We added further contrast and texture by wrapping the remainder of the building in stained cedar plank.

See what you can build.

A framed vintage blueprint displayed on a minimalist wooden shelf, accompanied by decorative books, a ceramic vase with dried flowers, and natural stone elements.

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