Maximized Laneway House
More rooms, smarter massing, no wasted space
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Vancouver
Laneway House
990 sf
2
3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
Completed Dec. 2025
Cut Out the Deck
The existing 7′-6″ rear deck and perpendicular stair made it difficult to meet the required 16′ clearance to the laneway house. Keeping the deck would have forced a long, narrow building footprint, which the owner did not want. We decided to reduce the deck to 3′ to provide adequate space and allow for a more comfortable laneway house form.
Tip: The deck alteration can be applied for simultaneously with the laneway permit.
Fitting It All In
The owner wanted to maximize the number of rooms within a limited footprint. Every square foot is carefully allocated, fitting two levels of living on a compact site with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a recreation room.
Taking Advantage of Underheight Space
By incorporating areas under sloped ceilings that are exempt from floor area calculations, the home gains extra livable space. These normally overlooked areas become cozy nooks, storage, or functional corners that provide additional living space.
Pushing and Pulling the Massing
Maximizing floor space on a small site often results in a simple box. Here, the massing is deliberately pushed and pulled to introduce depth, overhangs, and moments of articulation. Strategic moves over entries and at bay windows break up the volume and give the building character beyond its footprint.
