This 1,250 square foot Laneway Suite is an exciting collaboration with the homeowner to create a comfortable one-bedroom rental unit with a garage work-space below, capable of becoming expanded living space in the future. The open concept living space takes advantage of the site’s location at the terminus of a lane, maximizing daylight at the upper floor while maintaining physical and visual privacy from the main residence. Carefully considering the context, our team devised a scheme that responds to the environmental conditions of the lot to optimize energy efficiency and limit impact on the surrounding neighbors. Working within the angular plane requirement, the building’s roof line steps down at the rear yard, with a stair below and a projecting volume that frames views to the street via a side yard setback at the main house. Perforated steel panels at the garden elevation allow foliage to cascade across the building’s envelope. The vegetative medium provides privacy screening while seamlessly incorporating the landscape into the building design. This Parkdale Laneway Suite is the product of a collaborative process working closely with homeowner and builder to minimize development cost and maximize functionality tailored to their unique needs.
