Back in 2009, Vancouver changed its zoning to allow home owners to build Auxiliary Dwelling Units in their backyards as long the new home was accessed via the back lane. These Laneway Houses are becoming popular as owners can generate small incomes from rent and this increases urban density. Vancouver firm Lanefab is becoming a leader in the design and construction of these small homes and has completed a dozen in the past few years. Their latest project is a super energy-efficient home for a young couple whose parents own the main house.
Their 1 bedroom home includes an open and bright modern kitchen and living area downstairs with the private bed and bath upstairs. A jacuzzi is sunk into the floor of the kitchen and covered with acrylic panels to close it up when not in use. Accordion doors open the living room up to the deck and the outdoors. Built with prefab SIPs, the home has R40 walls, Cascadia triple-glazed windows, triple-glazed aluminum-clad fir doors, Watercycles drainwater heat recovery, a Daikin air-source heat pump, and home automation. According to Lanefab, the home is one of the top five most efficient homes in the city under the EnerGuide program with a score of 87.
Via JetsonGreen
Images ©Tordia Images
