Efficient SIP Laneway House Pops Up in an Unused Urban Backyard in Vancouver

<a href="http://www.lanefab.com/laneway-house-designs/" target="_blank">Laneway houses</a> are gaining in popularity in Canada as homeowners transform their unused backyards or garages into small <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garage_apartment">accessory dwelling units</a> (ADUs). The latest to catch our eye is an energy-efficient SIP house built by <a href="http://www.lanefab.com/" target="_blank">Lanefab</a>, who are making a name for themselves with their eco-friendly designs. This Laneway House is an 800 sq ft, 1 bedroom home that features a jacuzzi in the living room. Plus it includes plenty of sustainable strategies and it scored an 87 under <a href="http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energuide/index.cfm" target="_blank">Canada's EnerGuide program</a>, making it one of the most efficient homes registered in Vancouver.

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 <a href="http://www.lanefab.com/laneway-house-designs/" target="_blank">Lanefab</a> 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 <a href="http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energuide/15896" target="_blank">EnerGuide program</a> with a score of 87.

Laneway house under construction.

Ground floor plan.

First level floor plan.

Rendering of laneway house.