This modern laneway home blends contemporary and traditional elements with pebble dash stucco, cedar siding, and black aluminum windows. Designed for a young family seeking affordability near their parents in Vancouver, the double-storey layout maximizes space. The lower level houses bedrooms and a main bath, while the loft-like upper floor serves as the home’s hub with an open kitchen, living area, and tucked-away laundry. Smart storage solutions minimize clutter, and a skylight enhances natural light while maintaining privacy.
For comfort and efficiency, the home features HRV for clean air, a high-efficiency boiler for radiant heating, and solar panels to offset energy use. The design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, with a patio off the home office and a flexible outdoor space for play or parking, complete with an EV charger. The exterior complements the main home and neighborhood, creating a stylish yet functional living space.
When our clients learned that their home won Best New Small-Scale Home at the 2023 HAVAN Awards, they sent us a heartfelt message: “A big congratulations to the team! We love our little house and are thrilled that others do too.”
Project Features
- Pebble Dash Stucco
- Metal Roof
- Loft Living
- EV Charger
- Maximum Storage
Work Description
This efficient double-storey laneway home in Vancouver for a young family seeking affordability and proximity to parents is compact in size, but the home feels spacious with a loft-inspired open-concept upper floor, bedrooms and bath below, and clever storage solutions throughout. The pebble dash stucco, cedar siding, and black aluminum windows blend seamlessly with the main residence, while a patio and side outdoor space expand the living area. Energy-efficient features include HRV, radiant in-floor heating, a high-efficiency boiler, and solar panels. This project showcases Smithwood Builders’ expertise in smart, sustainable design.
About the Location - Knight Neighborhood, East Vancouver
The Knight neighborhood in East Vancouver is a diverse and family-friendly community known for its multicultural population, a mix of historic and modern homes, and strong local amenities. Centered around Knight Street, it offers excellent schools, green spaces like Kingcrest Park, and a vibrant dining scene reflecting its rich cultural heritage. With easy access to public transit, community events, and recreational facilities, Knight provides a balanced urban lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
Challenges
Like any laneway home in Vancouver with decent access from the lane, logistical challenges still arose when maneuvering materials and coordinating deliveries in such a confined space. Every step required careful planning to ensure materials could be transported efficiently without causing disruptions to neighboring properties or delaying construction. Additionally, as part of the project, we had to bring the original older principal home up to current building codes. This involved updating structural elements, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring compliance with modern safety and zoning regulations. Balancing these upgrades with the construction of the laneway home required strategic coordination to maintain timelines and meet all regulatory requirements.
Numbers
Pricing Adjusted for Current Year
$820K
Timeline
Approximate Duration – 17 months
Property unoccupied during construction
Client
Our clients are a dynamic, career-focused couple with a single child, looking to establish their first home while staying close to family in Vancouver. With deep roots in the city, they wanted to remain near their parents for support, community, and convenience.
Recognizing the challenges of Vancouver’s housing market, they opted for a practical and future-oriented solution—building a laneway home on their parents’ property. This thoughtfully designed starter home allows them to achieve homeownership while maximizing urban space efficiently. As their family grows or their needs evolve, they plan to upsize when the time is right.
This project reflects Smithwood Builders’ expertise in smart, adaptable home solutions, ensuring our clients get the best of both worlds—affordability, proximity to loved ones, and a high-quality living space that meets their needs today and into the future.
