Columbus Laneway House

Nestled beside Our House is the perfect spot for this laneway house conversion project. In place of a dilapidated one-car garage will stand a compact, two-storey laneway house, and this small Roncesvalles property will be home to three independent living suites. With the property being wider than it is deep, and the laneway being on the side, the new laneway house will appear to be street-facing like its neighbours.

This project is a classic Solares high performance home, with all electric systems and a super-insulated, air-tight building envelope.

Columbus Laneway House is compact and efficient, with a total of only 775 square feet over two levels. It is designed to be similar in shape to the main house, but only half the size. It sits beside a shared courtyard between the two buildings. For privacy, the windows on the laneway side are positioned higher up to let in light while maintaining privacy for the occupants.

The compact building fits a lot into its small footprint. It is a two-bedroom home, with one bathroom and laundry facilities. The main level accommodates an efficient layout utilizing banquette seating at the dining table, galley kitchen to the side, and ample storage under the stairs. The upper-level houses two bedrooms, a three-piece bathroom, and a closet for the compact mechanical equipment that services the home.