Secondary Suites, Accessory Dwelling Units, and Multi-Unit Flex-Units
Bento - By Leckie Studio Architecture + Design Inc
Bento is a carriage house prototype for adaptable densification in urban and suburban neighbourhoods of Squamish, B.C.. Leveraging a component based design system and a highly repeatable approach to pre-manufacturing and assembly, Bento is conceived as a response to the ‘missing middle’, addressing the need for equitable homes that can be successfully implemented across Squamish’s established laneway neighbourhoods with a FCL of 2.0 m. Bento is a systematic approach to gentle densification that seamlessly blends aesthetics, innovation, and creativity while maintaining affordability, sustainability, and resilient design principles.
Details:
- Max Building Height: 7.5m
- Total Gross Floor Area: 150 m²
- Energy: BCBC 2024 (Step Code 3 Equivalent)
- Front Yard Setback Requirements: 3.0 m
- Side Yard Setback Requirements: 1.2 m
- Rear Yard Setback Requirements: 0.6 m
- Site Coverage Proposed ADU: 75 m²
June 2024 Construction Estimate Based on Altus Group 2024 Canadian Cost Guide:
- Building Type: Custom Built Single Family Residential
- Cost Range: $495/ft² to $1,250/ft² (Vancouver)
- Assumed Level of Finish: $495/ft²
- Unit Conversion Calculation: 495 per ft² * (1/0.092903) $/m² = $5,315.74 m²
"Peak"aboo Lookout by Paula Alejandro Vazquez
TAG Panels Ltd.
The “Peak”aboo Lookout design offers high ceilings with elevated window placements to capture the beautiful Squamish mountain views while allowing for maximum daylight and privacy with your neighbors. The whole ADU is matching the width dimensions of the main house, this allows to balance the scale of the whole lot and keep the visual continuity of the garden. The ADU is using the minimum space needed while generating interesting and adequate interior spaces. The materials used are local thermal treated cedar as exterior finish for the upper floor level, zinc roof and concrete for walls for the garage volume. The exterior design is adding vegetation to the upper floor and through the deck. The whole house has been design using prefabricated panels that will bring excellent quality control and will reduce site install time.
Details:
- Footprint 9.08 x 8.00m
- Total Area: 63.60m2
- Height: 6.25m
- Exterior Deck 3.51 x 3.28m
- Energy Efficiency: Step Code 5
Estimated 2024 construction costs to be approximately $5000/per finished m2, which is inclusive of all design, pre-construction and finished build costs.
Thuja by Sideyard Architecture
Thuja offers an affordable and attractive option for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Carriage House category. The design prioritizes resilience and durability with simple, standardized building materials and components, avoiding complex assemblies that require specialized trades. This approach aims to ensure replicability, control costs, and provide flexibility for individual needs. As a Carriage House, this proposal seeks to preserve valuable greenspace in the rear of the lot while also providing functional and flexible spaces for residents of both dwellings to work, play, and live. While the overall orientation of the building will be different for each lot, the relative orientation of the living room towards the lane provides the greatest access to natural light and addresses privacy, overlook, and CPTED issues within the neighbourhood context. This proposal shows space for a future porch lift, which should be considered optional on a per application basis.
Details:
- Total area: 556 m2
- Maximum Height: 6.6m
- Lot coverage: 21.4%
- Front setback requirements: 4.4m
- Side setback requirements: 2.9m,1.2m
- Rear setback requirements: 0.76m
- The Thuja is designed to meet the prescriptive energy efficiency requirements of the BC Building Code 2024, Part 9.
June 2024 Estimated Total Construction Cost: $435,747.38
Kâmwâtan (a quiet place) by Paula Alejandro Vazquez
TAG Panels Ltd.
The Kâmwâtan “a quiet space” design offers a compact and visually appealing living space that perfectly balances the ideal door living space, with the maximization of outdoor green space. This perfect square ADU can easily be placed in various locations and orientations to accommodate the homeowner’s needs. The roof design’s double sloped surface emphasizes the cube effect of this perfect square from all the sides. From the interior, the sloped ceilings help define the space allowing each room to have its own unique feel. The interior doors are specifically designed to be oversized and by adding an exterior ramp, this ADU easily becomes wheelchair accessible. Storage has been designed for multipurpose use, with a built-in bench to be used as additional seating.
Details:
- Footprint: 6.20 x 6.20m
- Total area: 38.92m2
- Height: 3.6m
- Energy Efficiency: Step Code 5
Estimated 2024 construction costs to be approximately $5000/per finished m2, which is inclusive of all design, pre-construction and finished build costs.
Kingfisher Cabin by Tony Osborn
Tony Osborn Architecture + Design Inc.
The Kingfisher Cabin is a meticulously designed, ground-oriented, single-story accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that epitomizes a blend of functionality, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficency. This two-bedroom flat offers a no-compromise solution for backyard living, featuring a thoughtful layout that enhances both comfort and sustainability. As you approach the cabin, you are greeted by a covered porch that seamlessly transitions into the stunning living-dining-kitchen space. The design strategically positions windows to ensure ample natural light fl oods the interior while maintaining privacy, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. One of the standout features is the vaulted ceiling in the main living area, which adds to the sense of spaciousness and delight every time you enter the cabin.
Details:
- Dimensions: 10.20m (L) x 10.20m (W) x 5.22m (H)
- Total area: 94.58m2
- Energy Efficiency: Step Code 5 ready (roof clerestorey window must face south)
- Rear setback requirements: 1.3m
- Three exterior material palette options
Estimated Project Cost with pricing per the 2024 Canadian Cost Guide: $217k to $349k
Tsuga by Sideyard Architecture
The design prioritizes resilience and durability with simple, standardized building materials and components, avoiding complex assemblies that require specialized trades. This approach aims to ensure replicability, control costs, and provide flexibility for individual needs. As a Backyard Cottage, this proposal seeks to preserve valuable greenspace in the rear of the lot while also providing functional and flexible spaces for residents of both dwellings to work, play, and live. While the overall orientation of the building will be different for each lot, the relative orientation of the living room towards the rear yard provides the greatest access to natural light and addresses privacy and overlook issues within the neighbourhood context. This proposal shows space for a future ramp, which should be considered optional on a per application basis.
Details:
- Total area: 780 m2
- Maximum Height: 6.3m
- Lot coverage: 15%
- Front setback requirements: 4.7m
- Side setback requirements: 2.6m
- Rear setback requirements: 1.3m
- The Thuja is designed to meet the prescriptive energy efficiency requirements of the BC Building Code 2024, Part 9.
June 2024 Estimated Total Construction Cost: $380,992.50
Little Peak by Daichi Yamashita
Bobo Architecture
The innovation of this building lies in providing a livable and flexible living space within a small footprint. The design of this studio dwelling features a linear space with a straight staircase leading to a loft. The kitchen and dining rooms as well as the washroom and service spaces are located on the ground floor, with the bedroom and study area in the loft. The double-height ceiling gives the entire unit an airy feel despite its limited floor area. The dining table and seats are built-in, with a hydraulic top on the table that lowers to form a large platform for lounging. The bed upstairs folds up sideways, providing ample open space during the day.
Details:
- Gross Floor Area 38 m²
- Maximum Height 7.1 m
- Front Yard Setback Requirements: 3 m
June 2024 Estimated Construction Cost: $155,000
Front Yard ADU by Soheil Kermani
Soheil Khosravi Kermani Architecture
The design aims to evoke a mountain/country aesthetic using simple forms and natural materials. The mandatory I-shape configuration is dictated by the site's layout and the proximity of the ADU to the main house. To ensure maximum privacy for the main house, the unit faces the front lane. Access to the ADU is provided via covered exterior stairs and a ramp, ensuring adaptability and accessibility
Details:
- Total Area: 36.6m2
- Total Height: 5m
- Energy Efficiency: above Step Code 1
June 2024 Estimated Construction Cost: $120,000
The Nook by Caila Harvey-Martin
This compact yet cleverly designed space offers everything one needs for a comfortable lifestyle, all while maintaining a
low profile that respects the existing home's view and aesthetic. The Nook is designed to make the most of its compact footprint. Upon entering, one is greeted by a welcoming entryway that includes space for coat hooks and shoe storage. This flexible design allows one to customize the space according to their needs, ensuring the entryway remains organized and clutter-free.
Details:
- Gross Floor Area: 43.5m2
- Maximum Height: 4.5m
June 2024 Estimated Construction Cost: $195,000
