The District of Squamish has now fully accepted Bill 44, otherwise known as the Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023. This legislation was created to address the current housing crisis by requiring local governments to adjust their zoning bylaws. Specifically, these changes allow for the creation of laneway homes and carriage houses with reduced setbacks and more flexibility on sizing and location on existing lots.
Laneway homes and carriage houses are detached residential units that are normally built near the rear of an existing property and are typically small, in the range of 600 to 900 square feet. Laneway homes, as the name suggests, are built on properties with access to a laneway or alleyway. Carriage houses are located on properties that may not feature a lane.
Laneway homes and carriage houses are growing in popularity as an option for creating rental income or allowing family members their own space on a shared property. Some may be used as a home for elderly family members who need support.
We offer a range of new build construction services and have developed a specialty in carriage and laneway home construction. This article will discuss three of our completed projects.
Faith Road Carriage House
When we were approached by our clients for the Faith Road Carriage House, their goal was to build a carriage house that was as practical as it was beautiful, with a focus on energy efficiency. They expressed interest in designing it to meet Passive House standards, prompting our design journey.
Together, we worked through the preliminary design phase to find the appropriate balance between energy efficiency and budget. Ultimately, we settled on incorporating many Passive House principles without pursuing full certification.
One key design choice was using insulated concrete forms (ICF) up to the roof rafters, creating an exceptional R-40 wall system throughout the home. The end result is a home that offers premium comfort while remaining incredibly energy efficient.
Birken Road Carriage House
In many cases, laneway homes and carriage houses are built by homeowners seeking to maximize the value of their property while generating rental income. At Birken Road, our clients wanted to build a carriage house to address two needs: a spacious garage for personal use, and a modern two-bedroom rental suite.
The garage provides ample space for workshop activities and equipment storage, while the rental unit offers a bright open-plan main living area, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and dedicated spaces to be used as a laundry room, storage loft, and deck.
Working closely with our clients, Blue Water Concepts built a highly livable and functional carriage house that not only meets the immediate needs of the clients but also contributes to the region’s growing rental market.
With the ever-growing demand for new housing, the addition of such a versatile rental suite is an attractive option for many homeowners, offering significant financial benefits while supporting community housing needs. This stunning design from Blue Water Concepts is a seamless integration of rental unit and functional garage, ensuring that the property is both practical and profitable.
Custom Home: 5th Ave Carriage House
For this beautiful project in downtown Squamish, our clients were envisioning a carriage house at the back of their existing property that could serve as a practical living space for their growing family. Situated on a corner lot, the design had to navigate certain challenges, including adherence to the Flood Construction Level (FCL) regulations and setback requirements. By carefully addressing these constraints, Blue Water Concepts was able to develop a functional and budget-conscious design tailored to the family’s needs.
The result is a beautiful home with a large deck that provides unobstructed views of the iconic Stawamus Chief. In addition, the deck is paired with an oversized overhang that offers weather protection, extending the living space beyond the compact indoor area. The home may have a modest footprint, but this additional outdoor space gives it a roomy feel and enhances overall livability.
Thoughtful design was necessary to maintain privacy for both the main residence and the carriage house. Window placement and sight lines were carefully considered, and the overall layout ensures that each unit has a distinct, secluded feel.
As the client’s family continues to grow, they may eventually move on to a new property. If they do, the carriage house will act as a highly appealing income-generating rental for the future owner, increasing the property’s value.
The 5th Avenue carriage house is an example of how thoughtful design can turn site limitations into exciting opportunities.