A garage, hazardously occupied as an apartment, was legalized and converted into a sustainable, contemporary laneway house for a young couple in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood.

LANEWAY HOUSE INFILL DEVELOPMENT

Laneway houses are the future of Toronto. A rapidly growing population is creating pressure on available urban space, forcing Torontonians to find creative ways to build, afford, and own homes in low-rise neighbourhoods. The clients for this project were a young couple looking to break into the housing market. In order to sustain their mortgage, they rented out the main house and converted the garage into a modestly sized, well-appointed urban home.

Ground Floor Plan - Sustainable Residential New Build TorontoSecond Floor Plan - Sustainable Residential New Build Toronto

SUSTAINABILITY

The existing concrete block structure of the garage was maintained, and a new highly-insulated, thermally-broken building envelope was constructed on the interior.

This approach preserved the industrial character of the building that fit the laneway context perfectly, and allowed for a large footprint that would not be permitted in a new-build.

Since completing my first house with Craig, I have hired him for my family’s next house. He has been great to work with, and I strongly recommend reaching out to him.

- Alex in Leslieville

Location

Toronto, ON

Client

Private Family

Completion

2012

Size

1,700 sq.ft.

Project Type

contemporary, creative infill, laneway houses,

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testimonial

Since completing my first house with Craig, I have hired him for my family’s next house. He has been great to work with, and I strongly recommend reaching out to him.

- Alex in Leslieville