TARGET: TO REINVIGORATE PUBLIC DISCOURSE ON LANEWAY HOUSING THROUGH EXHIBITS, FORUMS, AND AN IDEA COMPETITION
• To Reconsider Benefits of Density
• To Cultivate and Promote Demand for Architectural and Planning innovation
------- In response to the City of Vancouver’s recent allowance for laneway housing to take place in single-family residential zoning districts, the Vancouver Architecture for Humanity Society (AFH Vancouver) plans to present to both the public and built environment professionals a vision of ‘what-can-be’ and more importantly ‘how-to-imagine’ when engaging with Vancouver’s urban fabric.
AFH Vancouver is planning a 2-week exhibit/forum for April 2009. We are approaching the issue from the following directions: Theoretical understanding, historical references/precedents, policy/logistics, design, social and environmental sustainability. We are privileged to have gained interests and support from the following individuals:
Katherine Isaac: Planner, City of Vancouver Community Service Planning Group, Laneway housing Implementation committee.
// Bill Pechet: Lecturer in Practice, UBC School of Architecture – Runs the studio: Redefining zoning and Architecture in Vancouver’s West End in response to the Eco-Density Charter.
// David Wiebe: Director of Communications, AIBC.
// Dr. Patrick Chan: Educator, ECU & SFU – AFH Vancouver Laneway Housing Project Leader; organized conferences locally and internationally.
// Varouj Gumuchian: Outreach Specialist, Engineer – Organized POTO Design Competition, AIBC, July 2007.
// Joaquin Karakas: Urban designer – Conducted, produced extensive research on laneway housing for CMHC.
// Mona Lemoine: Director (BC), Cascadia Region Green Building Council.
// If you are interested or have experience on this subject, we would love to hear from you!
Comments
Can you pls tell me where is the exibit/forum in Vancouver.
Thanks
Tony Chebaya
Garage Suites Construction
architect
Laneway Housing – Questions and Answers
By Helen O’Toole Architect
vancouverlanewayhousing.com
Q.1. What size Laneway House can we build ?
A.1. At the moment City Hall is suggesting that an area of 540 sq ft for 33 foot wide lots and up to 700 sq ft for 50 foot wide properties that consists of one floor plus a floor half that in area above. Sizes may also change depending on the foot print coverage and building set backs that your building zone permits. Heights will range from 18 to 22 feet, the exact height is yet to be determined.
Q.2. How much will it cost ?
A.2. A home owner could do an elegant laneway house for around $200 per square foot. And remember that currently mortgages are at an all time low.
Q.3. Is a design professional needed for my laneway house ?
A.3. An experienced Architect will organise your project from start to finish, they will pay for their fees and more by providing their experience and skill in order to use your construction budget in the most economical fashion, plus, give you peace of mind by visiting your laneway house during construction. Remember an architect works for you and not the builder – so there is no conflict of interest, protecting your interests is a priority for the architect.
Q.4. How will I find a good builder ?
A.4. Get recommendations from friends or preferably your architect will gather competitive quotes from recommended contractors to ensure that you get the best value for your investment..
Q.5. Would I get a good return on this investment ?
A.5. A unique self contained laneway home may bring in as much as $1200 plus of rent to you per month. You may also want to consider it as a vacation rental with the possibility of a $200 to $280 per night income and up to $385 per night during the forth coming Winter Olympics. At the moment owners will not be allowed to sell their laneway house.
Q.6. Are costs reduced by simply converting my existing garage ?
A.6. Depending on the age of your garage, you might be able to use the original foundations - the slab would have to be waterproofed with poly below and a new level concrete topping. The original wood frame of the garage could possibly be used but the siding or stucco would have to be re-done to adhere to the new rain screen requirement for exterior building envelopes.
Q.7. What are the parking requirements ?
A.7. The new laneway house must leave enough space for one car to be able to park at it’s side.
Q.8. When will we be allowed to apply for a laneway house permit ?
A.8. Vancouver City Hall did expect to have the Laneway bylaws in place by July 21st – however they have since scheduled a public hearing on this issue for that date – hopefully permit applications will be accepted soon afterwards.
Q.8. Are there different types of building contracts available ?
A.8. Yes, there are several types of contracts that you can use with a building contractor, such as - ‘Cost Plus’ or ‘Contract Management, a Fixed Price General Contract’ or a ‘Design Build Contract’ More info on contracts, design options and city hall updates at vancouverlanewayhusing.com