As a new figure on the iconic Beaver Street streetscape elevation, it was essential for the laneway to fit in with its historic predecessors without overshadowing them in size or appearance.

The laneway pulls vernacular features from the original Beaver Lodge in order to create an aesthetic continuity and a building that is functional in the climate of the Rocky Mountains. Shed dormers expand useable space in the snow-shedding gable roof, the covered entries protect from the elements, and the robust log siding is hardy and warm.

Interwoven throughout the history of Banff and of the Beaver Street properties is the town's iconic mountainous landscape .

The design of the laneway and its site pays reverence to this landscape with unparalleled views, beautiful outdoor spaces, and robust natural exterior materials.

The scenic context and unique site condition provide an opportunity for private interior spaces that are outward-facing, bright, and rejuvenating. The primary bedroom and office nook benefit from views and light in three directions: looking south towards Sulphur Mountain, west towards Beaver Lodge and Mount Norquay, and east over the double height living room.

Despite their compact 750 square foot floor area, the laneway suites present themselves as spacious and luxurious homes through their double height vaulted living room.

This space connects the whole home: framing the front entry and stairs, blending the dining and living room , and bringing east morning light into the primary bedroom through a shuttered interior window.

Through the extra volume, warm material palatte, and abundant natural light, the living space provides a room that is both cozy and grand.

As with parlour rooms of history, residents who enter the home from the front door are immediately immersed in the social heart of the home.

Throughout the home are warm fir wood accents that draw parallels back to the ruggedness and character of the original Beaver Lodge interior. The white painted base colour of the home creates a more contemporary contrast with the wood and maximizes the amount of light that permeates the spaces.

As well as the grand and voluminous spaces of the laneway, a secret room is concealed behind a sliding bookshelf to emulate some of the articulate nooks and crannies of Beaver Lodge.

Custom fir millwork adorns all the spaces of the laneway to maximize storage and function of the compact home. Features such as a closing TV cabinet, integrated headboards and side tables, and contrasting kitchen uppers borrow the local character of the forest to elevate the space beyond a typical furnished rental.

Banff's concept of the backyard cabin not only served to create sensitive added housing density, but also created dynamic and inviting outdoor spaces between homes on a property.

This tradition is carried forth in the shared courtyard created between beaver Lodge, the beaver Lodge Laneway, and the neighbouring Tanglewood. Planting retains just enough privacy for this space, allowing use for public and private functions.

Reference to the original Beaver Lodge cabin carries through all the way into the laneway's small exterior details and site features.

Metal corner flashings mimic the look and function of the original corner posts, creating contrasting white trim and sealing the ends of the log siding from the weather. A shared bench carries this language forward with a thick fir top and vertical white metal supports .

Perhaps no other time of day illustrates Banff's natural serenity and immersion that the night time.

With minimal light pollution and vast sightlines, the laneway house frames the grandeur of the sky and mountains for a perfect conclusion to a day of working or playing amongst the iconic Rocky Mountain Landscape