Hillhurst Laneway
An age-in-place laneway house for multigenerational living in Hillhurst, Calgary
Location Hillhurst, Calgary Size 800 sq. ft
Status Completed
Status Completed
Keeping family close
The Hillhurst Laneway House was designed for a growing family that has lived in the same house for two generations. With a small child, aging parents, and a busy lifestyle, adding a laneway house to their property was an ideal way to allow the family to grow. For less than buying a condo in the same community, building a laneway house was an affordable alternative for the grandparents who wish to age in place, live closer to their family, and maintain independence. For the young family, providing a laneway house for the grandparents will provide assistance with raising their child and will give them peace of mind knowing that their in-laws are close by.
The laneway house is situated on a corner lot with an east facing porch that addresses the main street. The Laneway house frames an existing south facing garden, while the garage accommodates a rooftop garden that is accessible from the loft. To the north of the laneway house, a shared courtyard allows room for family gatherings and activities.
The living space is kept on the main floor in order to eliminate the need for stairs and ensure accessibility for the grandparents as they age. The linear layout has a central service core that separates public and private spaces and keeps all the utilities consolidated.
There is a small loft space above the service core, where extra headspace is made available through the use of dormer windows. The vaulted roof allows for natural light from the dormers to flood into the main floor kitchen and living space, while maximizing height.
