Rear Principal HouseOne of Burnaby's First-Permitted Laneway Houses

When the City of Burnaby introduced laneway homes, this family was first in line.

Their project became one of the first laneway home submissions Burnaby’s city hall received. An early adopter move rooted in the desire to keep family close in Burnaby Heights.

Exterior front entrance of a modern Vancouver laneway home with tesla parked out front and a man walking toward the front door.

Learn more about Burnaby laneway homes.

Modern laneway house kitchen with wood cabinets, island seating, and dining table.
Modern laneway home living room with vaulted ceiling, skylight, and open concept design.

With a lot that can accommodate multiple generations, they were ready to build a future as a family.

Floorplan

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Floorplan

Specifications

Build Year 2026
Home Size1211 ft²
Floors2
Bedroom3
Bathroom2
Lot Size 50 x 121

With the youngest daughter in the secondary suite, the eldest and her fiancé in the laneway and the parents in the primary, they built with life transitions in mind.From starting a family to aging in place, this move creates interdependence and built-in support.

Bright living room and dining area with vaulted ceiling and skylight in a Vancouver laneway home.
Minimalist primary bedroom in a modern laneway home with neutral tones and vaulted ceilings.
Warm nursery with a closet, crib, and cabinet in the door open to a bright hallway in a Vancouver laneway house
Bright home office in a modern multiplex featuring a minimalist wood desk, large window, neutral finishes, and compact workspace design.
Laundry room with a side by side washer-dryer, shelving and a partially under height ceiling
Bright upstairs bathroom with green tile shower wall and modern black fixtures in a Vancouver laneway home.
Bright long hallway that runs between the living room and large patio doors on the main floor of a Smallworks multiplex.

A rear dwelling that doubles down on the family home.

From the outset, the goal was clear: this would be a forever home. Every element of a family home is here. From a dedicated laundry room to the dining nook, this home is designed for long-term family planning.

This wasn’t just about today. This family builds with the long-term view in mind.

The layout allows for one-level living if needed in the future—meaning the home can accommodate aging parents down the line without major renovation.

Minimalist bathroom with glass shower, wood vanity, and modern black fixtures in a laneway house.
Close up shot of modern, light wood veneer kitchen cabinetry by Smallworks
Bright bedroom with horizontal corner windows featuring mountain views inside a Vancouver Multiplex.
Close-up of minimalist built-in shelving with books and decor in a Burnaby laneway home.
View through a window of a Burnaby laneway home overlooking trees and Burnaby Mountain at sunset.
Close up shoot of engineered hardwood floors in a multiplex bedroom that lead to down a staircase
Minimal built-in storage bench with cubbies and light wood finish in a Vancouver laneway home.

Millwork puts functionality at play within a limited footprint.

From a built-in entry bench with integrated shoe storage to recessed millwork beneath the TV, every inch is designed to save space, serve a purpose, and tie the home’s aesthetics together.

From the open kitchen and living area, the transition outdoors is seamless.

A shared inner yard is gently hugged by the L-shaped laneway home and the main house, creating a private gathering space at the heart of the lot.

Rear patio with black sliding doors and an outdoor dining table beside a two-storey Burnaby laneway home.

See what you can build.

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