Flexible Family Housing
South Bonson Community Centre — LEED Gold civic building on the Fraser River in Pitt Meadows by RWA Group Architecture. Reclaimed Douglas fir from a local barn, exposed structure, and solar shades.
Architecture, Architect, Architectural Practice, Urban Planning, Residential Architecture, Multi-Family, High Rise, Mid-Rise, Institutional, Campus Design, Civic Architecture, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canadian Architect, Canada
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About This Project

Flexible Family Housing

Objective:         
This Queensborough subdivision will offer options for growing, extended, and work-from-home families. Two properties were subdivided into 10 approx. 26 x 122 ft lots including a lane connecting the two streets and another lane accessing the backs/garages of each new lot.

 

Location:              114 and 118 Sprice St., Queensborough, New Westminster
Units:                    10 Single-Family Houses
Policy Context:   Rezoning from RQ-1 (standard lot) to RT-2D (compact lot)
Lot Size:                Approx. 26×122 ft
Context:               Low-density residential neighbourhood.
Status:                  Rezoning/DP Completed

 

Big Ideas:

1. Fitting In:  This area in Queensborough is developing with a variety of housing types, from single-family to townhouses in a wide range of styles. This project proposes a simple, contemporary version of craftsman-style houses found throughout Queensborough using colours, materials, and details to integrate variety and individual identities.

2. Flexibility:  Affordabilty and flexibility is addressed by offering garages, working-from-home offices, room for extended family members and adult children as need and financial ability arises.

3. Repetition and Variety:  Walkable streetscapes depend on variety and economics benefit from repetition. Incorporating distinct elements/colours/materials into each street-oriented facade contributes to pedestrian-friendly streets, an individual identity for each home, and reduces the impact of repetition.