Houzz Tour: Wide-Open Views on a Narrow Canadian Lot
Expansive glass walls facing the street create openness, sun-filled rooms and closer relations with the neighbors
Houzz Editorial Staff; writer, musician, father and husband.
Houzz Editorial Staff; writer, musician, father and husband. More »
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Most people know it’s possible to make the most of small living spaces through clever design choices. But this double-stacked home in Edmonton, Alberta, proves that even with a supernarrow lot size, it’s possible to create a staggeringly expansive floor plan. How expansive? How about a 17-foot-wide home that boasts 3,400 square feet?
While most lots in Edmonton clock in at 50 feet wide, this 25-foot half lot posed a significant design challenge that caused many people to move on to greener, more ample pastures. But thirdstone's architects saw the immediate potential for their client to make a big family home with larger-than-life design cache.
Their linear model created 16- by 16-foot rooms — bigger than most people’s living rooms and bedrooms — with windows on both sides to capitalize on the abundance of light, a huge advantage over fatter layouts that have the tendency to bury some rooms deep in their core. The reduced lot size also meant a reduction in cost, which allowed the homeowners to pour extra money into building something striking that catered to the needs of their family. They wanted to be able to interact with the outdoor spaces, have glass walls so they could see their kids playing outside and have the space be flexible for family growth. The large, open kids' room, for instance, can easily be partitioned off to create two bedrooms in the future.
Meanwhile, they employed low-cost, off-the-shelf materials for a fresh, forward-thinking design. “We definitely saw the potential of the site,” says architect Louis Pereira. “We knew it’d work.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with 2 kids (ages 7 and 9)
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Size: about 3,400 square feet; 1 bedroom, but space to expand into 5
Budget: $450,000
While most lots in Edmonton clock in at 50 feet wide, this 25-foot half lot posed a significant design challenge that caused many people to move on to greener, more ample pastures. But thirdstone's architects saw the immediate potential for their client to make a big family home with larger-than-life design cache.
Their linear model created 16- by 16-foot rooms — bigger than most people’s living rooms and bedrooms — with windows on both sides to capitalize on the abundance of light, a huge advantage over fatter layouts that have the tendency to bury some rooms deep in their core. The reduced lot size also meant a reduction in cost, which allowed the homeowners to pour extra money into building something striking that catered to the needs of their family. They wanted to be able to interact with the outdoor spaces, have glass walls so they could see their kids playing outside and have the space be flexible for family growth. The large, open kids' room, for instance, can easily be partitioned off to create two bedrooms in the future.
Meanwhile, they employed low-cost, off-the-shelf materials for a fresh, forward-thinking design. “We definitely saw the potential of the site,” says architect Louis Pereira. “We knew it’d work.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with 2 kids (ages 7 and 9)
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Size: about 3,400 square feet; 1 bedroom, but space to expand into 5
Budget: $450,000
![modern exterior by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/67b1c33e0f04a652_4892-w422-h562-b0-p0--modern-exterior.jpg)
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The top-floor master bedroom and the bottom-floor living room are visible through the mostly glass exterior, allowing for a better connection with the surrounding community, something one of the homeowners in particular was looking for. Now he can wave to his neighbors from inside the house (yes, even from the master bedroom). “I personally wanted visibility to the house,” he says. “I find it refreshing to be open. It’s a way to interact with neighbors.”
The white fiber cement panels are accented with knotted cedar planks. Both materials extend to the landscape with garden walls that appear to become part of the house.
The white fiber cement panels are accented with knotted cedar planks. Both materials extend to the landscape with garden walls that appear to become part of the house.
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| The flooring is a laminate in a solid charcoal gray to help ground the space, with a reflective finish for an airy feel. The TV is concealed behind maple wood cabinets with a walnut stain. “We wanted a traditional parlour feel, where we can sit with guests and have coffee or wine and a discussion,” the homeowner says. The inspiration came from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's classic Farnsworth House (shown in this roundup of must-know modern homes). “I always wanted a living room with a modernist feel,” says the owner. |
![modern living room by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/simgs/d1e140e10f0c7a04_4-7032/modern-living-room.jpg)
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| For the kitchen, the homeowners didn’t want anything too decorative, but rather something to reflect the clarity and refined appearance of the rest of the interior and the exterior. To complement the gray floors, charcoal highlights all the recessed elements in the white Ikea cabinets. The drop-down ceiling is maple wood with a walnut stain, mimicking the island layout below and nodding to the living room cabinets. |
![modern kitchen by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/simgs/ef81320e0f0c79fb_4-7007/modern-kitchen.jpg)
![modern kitchen by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/429133340f0c79ff_7026-w422-h562-b0-p0--modern-kitchen.jpg)
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The kitchen's double-galley design allows two people to cook in the kitchen at once. The small prep sink area in the background adds more counter space and hides kitchen appliances.
![modern dining room by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/5001df5a0f0c79ec_6991-w422-h562-b0-p0--modern-dining-room.jpg)
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The homeowners envisioned the dining area as hosting large gatherings that spill out to a courtyard. The fir-framed doors completely fold open to create one fluid space.
The homeowner created the painting based on one he saw while on vacation in Bali. The table and chairs are from Ikea.
The homeowner created the painting based on one he saw while on vacation in Bali. The table and chairs are from Ikea.
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| The courtyard connects evenly with the indoor dining room. A large garden wall and the knotted cedar plank wall make the space feel cozy and intimate. |
![modern patio by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/simgs/599130740f04a646_4-4872/modern-patio.jpg)
![modern home office by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/e8f125dd0f0c7a09_7037-w422-h562-b0-p0--modern-home-office.jpg)
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A small workstation for one of the homeowners, seen here, and his family features a built-in computer monitor and storage cabinets for media and crafts.
![modern staircase by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/2571df590f0c7a13_7048-w422-h562-b0-p0--modern-staircase.jpg)
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The open-riser staircase gives the appearance of floating wood slabs — in this case, more maple with a walnut stain. Apart from looking cool, the design lets the homeowners see from the workstation to the entryway, and allows air circulation between the two floors.
Thirdstone came up with an economical design for the handrail: The architects developed the middle brackets, then purchased 1 1/4-inch wood dowels from a hardware store.
The painting was purchased in Bali and picks up the various wood tones in the house.
Thirdstone came up with an economical design for the handrail: The architects developed the middle brackets, then purchased 1 1/4-inch wood dowels from a hardware store.
The painting was purchased in Bali and picks up the various wood tones in the house.
![modern staircase by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/59913dfe0f0c7a0e_7043-w422-h562-b0-p0--modern-staircase.jpg)
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A skylight above the stairs opens to draw lingering heat from downstairs through the roof. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the house allow cross ventilation through operable openings at the top.
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| The kids' rooms are one large, open space with a play area in the middle. It was designed to be flexible for when the kids become teenagers and need more personal space; the homeowners can easily and affordably add partitions. |
![modern kids by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/simgs/60617d9f0f0c7a26_4-8715/modern-kids.jpg)
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| When the blinds are open in the master bedroom, the homeowners can wave to their neighbors on the street. The chair was purchased locally. The platform bed is from Ikea. |
![modern bedroom by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/simgs/4891af010f0c7a1d_4-7059/modern-bedroom.jpg)
![modern bathroom by thirdstone inc. [^]](http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/0991ee130f0c7a22_7084-w422-h562-b0-p0--modern-bathroom.jpg)
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A charcoal tile bathroom with cedar wood for the shower floor is one of the most stunning spaces in the house. The wood slats sit above tile and can easily be removed to clean beneath.
Ideabook published on Feb. 22, 2013.
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The walnut stained maple wall in the living room is awesome! I personally love one-room wide homes because they are so bright. Excellent use of the narrow lot and great attention to detail, e.g. the house numbers. Kudos to the architects and owners!
Just to be clear what we're talking about here... -20C is normal, -30C is frequent, and -40C happens. Winter is from Nov to March!
To answer your question concerning costs, the article does state near the top that the budget was $450,000 (CAD). Our target construction cost was aimed at approx. $200+/SF (CAD) for Main and Second Floor.
The lot located in a highly sought-after mature neighbourhood near the Edmonton downtown core was purchased in 2008 for approx. $269K
Regards,
:: thirdstone inc [^]
Best,
Jill@DWR
Property - $269K
It's nice to see spaces which doesn't necessarily shout all together but that support what goes on inside in perhaps a supporting role.
We are doing a house for a client right now and we have been conscious to allow the spaces flow together and not compete with what the client has chosen for furniture as we believe in trying to build spaces for living rather than the spaces/materials being the focus.
Very nice project!
@lvstotrvl - I love those laminate floors also. Too bad they're now discontinued (IKEA). Cue the sad trumpet song!
@Penelope Rogers - There was definitely a lot of planning that's for sure.
@The Big Small - Great name!...that's what we should called this house! :) You're absolutely right about the advantages of a narrow structure - greater solar access, cross and stack ventilation etc.
@hotbred - The LG House includes a full height basement (9' to u/s of ceiling)
@Lisa - Cost seems to hot topic here. Firstly, this budget is considered low in these here parts. Most of our projects push the $300/SF. It's all relative. It's certainly not what people are paying for a house in Atlanta.
@paulinehealy - A lot of people have asked about the flooring. check here. http://www.houzz.com/discussions/73939/Hi--this-room-is-gorgeous--I-would-love-to---
@wantsideas - hope you found some ideas here!
@Robin - We certainly want to set a precedent for narrow lot design here in Edmonton.
@Weatherwell Elite - Great looking houses. Love architecture from 'down-under'!
@Brett M. Garneau - The exterior wall construction is standard 2x6 stud with batt. The finish is a combo. of wood (rain-screen) hardie-panel. Believe it or not, the house is consistently comfortable throughout all seasons.
@Amantea Architects - You're right - it's impossible to build something like this for the same cost in some metropolitan areas - especially 'TO'. Around here, the standard is to include the SF unit cost as part of the main floor. Don't ask me why. So 2400 SF @ 200 /SF is actually $480 and i know first hand that it didn't cost quite that much.
@Sheldon Moser - See above!
@Trevor Hoover - hey bud! Thanks for chiming in. You guys are doing great work yourself!
@Incite Design - Amen!
@garaujo - Thanks! The LG House has a full height basement (9' floor to ceiling). Araujo...That's Portuguese...Maybe i know your family here!
@White Lotus Interiors - Yeah Edmonton!
@thebuilder1980 - How about giving me a call when you're ready. A site visit would be essential ;)
@SAI desigh - i couldn't agree more. Time is not relevant, but market is. Short of building this house ourselves, this is the best we could do.
@Harvest House Craftsmen - Thanks for the comment!
@caitlinbrandon - Wall construction is 2x6 stick frame on standard concrete foundation wall. Anything more like would be more expensive...and SAI desigh wouldn't like that ;)
@Design Within Reach - hey there Jill! Thanks for the great comments! Love DWR!!!
@The Color People - I wish there was no such thing as suburbs. But that's how they keep building cities :(
@Lisa - i wish you could see how bright every room is on a sunny day. The owners are cheerful people and so the house should reflect that.
@aekbranding, @storyscribe - sexy floor i agree. Markland Flooring. Their time on this planet was cut way too short (R.I.P)
@Lisa A - The long narrow side (right) faces south. Alberta Building Code requires that you limit the amount of glass openings toward your neighbour. That said there is still plenty of windows (floor to ceiling) facing south.
@SPACIALISTS - Thanks!
@midmodfan - Thanks for the comments. IKEA can definitely look smart and 'grown up'. It's all in how you assemble standard materials to make it look as good as many other products out there.
@samlatricoteuse - All the best in realizing your dream to build your chalet near the St-Lawrence river. There are some great architects in your region.
@Jay Sifford Garden Design - Thanks for the kind words. Keep up the great work!
For instance, the owners are less car dependent (1 vehicle) based on its location to work and school(s); a new house meant re-investing in an older community; populating older neighbourhood schools, which struggle to remain open due to poor attendance;
We designed a house to have flexibility and adaptability allowing space do be re-arranged to meet future needs of the family without expensive retrofits and renovations. The result is a long term commitment to the community and to dispel the notion that you 'outgrow' a house when the house should instead change and adapt with the homeowner's needs. Even the city planning department failed to see these benefits when they initially declined the development application for this project. Thankfully, logic prevailed but only after an appeal board decision.
In the end we're extremely proud of the LG House and wish there will be a lasting investment in a family dwelling that will be appreciated for a lifetime and more.
:: thirdstone inc. [^]
Secondly, this 2-storey flat roof house appears to extend back virtually all the way to the back lane, where it connects with the 2-storey garage that you see behind the courtyard. This means that, but for the side-facing courtyard, this house has no back yard and the back yard of the adjacent property to the north is now bordered by a tall slab wall that blocks any view to the south and will significantly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the adjacent property's back yard and rear-facing windows, particularly during the colder months when the sun is lower on the horizon.
Thirdly, it does not appear that any new trees have been planted on this parcel, and there appears to be little or no room left to plant trees. The lack of trees may not seem like much of a problem at the moment, as this house currently benefits from the adjacent properties' mature trees and landscaping. However, if the rest of this street were to be redeveloped in the same tree-less fashion as this house, then this house would suddenly find itself in the middle of a very cold and drab concrete jungle.
I live in Edmonton and have been by the house. It looks pretty accurate to me from the outside. Don't be a hater. Great job Thirdstone!!!