Project: Trinity Bellwoods Laneway House
Architecture: Solares Architecture
Builder: Laneway Custom Build
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Area: 1890 ft2
Year: 2019
Photo Credits: Nanne Springer
Trinity Bellwoods Laneway House transforms the roof of a two‑car garage into a fully equipped, three‑bedroom home—made possible when a young couple’s parents generously gifted them the air rights. Moreover, designed by Solares Architecture ahead of Toronto’s formal program, this compact infill preserves the garage’s everyday use (including summer canning) while adding an entirely separate family residence above.
A Thoughtful Entry and Vertical Journey
First, stepping off the laneway brings you into a white penny‑tiled vestibule. Subsequently, a light‑wood staircase guides you upward, where Trinity Bellwoods Laneway House rewards each step with a framed glimpse of Toronto’s skyline. Furthermore, a secondary stair—with glass balustrade and waterfall landing—floods the core with daylight and offers a playful “peek‑through” to guests arriving below.
Open‑Plan Living Framed by the City
Next, on the main level, an L‑shaped layout unites kitchen, dining, and living areas beneath crisp white walls and matte‑black accents. In addition, strategically placed windows frame the CN Tower and surrounding cityscape like curated artworks. Likewise, a whimsically tiled powder room and a hall of black‑paneled closets introduce dynamic touches without disrupting the flow.
Private Quarters and Clever Angles
Meanwhile, upstairs, three bedrooms and a shared bathroom nestle under an angular roof plane mandated by planning regulations. Although this requires sloped ceilings, each room uses its geometry as a cozy retreat—turning constraints into characterful alcoves rather than compromises.
Deep Sustainability and Future‑Proofing
Furthermore, Trinity Bellwoods Laneway House prioritizes low‑carbon design and near‑passive performance:
- Framing in eco‑friendly and engineered wood, with minimal steel for required structural beams.
- Insulation combining spray foam on concrete‑block walls and mineral‑wool, vapour barrier, plus Rockwool ComfortBoard on wood frames.
- Windows are triple‑glazed Eurovinyl, achieving airtightness close to passive‑house levels.
- Systems include an all‑electric air‑source heat pump and energy‑recovery ventilation, with future solar wiring roughed‑in.
Maximizing Every Square Foot
Finally, with only 575 ft² per floor, every inch in Trinity Bellwoods Laneway House serves a purpose. For example, mechanical systems tuck neatly beneath stairs, and exposed ductwork is celebrated as a sculptural element. Outside, corrugated steel cladding offers durability, while precise interior finishes elevate modest materials.
By stacking a complete home atop an active garage—yet maintaining clear separation—Solares Architecture’s Trinity Bellwoods Laneway House demonstrates how thoughtful design, family generosity, and rigorous sustainability can redefine urban living for multigenerational families.
