Brackenridge Backyard Suite

A couple approaching retirement made the bold decision to embrace a simplified way of living by downsizing from their home of more than 30 years to a new accessory dwelling unit (also known as a backyard suite) on the laneway of their son’s existing home.

The new suite investigates the use of the laneway as the front facade of their new home, while maintaining privacy for them and their neighbours. The yard is reconfigured to establish two separate and legible recreational spaces, and the existing home is extended to provide a garage and workshop space for the secondary suite.

The suite, currently under construction, incorporates a second storey loft space to optimize living space while remaining within the limits of the current regulations for this new typology. Natural light is drawn down from skylights and clerestory windows to offer ample daylighting while ensuring privacy within the condensed footprint of the home.