How an east-end family built a shimmering home in their backyard for $325,000

What: Laneway suite Who: Jennifer Bain, a journalist, and Rick MacKenzie, a retired bison rancher Where: The Pocket Size: 496 square feet

In 2007, Jennifer Bain and her daughter purchased a detached one-and-a-half-storey house in the Pocket neighbourhood of Blake-Jones for $405,000. When she and her partner, Rick MacKenzie, got married the following year, they knew they wanted more children and that they’d eventually need more space. By June of 2020, they were finally ready to knock down the existing house and build a new home from scratch—one with enough room for their young family as well as guests. That vision included adding a laneway suite in the backyard.

Jennifer applied to build a cantilevered two-bedroom, one-bathroom laneway suite with the help of architect Kevin Weiss, but they had to tweak the design and lose a room to protect a mature tree on the property. Construction began in 2021, with Carmelin Design and Build as project managers.

Every inch of the space is designed to prioritize efficiency without sacrificing style. The project incorporates a Y column on helical piers to prop up the unit and create space for a carport, all of which is complemented by the humble-yet-funky corrugated metal siding.

For the interior, Weiss was inspired by the space-saving layouts of sailboats and RVs. The kitchen is small but has loads of storage and a wall deep enough for the fridge and a slide-out pantry. The large window above the dining area was set at an angle to maximize natural light while preserving privacy. And the curved wall built into the structure of the suite is sculptural but also gives the illusion of more space.

All in, the suite cost roughly $325,000. Right now, it acts as a spare bedroom for visiting family and friends, but Jennifer expects her three kids (ages 12, 16 and 27) to save a ton on rent by living in it one at a time.