What does a multiplex look like?
Most R1-1 properties in Vancouver - such as this one in Kitsilano - are 33' wide by roughly 122' deep. For this size property, the default permitted floor space ratio is 0.70. By designing both buildings to Net Zero or Passive House certification, we can increase that area to 1.00.
This multiplex is comprised of a three-storey triplex in the front and a two-storey building in the rear that contains one suite. This property faces North.
Two one-bedroom units occupy the ground floor, which is at grade to improve accessibility for those with limited mobility. The third unit occupies all of the second and third floor with a deck from the master bedroom and a fourth level roof deck accessed by stairs.
The street façade is a composition of bold shapes in three materials: shou sugi ban (yakisugi), white stucco, and stained wood. Dark grey zinc is used for the standing seam metal roof and for various trim.
To break up the otherwise flat, three-storey front wall, I've split the siding treatment into an upper half and a bottom half. Vertical hood features break up the face further.
The City of Vancouver has a requirement to retain one tree in the front yard for a 33' wide property, but drought-resistant landscaping is designed for the front yard.
From the top of the stair up to the main unit, we can see the large kitchen island and the dining area beyond. The open tread floating stairs and split rear wall increase transparency and lift our thoughts to connect to the space above.
The second storey - the main level of the top suite - contains the kitchen, dining space, and living room in an open plan.
The floating steps continue up the central void and continue to open up where the lead to the roof deck.
On the third floor is this bedroom - one of two secondary bedrooms, facing North.
Also on the third floor, the master bedroom has a roof deck that walks out to the South.
This is an exterior view of the third-floor South-facing deck with furnishings added.
Pulling back from the building, we see the rear building in the rear yard.
The rear building is kept simple and cost-effective with two types of vertical wood siding and dark zinc fascia to maintain an economical construction.
The master bedroom of this building also looks out to the South and provides cover to two parking spaces below.
Do you own a R1-1 property and want to know what your options are for building a triplex or other multiplex? I offer a simple redevelopment study service called the RED Report™. Download a sample by clicking the link below.
If you'd like to book a free, 30-minute consultation with me to discuss how to move your development plans from the rough idea stage into the solid research phase, click the button below.
