Photos by Chad

We’ve had quite the winter weather this week in Vancouver and when it gets to -8 degrees our 80 year old attic does get a little chilly. But, we’ve been keeping toasty warm thanks to the beautiful Canadian wool blanket I received last weekend as a birthday gift. The weight of a thick wool blanket layered on top of a fluffy feather duvet is the ultimate experience of COZY. Sergei wasn’t sure about the texture at first but he has certainly been showing his approval by curling up on it day and night.

a new laneway in the neighborhood

Photo via Lanefab

I’ve been watching this laneway take shape over the past few months. The style, which seems to be a signature look for Lanefab, is very West Coast Modern. The angles of the deck add a lot of visual interest to the facade and it probably acts as a privacy screen between the house and the laneway. By orienting it this way, however, they seem to be sacrificing a lot of south facing light. I wonder if that little window is enough to make it warm and sunny up there?

little eats

See more photos via Scout Magazine

Walking to Chinatown yesterday, I came across this very cute and very little pizzeria on Main street. I can’t wait to try it soon!

storage

Adequate storage can be a big challenge in small spaces. When we moved into our little attic, we downsized. A lot. We went from having a walk-in closet/storage room, a huge linen closet and a double bedroom closet to having a small closet without doors in the bedroom, a tiny broom closet and an old, built-in dresser. In this process, we discovered that we had been storing a bunch of stuff we didn’t want or need. After many liberating trips to Value Village, we started figuring out what to store and how to store it. Because things are always coming in and out of our lives, but mostly in, this is an ongoing challenge.

With Christmas and the New Year approaching, I’ve lately had an urge to declutter and re-organize. On the subject, I really like this “How to” article from Apartment Therapy. I love their idea of maintaining a “Golden 10%” of free space to allow newness to come into your life. Very zen–but also practical, because when storage is completely full it ceases to be usable. And when I can no longer put away my clothes, or find my tape or get at my waffle-iron because the drawer is too full or too cluttered I get really frustrated, actually, I get pretty damn angry. Very not zen.

I’ll be sharing some of our organization projects as they develop. For now, here’s a peek at one of our storage options, the built-in dresser, which is currently displaying our Christmas ornaments.

And for any music nerds, here’s a look at what’s inside!

a tour of burns’ block

Photos via The Province

See a great video tour of another Micro-loft here!

Vancouver got an inside tour of the Burns’ Block Micro-lofts today. As the smallest rental units in Canada, these suites range from 226-291 sq ft. They look smartly designed and very liveable. Liveable, that is, for one person who earns at least double minimum wage, because they are now rented for 850$, not 650-700$ as planned in 2010. Protesters also visited Burns’ Block today, angered by the City’s efforts to sell the project as an “affordable housing” strategy. I’d like to see the City being more upfront about their target market for the Burns’ Block, which seems to me to be young, entry to mid-level professionals. These little spaces are definitely pressing on a major social issue in Vancouver!

inside outside

Accessory Building by McFarlane Green Biggar Architecture in North Vancouver, BC.

The relationship between interior and exterior space is important in small space design.  This 269 sq ft accessory building by McFarlane Green Biggar Architecture received the 2009 AIA Small Project Awards and demonstrates a complex interplay between outside and inside space. The AIA jury commented:

“This project is a jewel that creates excellent space outside of the building. It defines the yard between the carport, the existing house and this new accessory building. While the entrance from the side makes it appear that the building is turning its back on the main street; this is understandable because the yard space it creates on the other side is the livable space. The decking system acts as a thread that ties each of the different structures together. Additionally, there is a precision to the detailing that is appealing. The little patch of turf in the back is a nice green carpet to what might be considered an outdoor room. The way that the design integrates, yet separates, the home from the office, as well as creates a play space for young children is really well treated.”

quote via archinovations

Here is another example of how an architect created a functional relationship between inside and outside in a challenging and unlikely space–a garage in Bordeaux, France.*

*You might notice that I’ve already posted some photos of the bed/storage cube, but the video gives a more detailed tour of these impressive storage features.

An interview with Smallworks’ Jake Fry and a tour of the Smallworks and SFU West House.

Those solar panels are pretty sexy, right?

The attic, Sergei on the stairs

Photo by Chad

le marche st. george

Photo via Monocle

Le Marche St. George is a very interesting little space in Vancouver. Since re-opening last year after acting as an artist space from 2005-2006, Le Marche St. George has generated quite a buzz. Walking by this fantastic cafe, market, foodie/ general store at St. George and 28th always feels like an unexpected discovery. Inside, there is an impressive assortment of beautiful goods.

Photo via Sokokashiko

I made another exciting discovery again today after learning from their blog that Le Marche St. George is available for rent. This is probably the most beautiful rental space available in Vancouver. What an amazing, romantic vacation (or stay-cation?) spot!

 

Stunning photos via Le Marche St. George

a very smart little laneway

624 sq ft laneway loft house built for the 2009 Home and Garden Show

by Smallworks