North Vancouver, BC
2019
6,900 sq ft
Certified Green Canada – Platinum and Gold
Missing Middle Housing is where you fill the (literal) gaps between single-family homes and large apartment complexes with multi-unit housing types—like duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and small apartments. Popular in the 1940s, Missing Middle Housing has fallen by the wayside, but it’s ideal for cities because it provides density without having to build apartment towers, helping to avoid segregation between upper- and lower-class neighbourhoods.
The Ridge exemplifies Missing Middle Housing by subdividing a 66 foot duplex-zoned lot into two separate lots. The first lot features a 2600 square foot main home and a 700 square foot laneway house, catering to different living needs. The second lot comprises two detached 1800 square foot homes with a shared garage, offering additional options for residents.
A big win is how the homes exceed Building Code energy-efficiency requirements by around 40%, achieving Built Green Gold and Platinum standards. Three of the four houses have even earned the coveted ENERGY STAR label, proving they’re cheaper to run, but it also align with City’s broader urban planning and development goals.
Architect: Integra Architecture Inc.
Design: Design Studio 8
Interiors: Michelle Lee Jin and KAIA Creative
