One of the recipients of the 2009 AIA's Small Project Awards, the Accessory Building was designed for small office use in a residential neighborhood in the District of North Vancouver.  The building is categorized as a Non-Parking Use Accessory Building and at 269 sf is the maximum size and height for the neighborhood zoning.


The building contributes to an emerging model of infill mixed-use within established residential neighborhoods and specifically addresses the potential of the home-office. The building was designed to transition over time and is currently used as an art studio for the owner’s young family.

 
The essence of the building’s public and private roles is addressed in its form, program and approach to site.  The form of the building is a pair of folded L-shaped roofs that mirror each other in section and step up with the topography. 

Public access from the street leads to a courtyard and mezzanine.  The public side of the building is modest and tucks quietly into the topography in a respectful nod to the residential neighbors. 

The interior millwork and stair are almost nautical in their ambition to provide maximum storage and minimum clutter.  Large sliding doors open to expand the corner to the garden court.  The garden is framed by intersecting vertical and horizontal planes that create a variety of weather protected spaces and a carport on the north-west corner of the property.


The AIA jury had the following comments: " 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."

Material for this article courtesy of the AIA.