Mary Claire Decella

Laneway Living

There are tons of high-rise and low rise buildings in Toronto, but very little in the middle. There is a need for developments within existing single-family neighbourhoods that take place at larger densities, in order to fill the gap between those two housing types.

“The objective of this thesis is to generate inspiring neighbourhood possibilities within the city's public underused laneways to create affordable, high-density, low-rise housing for low-income families and individuals, as well as public spaces that give back to the community.Toronto has already established bylaws regarding garden suites and laneway suites such that homeowners are permitted to build a secondary house on their property. Although this does provide new options for housing, this does not solve the affordability problem in Toronto. Homeowners are still in control of the cost of rent through these regulations. This thesis introduces a new laneway housing typology in which the airspaces above laneways becomes utilized for housing for individuals who need it the most, but cannot afford it. A 4-meter tall bridge platform spanning the length of Lane E Pharmacy S Denton is used as the foundation for 8 dwelling units up to 34 individuals. The platform has enough clearance for the path below to maintain its original uses of pedestrian and vehicular circulation. Dwelling units are comprised of 2.4m x 4m prefabricated modules with built-in plywood furniture. Various configurations are available to accomodate different needs. Modules have interlocking systems integrated within the walls in order for units to be stacked vertically and lengthened horizontally. Through the development of dwelling units on publicly-owned property, low-income individuals may access more affordable housing with the city's convenience of services and transportation.”