Reinventing the typical Vancouver mid-block home, the HAVAN Award-winning In Between House, designed by RUFproject and built by Vision Built Construction Ltd., is an expression of uniquely built spaces separated by innovative large cuts to the side- and front-yard elevations, which achieve the goal of inviting natural light into the home.
Side-yard cuts, combined with wall-to-wall windows, enlarge spaces and allow for a dialogue between rooms. This creates a unique hybrid of an open-plan concept and traditional rooms. The side-yard cuts extend to the basement, bringing abundant light and vitality into the main living space and through to the lower-floor rooms.
The rooms stack and overlap each other, creating leftover exterior voids, which, when combined with full-height windows, draw outdoor elements into the interior of the home.
The interior features a palette of natural woods, soapstone counters and polished concrete floors, resulting in a harmonious feel to the living space. Small trimless LED lights complement the ample natural light, while preserving a sleek and clean ceiling.
Year-round comfort is achieved with overhangs to the south that protect against solar heat gain, while maximizing natural light. Outboard insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows and radiant-heated floors result in an energy-efficient home through all seasons.
Materials used to build and finish the home are purposefully simple and minimal. The exterior combines local custom metal break panels, cedar soffits and aluminium grate handrails – all durable and low-maintenance for effortless living – that will last decades.
The laneway house complements the main house in its innovative and efficient design, while providing accommodation for extended family and guests.
Every aspect of the assemblies and the alignments has been carefully thought through and executed with intent and precision, ultimately resulting in an elegant simplicity throughout. To connect with award-winning, trusted, local builders and designers, go to havan.ca/awards.
This story first appeared in the February 2023 edition of Boulevard Vancouver.
