Bc Std Des Catalogue v1

Standardized
Housing Designs
Catalogue
September 2024
In collaboration with
Christine Lintott
Architects Inc.
Introduction
The Province of British Columbia has commissioned • At least six units permitted on larger lots
standardized, customizable residential building currently zoned for single-family or duplex use
designs and a companion catalogue for people and close to transit stops with frequent service.
building small-scale, multi-unit housing on lots
Increased standardization and the component-
previously zoned for single-family homes and
based approach enable further efficiencies in
duplexes.
the building and permitting process, which could
The digital designs are free to the public and can include pre-fabrication of wall assemblies and better
be used by builders, designers, and homeowners to supply chain reliability to reduce the cost and time
build accessory dwelling units, duplexes, triplexes, required to build housing. Local governments can
quadplexes, and townhomes. also choose to fast track approval of the designs to
expedite permitting and development.
Leckie Studio has developed a component-
based approach that enables many potential
configurations with interchangeable floor plans.
Designs can be layered two or three storeys high,
including options for garages and increased number More information
of bedrooms. There are various roof shapes, Class D costing estimate
materials, and exterior cladding options to choose
• Produced by a third party, the document
from, with customizable features like window provides general costing assumptions and
awnings, porches, or other design features. estimates which help price out a project;
This system will be introduced in Section 1 of this • Read the costing estimate (PDF).
catalogue, and seven iterations are displayed as
Design and energy modelling files
examples in Section 2.1. Three alternative design
options which do not use the component-based • Filetypes include DWG, H2K, RVT, and IFC
approach are also available to meet specific use which requires specialized software to open.
cases such as aging in place or smaller lot sizes. Users are responsible for identifying and
acquiring compatible software;
These designs work in concert with legislation • To view and download the design files, you must
introduced in November 2023 which enables read and accept a terms of use (external link).
more small-scale, multi-unit housing, including
town homes, triplexes and laneway homes, and
Disclaimer
require changes to local zoning requirements to
The diagrams and scales depicted in this guide
help build more homes faster. In most areas within
are for illustrative purposes only, and should not
municipalities of more than 5,000 people, these
be used for construction or permitting purposes.
changes also require bylaws to allow for:
These Designs and this Catalogue may be updated
• At least three to four units permitted on lots by the Province from time to time. Full terms of use
currently zoned for single-family or duplex use, may be read when downloading the design files.
depending on lot size;
Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 3

Table of Contents
1: System Introduction 6 3: Appendix 70
Building Block Customization 7 Design Assumptions 71
Building Block Siting 9 3.1: Personalization 74
1.1: System Opportunities 11
Personalization 75
Flexible Implementation 12 Roof Shapes 76
Countless Variants 13 Cladding Examples 77
Ease of Construction 14 Roofing Examples 79
Livable Units 14 Optional Solar Shading Devices 80
More Information 81
2: Unit Overview 15
Unit Overview 16
2.1: Building Block
Design Examples 17
Accessory Dwelling Unit 01 18

Duplex 01 23
Duplex 02 28
Duplex 03 33
Quadplex 01 38
Quadplex 02 43
Townhouse 01 48
2.2: Alternative Designs 53

Triplex 01 64

1
System
Introduction

1: System Introduction
Building Block Customization

Step 1: BASE
Choose a ground floor plan
This component-based system is designed

as a kit of parts that can be mixed-and-
matched to suit the users’ needs.
Each “Building Block” dwelling unit is
composed of interchangeable floor plans
that can be layered two to three storeys
Plan 1A: no garage Plan 1B: garage
high, and includes options for garages or
more bedrooms.
Step 2. ADD The blocks are then paired with a variety

of roof shapes.
Add one or two upper floor plan(s) Finally, the Building Block can be
personalized with cladding and roofing
material selections as well as optional solar
shading devices.
Plan 2A: 2 bedrooms Plan 2B: 1 bedroom

+ study
Step 3. ROOF
Choose a roof shape
Pitched 1 Pitched 2 Pitched 3 Flat

Building Block Customization

Possible Combination Examples
Example A: Example B: Example C:

Pitched 1 Roof Flat Roof Pitched 3 Roof
+ Plan 2A + Plan 2A + Plan 2B
+ Plan 1A + Plan 1A + Plan 1A
+ Plan 1B

Building Block Siting

Once the Building Block has been customized, it can
be arranged on a lot to create many configurations
and typologies that adapt to site dimensions, zoning
requirements, and density preferences.
By duplicating and/or rotating the Building Blocks,
they come together to create the desired unit
types including accessory dwelling units (ADUs),
duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and townhouses.
Step 4. SITE
Apply Building Block to chosen site
Building height varies depending on two storey vs. The base Building Block module is designed to
three storey layouts. maximize site frontage on a 33' - 0" width lot.
A duplex can be created by adding an additional Adding an additional storey increases flexibility,
module to the rear. providing opportunities for additional bedrooms or
on-site parking with a garage module.

Building Block Siting
Offsetting the Building Blocks past one another Staggering the Building Blocks creates a garden
allows the configuration to suit a wide variety of condition, where each unit gains a private courtyard.
site widths.
Rotating a group of Building Blocks 90 degrees On larger sites, the Building Blocks can be lined
creates a bar scheme down the length of the site. up the width of the site to create a four-unit
The increased side-yard dimension allows greater townhouse.
flexibility in window options.

1.1
System
Opportunities

1.1: System Opportunities
Flexible Implementation
Building footprints are optimized to accommodate Building footprints are optimized to provide
a number of site conditions: flexibility with various municipal zoning bylaws:
• Works well across sites with a variety of widths • A variety of floor space ratio (FSR) targets can
and depths; be achieved;
• Laneway access is optional and easily • Parking can be provided in garages or at grade;
accommodated;
• Units can be two or three storeys as desired;
• Window extents can be adapted to suit limiting
• Electric pad-mounted transformers (PMTs)
distances;
can be installed as required.
• Building Block dimensions allow for maximum
site frontage across a variety of site conditions.
This is achieved by mirroring, rotating, and
staggering the Building Block.

Countless Variants
Component-based design allows for: • Cladding options to suit a range of budgets and
• Various siting options and configurations; styles;
• Roof forms to suit a variety of climates and • Simplicity in adding accessories (porches,
regional characters; shading devices, etc).

Ease of Construction
• Units that are arranged side-by-side instead
of stacked on top of each other are simpler to
build from a building code perspective;
• Modular approach allows for the potential of
pre-fabrication;
• Standardized window dimensions simplify
future window orders and reduce costs;
• Standardized kitchen layouts simplify production
and construction. Livable Units
Units that are arranged side-by-side instead of
stacked on top of each other provide livable units
with the following qualities:
• One, two, three, and four bedroom layouts;
• Ground-oriented living;
• Private entry and outdoor space;
• Windows on multiple sides of all units.

2
Unit Overview

2: Unit Overview
2.1: Building Block Design Examples p. 17
Accessory Dwelling Unit 01 p. 18
Duplex 01 p. 23
Duplex 02 p. 28
Duplex 03 p. 33
Quadplex 01 p. 38
Quadplex 02 p. 43
Townhouse 01 p. 48

2: Unit Overview
2.2: Alternate Designs p. 53
Triplex 01 p. 64

2.1
Building Block
Design Examples

Accessory Dwelling Unit 01
2.1: Accessory Dwelling Unit 01
Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Accessory Dwelling Unit
Unit Count 1
No. of Stories 2
No. of Beds/Unit 2
No. of Baths/Unit 1.5
No. of Parking/Unit 0 indoor, up to 1 at grade
Dimensions
Unit Height 25'-6" [7.75]
Unit Width 25'-0" [7.60]
Unit Depth 21'-0" [6.40]
Unit Footprint 1,050.00 ft2 [97.50 m2]
1st Floor 525.00 ft2 [97.5 m2]
2nd Floor 525.00 ft2 [97.5 m2]
Site Coverage
33' x 120" 13.25%
Applicable Site Standards
50' x 120" 8.75%
SSMUH Site Standards Package A
80' x 120" 5.45%
• This is for the ADU only and does not • Required in Restricted Zones to permit
include existing buildings on-site. a secondary suite and/or an accessory
dwelling unit.

Floor Plans
21' - 0" [6.40]
UP
25' - 0" [7.60]
4
3
1
2
Level 1
5 DN
Legend: 6 6
1. Entry 0 10 [3.05]
2. Washroom
Level 2
3. Living Room
4. Kitchen/
Dining
5. Laundry
6. Bedroom

Siting Examples
120' - 0" [36.60]
33' - 0" [10.05]

33' Site Plan:
Street
Rear Yard
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' - 0" [15.25]
50' Site Plan:

Street
Rear Yard
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' - 0" [15.25]
Laneway
50' Site Plan:

Street
Laneway

Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 2
• Cladding: Wood Siding
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 3
• Cladding: Fibre Cement Siding

Duplex 01
2.1: Duplex 01
Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Duplex
Unit Count 2
Unit Type A
No. of Stories 2
No. of Beds/Unit 2

A A
No. of Parking/ 0 indoor
Unit up to 1 at grade
Dimensions
Total Footprint 2,057.30 ft2 [191.10 m2]
Unit Type A

Unit Width 25'-0" [7.60]
Unit Depth 20'-6" [6.25]
Unit Footprint 1,028.65 ft2 [95.55 m2] SSMUH Site Standards Package B
1st Floor 514.30 ft2 [47.80 m2]

• Required in Restricted Zones to permit
2nd Floor 514.30 ft [47.80 m ]
2 2
three or four units;
• Lots generally less than 1,215 m2 in size.

2.1: Duplex 01
Floor Plans
41' - 0" [12.50]
20' - 6" [6.25] 20' - 6" [6.25]
Unit 1 Unit 2
UP
2
1
25' - 0" [7.60]
4
3
3
4
1
2
UP
Level 1
Unit 1 Unit 2
5 DN 6 6
Legend: 2
1. Entry 6 6 DN 5
2. Washroom
0 10 [3.05]
3. Living Room Level 2
4. Kitchen/
Dining
5. Laundry
6. Bedroom

2.1: Duplex 01
Siting Examples
120' - 0" [36.60]
33' Site Plan:
Rear Yard
33' - 0" [10.05]
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]

33' Site Plan:
Laneway
33' - 0" [10.05]
Laneway
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]
50' Site Plan:

50' - 0" [15.25]
Rear Yard
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' - 0" [15.25]
Laneway
Street
50' Site Plan:

Laneway

2.1: Duplex 01
Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 3
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 2

Duplex 02
2.1: Duplex 02
Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Duplex
Unit Count 2
Unit Type B
No. of Stories 3
No. of Beds/Unit 3
B B
No. of Parking/ 0 indoor
Unit up to 1 at grade
Dimensions
Unit Type B
Applicable Site
Unit Height 36'-0" [10.95] Standards
Unit Width 25'-0" [7.60]
SSMUH Site Standards Package B
Unit Depth 20'-6" [6.25]
Unit Footprint 1,542.95 ft2 [143.35 m2] • Required in Restricted Zones
to permit three or four units;
1st Floor 514.30 ft2 [47.80 m2] • Lots generally less than 1,215
m2 in size.
2nd Floor 514.30 ft2 [47.80 m2]
3rd Floor 514.30 ft2 [47.80 m2]

2.1: Duplex 02
41' - 0" [12.50]
Floor Plans 20' - 6" [6.25]
Unit 1
20' - 6" [6.25]
Unit 2
UP
2
1
25' - 0" [7.60]

4
3
3
4
1
Level 1 2
UP
Unit 1 Unit 2
UP DN 6 6
Level 2
6 6 DN UP
Legend:
Unit 1 Unit 2
1. Entry 5 DN 6
2. Washroom
7
3. Living Room 2
4. Kitchen/
Dining 2
7
5. Laundry
Level 3
6. Bedroom 6 DN 5
7. Study
0 10 [3.05]

2.1: Duplex 02
Siting Examples 120' - 0" [36.60]
33' - 0" [10.05]

33' Site Plan: Street
Rear Yard
120' - 0" [36.60]

33' - 0" [10.05]
33' Site Plan:
Laneway
Street
Laneway
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' - 0" [15.25]
50' Site Plan:

Street
Rear Yard
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' - 0" [15.25]
Laneway
Street
50' Site Plan:

Laneway

2.1: Duplex 02
Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 2
• Cladding: Fibre Cement
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 3

Duplex 03
2.1: Duplex 03
Statistics B
A
Unit Summary
Unit Type Duplex
Unit Count 2
Unit Type A Unit Type B
No. of Stories 2 No. of Stories 3
No. of Beds/Unit 2 No. of Beds/Unit 3
No. of Baths/Unit 1.5 No. of Baths/Unit 2.5

No. of Parking/ 0 indoor No. of Parking/ 0 indoor
Unit up to 1 at grade Unit up to 1 at grade
Dimensions
Unit Height 26'-6" [8.10] Unit Height 36'-0" [10.95]
Unit Width 25'-0" [7.60] Unit Width 25'-0" [7.60]
Unit Depth 20'-6" [6.25] Unit Depth 20'-6" [6.25]
Unit Footprint 1,048.30 ft2 [97.40 m2] Unit Footprint 1,572.40 ft2 [146.10 m2]
1st Floor 524.15 ft2 [48.70 m2] 1st Floor 524.15 ft2 [48.70 m2]
2nd Floor 524.15 ft2 [48.70 m2] 2nd Floor 524.15 ft2 [48.70 m2]
3rd Floor N/A 3rd Floor 524.15 ft2 [48.70 m2]
• Required in Restricted Zones to permit three or four units;

Meets SSMUH Site Standards Package B • Generally less than 1,215 m2 in size.

2.1: Duplex 03
41' - 0" [12.50]
Floor Plans 2
20' - 6" [6.25] 1
3
Unit 1
40' - 0" [12.20]

UP 4
25' - 0" [7.60]

4 UP
Unit 2
3
1
Level 1 2
6 6
Unit 1
2
5 DN
DN UP
2
Unit 2
Level 2
6 6
Legend:
1. Entry
6
2. Washroom
7
3. Living Room Unit 1
4. Kitchen/ 2
Dining
5. Laundry DN 5
6. Bedroom Unit 2
7. Study
Level 3 0 15 [4.55]

2.1: Duplex 03
Siting Examples
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' Site Plan:
Rear Yard
50' - 0" [15.25]
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' Site Plan:
Laneway
50' - 0" [15.25]
Laneway
Street

2.1: Duplex 03
Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 2
• Cladding: Corrugated Metal
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 3
• Cladding: Stucco

Quadplex 01
2.1: Quadplex 01
Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Quadplex
Unit Count 4
Unit Type B
B B
No. of Stories 3
B B
No. of Beds/Unit 2
No. of Baths/Unit 1
No. of Parking/Unit 1 indoor, up to 1 at grade
Dimensions
Unit Type B
Unit Height 35'-10" [10.90]

Unit Width 21’-0” [6.40]
Unit Depth 24' - 4" [7.40] SSMUH Site Standards Package B
Unit Footprint 1,487.55 ft2 [138.20 m2]
• Required in Restricted Zones
1st Floor 466.95 ft [43.40 m ]
2 2
to permit three or four units;
• Lots generally less than 1,215
2nd Floor 510.30 ft2 [47.40 m2]
m2 in size.
3rd Floor 510.30 ft2 [47.40 m2]

2.1: Quadplex 01
Floor Plans 97' - 6" [29.55]
24' - 4" [7.40] 24’ - 4” [7.40] 24’ - 4” [7.40] 24’ - 4” [7.40]
Unit 1
UP Unit 2
21' - 0" [6.40]
UP Unit 3
Unit 4
32' - 6" [9.90]
1 UP
8
1 UP
8
1
8
1
8
Level 1
Unit 1
UP 7 Unit 2
UP 7 Unit 3
7 Unit 4
3 UP
3 UP 7
DN
4 3
DN
4 3
DN
4
DN
4
Level 2
Legend: Unit 1
Unit 2
5 6
1. Entry Unit 3
5 6
2. Washroom Unit 4
2 5 6
3. Living Room 2 5 6
4. Kitchen/ DN 6 2
Dining DN 6 2
5. Laundry DN 6
DN 6
6. Bedroom Level 3
7. Study
0 15 [4.55]
8. Garage

2.1: Quadplex 01
Siting Examples
120' - 0" [36.60]
50' Site Plan:

Rear Yard
80' - 0" [24.40]
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]
50' Site Plan:

Laneway
80' - 0" [24.40]
Laneway
Street

2.1: Quadplex 01
Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 3
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 3
• Roof: Flat

Quadplex 02
2.1: Quadplex 02
Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Quadplex
Unit Count 4

Dimensions B B
A A
Total Footprint 5,595.70 ft [519.85 m ]
2 2


Meets SSMUH Site Standards Package B • Lots generally less than 1,215 m2 in size.

2.1: Quadplex 02
Floor Plans 81' - 6" [24.85]
2 2
20' - 4" [6.20] 1 1
3 3
Unit 1 Unit 3
40' - 0" [12.20] UP 4 UP 4
25' - 0" [7.60] 4 UP 4 UP
Level 1
Unit 2 Unit 4
3 3
1 1
2 2
6 6 6 6
Unit 1 Unit 3
2 2
5 DN 5 DN
UP DN UP DN
Level 2 2 2
Unit 2 Unit 4
6 6 6 6
Legend:
1. Entry 6 6
2. Washroom
7 7
3. Living Room Unit 1 Unit 3
4. Kitchen/ 2 2
Dining
5 DN DN 5
5. Laundry
6. Bedroom Unit 2 Unit 4
7. Study
Level 3
0 15 [4.55]

2.1: Quadplex 02
Siting Examples
120' - 0" [36.60]
50' Site Plan:
Rear Yard
50' - 0" [15.25]
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' Site Plan:
Laneway
50' - 0" [15.25]
Laneway
Street

2.1: Quadplex 02
Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 3
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 2

Townhouse 01
2.1: Townhouse 01
Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Quadplex
Unit Count 4

Dimensions B B
A A
Total Footprint 5,174.45 ft [480.70 m ]
2 2
• Required in Restricted Zones to permit four units;

Meets SSMUH Site Standards Package C • Lots generally between 1,215 m2 and 4,050 m2 in size

2.1: Townhouse 01
Floor Plans
97' - 6" [29.70]
24' - 4" [7.40] 24’ - 4” [7.40] 24’ - 4” [7.40] 24’ - 4” [7.40]
Unit 2 Unit 4
Unit 1 3 Unit 3 3
31' - 0" [9.45]
2 2
21' - 0" [6.40]
3 UP 4 1 3 UP 4 1
2 2
1 4 UP 1 4 UP
Level 1
Unit 2 Unit 4
DN 6 DN 6
Unit 1 Unit 3
2 2
6 UP 6 UP
UP 6 UP 6
2 2
Legend: 6 5 6 5
1. Entry
Level 2
2. Washroom
3. Living Room Unit 2 Unit 4
4. Kitchen/ DN 6 DN 6
Unit 1 Unit 3
Dining
5. Laundry 2 2
6. Bedroom
5 6 5 6
0 15 [4.55]
Level 3

2.1: Townhouse 01
Siting Examples
114' - 4" [34.85]
114' - 4" Site Plan:

Rear Yard
114' - 4" [34.85]

Street
114' - 4" [34.85]
114' - 4" Site Plan:

Laneway
114' - 4" [34.85]
Laneway
Note:
Street
The Standardized Designs

Catalogue limits the number of
units per lot to four. However,
two quadplexes could be built
on a single lot to achieve greater
density as shown in 144' - 4" Site
Plan: Laneway.

2.1: Townhouse 01
Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 2
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 3

2.2
Alternative
Designs

Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Accessory Dwelling Unit This single-storey accessory dwelling unit
Unit Count 1 exceeds the adaptability requirements of the
2024 BC Building Code and may be suited for
No. of Stories 1 people with particular physical disabilities or
who wish to age in place in their community.
No. of Beds/Unit 1
For more details such as hallway and door
No. of Baths/Unit 1
widths and clear areas, review the digital
0 indoor, design files. All designs in this Catalogue meet
No. of Parking/Unit the adaptability requirements of the 2024 BC
up to 1 at grade
Building Code. Other designs in this Catalogue
may be modified for specific occupant needs
and may be more cost-effective.
Dimensions
Unit Width 25'-0" [7.60]

Unit Depth 29'-0" [8.85]
Unit Footprint 750.00 ft2 [69.70 m2]
Site Coverage
33' x 120" 18.30%
50' x 120" 12.10%
80' x 120" 7.55%
• This is for the ADU only and does not • Required in Restricted Zones to permit
include existing buildings on-site. a secondary suite and/or an accessory
dwelling unit.

Floor Plans
25' - 0" [7.60]
2
29' - 0" [8.85]
Level 1
0 10 [3.05]
Legend:
1. Entry
2. Washroom
3. Living Room
4. Kitchen/
Dining
5. Laundry
6. Bedroom

Siting Examples
120' - 0" [36.60]
33' Site Plan:
Rear Yard 33' - 0" [10.05]
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]
50' Site Plan:

Rear Yard
50' - 0" [15.25]
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]
50' Site Plan:

Laneway
50' - 0" [15.25]
Laneway
Street

Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Hip
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 2

Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Accessory Dwelling Unit
Unit Count 1
This design provides an accessory dwelling
No. of Stories 2
unit with an integrated garage that can
No. of Beds/Unit 3 serve the primary residence or the attached
suite.
1 indoor,
No. of Parking/Unit
up to 1 at grade
Dimensions Site Coverage

Unit Height 26'-2" [8.00] 33' x 120" 22.10%
Unit Width 25'-0" [7.60] 50' x 120" 14.60%
Unit Depth 35'-0" [10.65] 80' x 120" 9.10%
Unit Footprint 1,715.70 ft2 [159.40 m2] • This is for the ADU only and does not
include existing buildings on-site.
1st Floor 839.15 ft2 [77.95 m2]
2nd Floor 876.55 ft2 [81.45 m2]

• Required in Restricted Zones to permit

a secondary suite and/or an accessory
dwelling unit.

Floor Plans
35' - 0" [10.65]
UP
2
25' - 0" [7.60]
3 1
4 8
Level 1
5 DN
7
2
2
Legend:
6
1. Entry
2. Washroom 6 6
3. Living Room
4. Kitchen/ Level 2
Dining
5. Laundry 0 10 [3.05]
6. Bedroom
7. Study
8. Garage

Siting Examples
120' - 0" [36.60]
33' - 0" [10.05]
Laneway
Street
33' Site Plan: Laneway
120' - 0" [36.60]

50' - 0" [15.25]
Laneway
Street
50' Site Plan: Laneway

Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 2
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 3

Triplex 01
2.2: Triplex 01
Note:
SSMUH guidelines specify that lots less than 280
m2 permit at least three housing units. However,
most lots this size do not accommodate three
Building Block modules.
Triplex 01 is the only design in this Catalogue with

stacked dwelling units in order to build more housing
on a smaller building footprint.
When siting Triplex 01, special attention is required

for spatial separation between houses as per
BCBC 2024 9.10.14. because the building contains
a dwelling unit above another dwelling unit.
For example, on a 40' - 0" wide lot, Triplex 01 is

allowed 1 hour fire-resistance-rated (FRR) walls
with combustible or non-combustible construction.
On a 33' - 0" wide lot, Triplex 01 could require

non-combustible construction or sprinklers based
on the applicant’s review of spatial separation for
non-combustible construction (Ref. 9.10.14.5.-
A) and the requirements of their local jurisdiction
regarding fire department response.

2.2: Triplex 01
Statistics
Unit Summary
Unit Type Triplex
Unit Count 3
Unit Type C Unit Type D
No. of Baths/Unit 1 No. of Baths/Unit 1

Dimensions
C D D
Total Height 36'-0" [10.95]
Level 1 Level 2/3
Unit Footprint 839.40 ft2 [78.00 m2] Unit Footprint 1,150.45 ft2 [106.90 m2]
1st Floor 839.402 [78.00 m2] 1st Floor 93.45 ft2 [8.70 m2]
2nd Floor N/A 2nd Floor 514.30 ft2 [48.70 m2]

Meets SSMUH Site Standards Package B • Lots generally less than 1,215 m2 in size.

2.2: Triplex 01
Floor Plans 20' - 6" [6.25]

41' - 0" [12.50]
20' - 6" [6.25]
Unit 1 Unit 2
UP 6 6
25' - 0" [7.60]

4
Level 1
2
3
5 UP
Unit 1 Unit 2
DN UP 3
Level 2
4
3 UP DN
Legend: Unit 1 Unit 2
DN 5 6 6
1. Entry
2. Washroom
2
3. Living Room
4. Kitchen/
Level 3
2
Dining
5. Laundry
6 6 5 DN
6. Bedroom
0 10 [3.05]

2.2: Triplex 01
Siting Examples
75' - 0" [22.85]
40' Site Plan:
40' - 0" [12.20]

Rear Yard
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]
50' Site Plan:

50' - 0" [15.25]
Rear Yard
Street
120' - 0" [36.60]
50' Site Plan:

Laneway
50' - 0" [15.25]
Laneway
Street

2.2: Triplex 01
Personalization
Style Example 1
• Roof: Pitched 1
Style Example 2
• Roof: Pitched 2
Style Example 3
• Roof: Pitched 3

3
Appendix

3: Appendix
Design Assumptions
The following assumptions were established by the • Sites were assumed to not have laneway access
design team when developing the standardized as these sites tend to be more restrictive than
designs: sites with laneways. Laneway access can be
accommodated as shown in siting examples
• Unit sizes were restricted to below 2,000 ft2
diagrams;
to target missing middle housing markets. The
Building Block footprint can be grown, or single • Buildings were designed to Part 9 of the BC
dwelling units can be expanded into multiple Building Code 2024 and Step 4 of the BC
Building Block schemes to allow for larger units Energy Step Code (Climate Zone 5)
as desired;
• Building designs were not sprinklered because
• Basements were omitted as they are inherently some municipalities do not require them.
expensive to build. The designs incorporate Sprinklers can be added, which would increase
a crawlspace that could be increased to be a allowable glazing, particularly on side yards;
basement if desired. When adding a basement
to a three-storey building, applicants should • Buildings were designed as light timber
review fire alarm system requirements (Ref. construction as it is the commonly accepted
BCBC 2024 9.10.18.2.) and the requirements method of building, but the modular nature of
of their local jurisdiction in regard to fire- the designs will allow for pre-fabrication;
department response. Applicants should • All zoning presumptions were derived from
also review sill heights of third floor bedroom SSMUH guidelines. The designs offer a variety
windows to ensure they still comply with egress of siting approaches to provide opportunities
requirements (Ref. BCBC 2024 9.9.9.1.). for municipalities to utilize the designs without
• All sites were assumed flat. The crawlspace can adopting all of the SSMUH guidelines;
be increased to allow the designs to be adapted • BC Housing Design Guidelines were consulted.
to sloping site conditions. With sloping sites, sill
heights of third-floor bedroom windows should
be reviewed to ensure they still comply with
egress requirements;

3: Appendix
Design Assumptions
33' - 0" 50' - 0" 80' - 0"

[10.05] [15.25] [24.40]
40' - 0"
[12.20]
120' - 0" [36.60]
120' - 0" [36.60]
120' - 0" [36.60]

75' - 0" [22.85]
After contacting staff members from 20 local 114' - 4" [34.85]

governments and reviewing geographic information
systems (GIS) data, five sample lot sizes were
created to represent common lot sizes across
British Columbia. These sample lots were used to
test the viability of the standardized designs.
114' - 4" [34.85]
Site Standard A: Restricted zones required

to permit a secondary suite and/or an accessory
dwelling unit (ADU).
Site Standard B: Restricted zones required

to permit three or four units and are generally less
than 1,215 m² in size. Triplex designs are to be
limited to sites measuring less than 280 m².
Site Standard C: Restricted zones required
to permit four units and are generally greater than
1,215 m² in size.

3: Appendix
Energy Modelling Assumptions

The following energy modelling assumptions were • Assumed 1.5 Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) to
established by the design team when developing align with Step 4;
the standardized designs:
• Assumed above-grade cavity insulation to be
• Assumed performance target BC Energy Step fibreglass batt or equivalent product;
Code Step 4, Climate Zone 5. All units meet
Step Code 4 requirements for all locations in • Assumed exterior above-grade insulation to
Climate Zone 4. be mineral wool due to prevailing industry
preferences, but rigid Expanded Polystyrene
• Assumed fuel sources are all electric or gas; (EPS) will offer equivalent performance and
can be substituted;
• Assumed east-facing building orientation to
provide the most likely worst-case scenario for • Assumed below grade insulation to be EPS rigid,
energy modelling; but can be substituted for thinner Extruded
Polystyrene (XPS). EPS was selected due to its
• Assumed the majority of concrete foundation
lower embodied carbon and general suitability
walls are below grade;
for Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction
• Assumed double-glazed windows with metric and below-grade insulation.
U-value of 1.3 W/m²·K and Solar Heat Gain
More details can be found in templated energy
Coefficient (SHGC) 0.25;
modelling files.

3.1
Personalization

3.1: Personalization
Personalization
Home designs are highly personal. The component- • Modular solar shading options improve passive
based system provides end-users with a high cooling and contribute to the overall form and
degree of customization: character of the project;
• Four different roof shapes accommodate • The standard wall and roof assemblies
different aesthetics, regional characteristics, accommodate a variety of cladding materials
and local climates; that not only offer users different aesthetics,
but also allow users to prioritize budget,
maintenance, combustibility, and durability as
required.
The following pages provide a catalogue of
Roof Shape customization options.
Examples of these combinations can be found in
the Personalization section of each unit’s summary
pages.
Cladding Material
Roofing Material
Solar Shading Device

Roof Shapes
Pitched 1
Pitched 2
Pitched 3
Flat

Cladding Examples
Wood Siding
Combustibility
Cost
$ $$$
Maintenance
Low High
Durability
Low High
Corrugated Metal
Combustibility
Cost
$ $$$
Maintenance
Low High
Durability
Low High
Fibre Cement Siding
Combustibility
Cost
$ $$$
Maintenance
Low High
Durability
Low High

Cladding Examples
Stucco
Combustibility
Cost
$ $$$
Maintenance
Low High
Durability
Low High
Standing Seam Metal

Combustibility
Cost
$ $$$
Maintenance
Low High
Durability
Low High
Note:
Builders may choose any exterior
finish that can be accommodated
within 3/4" cladding allowance
in wall assembly, including vinyl
or heat-treated wood, provided
they have considered cost,
combustibility, aesthetics, etc.

Roofing Examples
Asphalt Shingle
Combustibility
Cost
$ $$$
Maintenance
Low High
Durability
Low High
Standing Seam Metal
Combustibility
Cost
$ $$$
Maintenance
Low High
Durability
Low High
Wood Shingle
Combustibility
Cost
$ $$$
Maintenance
Low High
Durability
Low High

Optional Solar Shading Devices
Exterior Roller Blinds
Metal Plate Awning
Covered Porch

More information
Additional resources are available if you wish to
build a home based on these standardized designs.
Design and energy modelling files

• The standardized designs in this Catalogue are
available to the public for free;
• Engaging a qualified residential or building
designer is the easiest way to begin modifying
these design files;
• The design and energy modelling files contain
additional annotations and information which
will be useful for budgeting, permitting, and
construction purposes;
• Filetypes include DWG, H2K, RVT, and IFC
which requires specialized software to open;
Users are responsible for identifying and
acquiring compatible software;
• To view and download the design files, you must
read and accept a terms of use (external link).
Class D costing estimate

• Produced by a third party, the document
provides general costing assumptions and
estimates which help price out a project;
• Read the costing estimate (PDF).
Disclaimer
The diagrams and scales depicted in this guide
are for illustrative purposes only, and should not
be used for construction or permitting purposes.
These Designs and this Catalogue may be updated
by the Province from time to time. Full terms of use
may be read when downloading the design files.

Bc Std Des Catalogue v1

Uploaded by

Document Informationclick to expand document information

Copyright:

Available Formats

Bc Std Des Catalogue v1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Bc Std Des Catalogue v1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Standardized

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 3

Accessory Dwelling Unit 01 18

Accessory Dwelling Unit 02 54

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 4

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 5

Building Block Customization

This component-based system is designed

Step 2. ADD The blocks are then paired with a variety

Plan 2A: 2 bedrooms Plan 2B: 1 bedroom

Pitched 1 Pitched 2 Pitched 3 Flat

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 6

Building Block Customization

Example A: Example B: Example C:

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 7

Building Block Siting

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 8

Building Block Siting

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 9

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 10

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 11

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 12

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 13

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 14

2.1: Building Block Design Examples p. 17

Accessory Dwelling Unit 01 p. 18

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 15

2.2: Alternate Designs p. 53

Accessory Dwelling Unit 02 p. 54

Accessory Dwelling Unit 03 p. 59

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 16

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 17

2nd Floor 525.00 ft2 [97.5 m2]

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 19

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 20

33' - 0" [10.05]

120' - 0" [36.60]

50' Site Plan:

120' - 0" [36.60]

50' Site Plan:

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 21

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 22

No. of Baths/Unit 1.5

Unit Height 26'-6" [8.10]

1st Floor 514.30 ft2 [47.80 m2]

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 24

20' - 6" [6.25] 20' - 6" [6.25]

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 25

120' - 0" [36.60]

120' - 0" [36.60]

50' Site Plan:

120' - 0" [36.60]

50' Site Plan:

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 26

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 27

Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue 29

41' - 0" [12.50]

Floor Plans 20' - 6" [6.25]

25' - 0" [7.60]

Accessory Dwelling Unit 01 18

Accessory Dwelling Unit 02 54

2.1: Building Block Design Examples p. 17

Accessory Dwelling Unit 01 p. 18

2.2: Alternate Designs p. 53

Accessory Dwelling Unit 02 p. 54

Accessory Dwelling Unit 03 p. 59