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When it comes to laneway home design, Synthesis Design's Curtis Krahn thinks outside of the box: no ‘mini-me’ version of the primary residence, reports contributor Kirsten Rodenhizer in today's feature story. Instead, the firm's ModCube dwellings — modular marvels carefully crafted to fit into tight urban spaces — showcase sleek contemporary style and efficiency.  Read on to find out how these flex spaces are turning neglected backyards into functional dwellings. 
 
Also, in this edition of  Westcoast Homes...  

"In a world that’s gone plastic and inflatable crazy, a more nature-oriented outdoor winter display is so refreshing," says garden columnist Brian Minter. This week, Minter explains how to give your deck or patio a more natural winter makeover with traditional greenery and twinkly lights.

Until next week,

Mary Beth

Mary Beth Roberts

Westcoast Homes Editor

Vancouver Sun & The Province

mbroberts@postmedia.com

ARCHITECTURE

Modular but not mundane

By Kirsten Rodenhizer

There are two schools of thought on laneway-home design: mimic the style of the main house or do something completely different. These days, Curtis Krahn leans to the second.

"We don't need to create a little mini-me," says Krahn, founding principal of Synthesis Design. Bylaws, lot sizes and existing architecture create constraints, he says – and you risk forcing a style that doesn't make sense for the space if you go that route.

His company's East 4th laneway project in North Vancouver is a case study in the opposite: a minimalist modern structure sharing a lot with a character home.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

How to give your deck/patio a winter makeover with greenery and lights

By Brian Minter

With a touch of winter in the air, many of us are already looking at adding some seasonal decor on our decks and patios. The beauty of summer colour can be reimagined in many unique and creative ways to make our winter outdoor living spaces welcoming and nice to enjoy as we look out our windows.

Winter makeovers are catching on all across our country, and it makes such a positive change to our homes and neighbourhoods. It can be done in many ways, but for the most effective results, you need to combine many elements.

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REAL ESTATE

Sold (Bought): Mission townhouse handy to transit and downtown amenities

86 — 8335 Nelson St., Mission: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse

The big sell: Polygon built its Archer Green development in 2022 with a selection of three- and four-bedroom townhomes close to downtown Mission, and with grocery stores, the West Coast Express and commuter routes all nearby.

Residents can enjoy a 4,800-square-foot clubhouse, The Archer Club, which includes an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and fireside lounge. According to the developer's website, all homes include an overheight garage that fits two cars, while this particular property also has an enviable end-unit position.

Inside, there are airy nine-foot-high ceilings and expansive windows that fill the home with natural light, rich laminate floors that run though the main living areas, a well-equipped kitchen with ample storage space including a pantry, and all three bedrooms upstairs alongside side-by-side laundry appliances, and two full bathrooms.

The property was listed for $789,900 sold for $770,000 after seven days on market in this listing.

Continue reading our weekly roundup of Metro Vancouver property sales

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