M Flat

Multi-generational housing and age-in-place options for evolving families are a widespread challenge in growing metropolises such as Vancouver. As a new family headquarters, Haeccity Studio Architecture redesigned this dwelling to accommodate the clients’ various hobbies and collections, as well as provide flexible space for frequent visitors.

The clients were looking to downsize from a single-family home in Vancouver to a 1500 sf two-level apartment in Richmond, close to transit. They soon realized that along with downsizing, comes new challenges for storage and efficiency.

The project seeks to exploit hidden opportunities to maximize discreet storage, and incorporate flexible spaces. A shoe niche is tucked under the stair, and a sliding desk in the study allows the room to transform into a spare guest room with a gentle push. In the upstairs corridor, space is “borrowed” from the master bedroom, thickening a simple partition to include display and storage cabinets.

A range of warm finishes was therefore integrated into the built-in millwork, giving each space its own personality. Whitewashed white oak for the study, caramelized bamboo in the kitchen, cherry in transition spaces, and figured maple in the master bedroom each elevate the everyday rituals of the users.