www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 2933

Much like the Murphy Bed, our Murphy is a wondrous bit of efficiency and flexibility. A slender 24-foot width allows it to be slipped onto infill lots, into eco-communities or as a charming guesthouse or mother-in-law suite with the added benefit of a two-car garage!

The entry provides generous cover from the weather as well as access to the garage. Once inside, one finds a generous coat closet and bench seating . Just beyond is a  powder room, easily accessed from the garage or main entry. An interior door is conveniently located at the base of the stairs, so it is a breeze to whisk groceries straight up and into the kitchen. Due to virtually no halls, the upstairs is able to include two bedrooms, a full bathroom, country kitchen, living room, laundry and an enjoyable screened balcony, with grilling platform.

We have rendered this model with a simple finish but it can easily be dressed up to suit any neighbourhood. The many possibilities presented by this plan make it one of our perennial favourites!

For full plan details, click here…

For other narrow lot designs, please visit our Narrow Lot Collection or try our Advanced Search to get even more specific with your requirements.

Many city planners are embracing the idea of densification – zoning for a secondary dwelling unit on existing properties to prevent urban sprawl. Zoning to allow these units also helps to prevent the building of illegal suites and ensures that these units are built to code. Vancouver has embraced the concept of “Eco-Density”. Laneway housing was approved in Vancouver in 2009 and a monitoring report was recently posted to their Eco-Density Initiative website. Many other communities are looking at densification strategies. Sooke and Nanaimo are two other communities which allow for the building of secondary dwelling units.

By definition, a Laneway house may be a single or multi-storey unit and does not necessarily include enclosed parking. Some incorporate a sleeping loft to increase useable space while maintaining a small foundation footprint.

If space and privacy allows, these units can be a wonderful mortgage-helper or a handy way to give older (or younger) family members some privacy in an in-law suite while still being able to keep an eye on one another without a full renovation of the main home. You may also find that building a carriage house is an ideal interim dwelling while you build your vacation or country home!

Have a chat with your city planning office to find out if Carriage Houses or Laneway houses are allowed or planned for in your area and what the allowed dimensions are. The Drummond House Plans modification team can easily customize any of the Carriage or Cottage House Plans  to suit your specific needs or work with you to create a custom plan to compliment your existing home.

The idea of micro-living intrigued me so it was time for some research. 
After much digging on the web and calling different city halls around BC, I came to understand that Lois’ idea is more than just a concept – it is now a reality. Many regions are allowing additional dwellings to be added to properties as separate living units for grandparents, renters, and the increasingly common “boomerang children”. These dwellings are sized in accordance with local building by-laws and can be as small as 300 square feet which is, amazingly, in accordance with the National Building code of Canada. Formalizing densification also addresses the issue that there were illegal (and often unsafe) dwellings being added to properties.

Drummond House Plans - Tiny House Plan no. 2923

Still the question begs to be asked, “Why would someone want to build (or live in) a home the size of a shed?” From a user’s point of view, a tiny house would be perfect for someone needing independence, low maintenance, affordability, and safety. From a city planner’s perspective, it addresses affordable housing and densification mandates.  From a landlords perspective it’s a small space to independently house a family member or generate income to help out with mortgage payments. From city hall’s perspective it is additional tax revenue. When you look at it from all of these perspectives, tiny houses make sense.

Can a person comfortably live in a space so small? One need only ask people with live-aboard boats and RV’s that very question. With careful planning and paring down to necessities, both groups of people would say “absolutely”! Of course, it may be quite challenging for a young or growing family but “living small” is an ecological and social challenge that some are happy to embrace.

For the purpose of definition, Drummond House Plans classifies a tiny house as a dwelling which is under 1100 square feet. These houses are frequently fawned over as being darned cute and amazingly efficient. These homes also have the added benefit of having a smaller carbon footprint and are ideal for areas which embrace high-density housing. 

Thank you, Lois, for starting this conversation. We look forward to adding more designs to our available Drummond Tiny House Plans for people just like you.

Shed Plan 2963-16 by www.DrummondHousePlans.com

To get a custom shed plan or a playhouse plan to match your existing or future house, please contact Drummond House Plans’ customization department or call 1-800-567-5267.

If you are looking for a larger storage solution, visit our detached garage designs collection. 

Garage Plan 3981 by www.DrummondHousePlans.com

For those who are searching for extra space for your in-laws, review our garage plans with apartment collection.

Garage Plan with Apartment / Mother-in-law Suite (Plan 3935) by www.DrummondHousePlans.com