Brantford Covered-Lane Townhouse Block

A compact housing typology that integrates covered parking at street level, with residential units above and private patios creating usable outdoor space over the parking area.

For the level of density required on this site, the standard low-rise solution would usually be a single back-to-back townhouse block. That format forces most units to share three walls, leaving them with only one frontage—and very little natural light.

It also creates circulation issues: to reach every garage, vehicles need long looping routes, and firefighting access often demands even more pavement. In a suburban context, adding structured parking under these buildings is unrealistic, so the pattern quickly becomes inefficient and expensive.

 

CLIENT:

WP DEVELOPMENTS

 

LOCATION:

BRANTFORD, ON

 

DENSITY:

24 Units/Acre

 

PROJECT DURATION:

2025–

We approached the block differently.

Instead of one back-to-back block, we use two parallel blocks, each slightly deeper so that every home gets light from both sides. This simple shift transforms the quality of the units: rooms are brighter, ventilation improves, and each home can even include a small backyard on the second level. Because the layouts are efficient and well-lit, the units can be narrower while still feeling generous and comfortable.

Compact townhouse block designed as two parallel rows of light-filled homes with front doors on a quiet pedestrian-friendly street and vehicle access from a rear laneway.
 Landscaped deck above covered parking lane
The site plan shows how the covered-lane townhouse typology can be organized at the neighbourhood scale, combining compact residential blocks with internal green spaces and walkable connections.
A compact townhouse block with public street frontage and covered laneway access for private garages.

Circulation works differently too. A main public street still fronts the homes, but vehicle access is handled through a ground-level laneway tucked under the raised backyards. Because this lane is only covered by balconies—not by full buildings—it stays cost-effective while delivering a clean, simple access strategy. Front doors face a quiet, pedestrian-friendly street, with emergency and service access available when needed. The result is a block that supports light-filled homes, calmer streets, and far less asphalt.

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