Formatura Design Build

The Process

Coach houses and carriage houses are becoming increasing popular in the Comox Valley. FORMATURA has some unique expertise in laneway housing, particularly when it comes to designing enjoyable, functional small spaces. As well, we understand  the nuances of what is allowable under OCPs and different local bylaws.

This is a series of photos showing some of the key steps involved in constructing one of our popular smaller designs.

Carriage House – Double Garage

Carriage House Garage 2 visual

This laneway house was designed to maximize interior space, yet still meet the footprint and height constraints of Comox’s building bylaws.

Level one – two car garage, WC
Level two – 400 sq ft office / storage
or
Level two – 400 sq ft suite
Footprint – 530 sq ft

In addition to creating the building design, FORMATURA was hired to provide construction drawings and to act as a consultant during the construction process. The client built the home, and is finishing it as his schedule permits.

Carriage HDG 1
After the excavation, the wall footings are formed and poured. Once the concrete has set, the foundation wall forms are set into position.
Carriage HDG 2
Rebar is set into the forms to reinforce the concrete walls.
Carriage HDG 3
The forms are braced to ensure they remain plumb, flat, and square.
Carriage HDG 4
Steel bars and form ties are used to strengthen the wooden forms so they can withstand them massive pressure exerted by the wet concrete.
Concrete is placed into the forms with the help of a pump truck.
Concrete is placed into the forms with the help of a pump truck.
The forms have been stripped off, the foundation walls coated in dampproofing, and the back fill process has begun.
The forms have been stripped off, the foundation walls coated in dampproofing, and the back fill process has begun.
Plumbing has bee roughed in for the building. Rain downspout leaders, and weeping tile are in place and connected to the municipal sewer.
Plumbing has bee roughed in for the building. Rain downspout leaders, and weeping tile are in place and connected to the municipal sewer.
The Carriage House framing is complete, and it's new metal roof is on.
The Carriage House framing is complete, and it’s new metal roof is on.
Carriage House Double Garage 9
The structure is complete, exterior finishing is underway, and plumbing and electrical are being roughed in.
Carriage House Double Garage 10
Upper sections & dormers are finished in cedar shake. Lower wall will be finished with cedar board & batten.

Serving the Comox Valley, British Columbia • 250.702.1305