My Houzz: Cozy Carriage House
A Canadian couple designs a small, charming, custom living space on a modest budget
Quite happily, I am pursuing my love for architecture, writing, and photography on the West Coast. The rest of the time is spent reading romance novels and old National Geographics in itchy woolen sweaters and taking pride in the latest thrift store find.
Quite happily, I am pursuing my love for architecture, writing, and photography... More »
Last year, Sarah Weinberg and her husband Eric Gindlesperger drew up plans for a carriage house behind their existing 1920s home to serve as their primary residence. They wanted to build a custom home from scratch on a modest budget, and rent out their other home. With help from architect Annabel Vaughan from publicLAB Research + Design, framers and consultants from Britannia Construction Design, TM Custom Woodwork and Alpine Pacific Construction, their downtown Squamish home became a reality. The attention to detail and character during the process demonstrates their passion in personalizing their home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sarah Weinberg, Eric Gindlesperger and their cat Meow Meow
Size: 570 square feet of living space in a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom carriage house
Location: Squamish, B.C., Canada
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sarah Weinberg, Eric Gindlesperger and their cat Meow Meow
Size: 570 square feet of living space in a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom carriage house
Location: Squamish, B.C., Canada
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| Newly built structures can't have living space on the first floor because of the possibility of flooding. The ground level is Gindlesperger's blacksmith shop and the second floor is their living space. Weinberg says this was one of their biggest struggles of building their home. "I didn't know about the city bylaw when I was planning it," she says. The home's design underwent several revisions because of that. "The original design didn't include a shop either, until I married a blacksmith!" she says as she happily shows off their work-in-progress shop, complete with its own bathroom. |
The vintage chest of drawers in the kitchen are cleverly used as a pantry for extra space. The area rugs were accumulated during Weinberg's time in Chile and Nepal and most of the textiles are from her travels there, as well as to South America, Asia and the Middle East.
The couch features hand-stuffed down pillows made by Suzi Beyerstein and Weinberg's mother Linda Weinberg.
The couch features hand-stuffed down pillows made by Suzi Beyerstein and Weinberg's mother Linda Weinberg.
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| A pair of tall, narrow doors leading to the bedroom and bathroom were given to Weinberg by a client. The couple's friend Thomas Mortensen, of TM Custom Woodwork in Squamish, cut them down and framed them to fit. The seating and dining area was originally intended to be the living room, while this area was planned to be an office. Weinberg says, "We just moved in, so we're still discovering how the spaces work best." |
A framed photograph of the couple's wedding in the desert of Nevada during Burning Man is displayed atop a thrifted coffee table. Next to some of their favorite cookbooks is an arrangement of rosemary and kale in a clay vase.
Their wedding at Burning Man was a spontaneous event that Weinberg says, "just should have happened." It was their first time at the festival, and Weinberg's mother was able to come despite the distance and circumstances. Gindlesperger and Weinberg were married in a structure called 'Zoneatopia,' which was convenient because they "were in the zone." Weinberg adds, "Burning Man came naturally to me, and the same love and fun that brought us there influences our home."
Their wedding at Burning Man was a spontaneous event that Weinberg says, "just should have happened." It was their first time at the festival, and Weinberg's mother was able to come despite the distance and circumstances. Gindlesperger and Weinberg were married in a structure called 'Zoneatopia,' which was convenient because they "were in the zone." Weinberg adds, "Burning Man came naturally to me, and the same love and fun that brought us there influences our home."
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The kitchen features Ikea cabinetry and eco-friendly bamboo flooring. A 24-inch gas range was chosen for its design, quality and size.
Weinberg expresses that building and designing your own space is a continuous process with limitless possibilites, even on a moderate budget. Their next project is to paint the walls in deep yellows and reds and to have one of their friends help tile an organic shaped backsplash in the kitchen.
Gas Range: Fisher & Paykel
Refrigerator: LG
Door panel curtains: Ikea
Weinberg expresses that building and designing your own space is a continuous process with limitless possibilites, even on a moderate budget. Their next project is to paint the walls in deep yellows and reds and to have one of their friends help tile an organic shaped backsplash in the kitchen.
Gas Range: Fisher & Paykel
Refrigerator: LG
Door panel curtains: Ikea
Weinberg's shell collection sits on the window sill in the bathroom. The shells are from world travels and her "love for the Earth." This collection is something Weinberg has carried throughout her life in multiple homes and countries. She adds, "When I set them up (some years in the garden and some years in the house), it definitely means that I am home."
Weinberg's face lights up when I ask what her favorite room in the house is; it's undoubtedly the bathroom. "The shower was my inspiration and just kind of came together. I wanted a sexy and luxurious shower experience," She says. "The teal-colored glass tiles add the feeling of a waterfall. I live in the cold but I love the warm waters, warm evenings and the good wine and sultry dance moves that accompany that!"
Features include built-in shower lights, a custom tile design, an overhead and hand shower and recessed shelves. Gindlesperger was careful to avoid pooling by ensuring an accurate angle for proper water flow.
Features include built-in shower lights, a custom tile design, an overhead and hand shower and recessed shelves. Gindlesperger was careful to avoid pooling by ensuring an accurate angle for proper water flow.
The mirror is a Weinberg family heirloom. Details like the abalone shell soap dish, simple hardware and crisp, clean cabinetry and sink make the bathroom a relaxing space. Aboriginal Canadian artist Norval Morrisseau painting picks up the color of the blue accent wall.
Sink cabinets: Ikea
Sink cabinets: Ikea
The stairs leading to the front door show off custom metal work by Gindlesperger.
They are are excited about the next phase of the building. "Eric is building his blacksmith shop in the garage and we are adding a covered carport/living green deck off the south side that has a 'door to nowhere' that will also cover the entrance stairs," Weinberg says.
They are are excited about the next phase of the building. "Eric is building his blacksmith shop in the garage and we are adding a covered carport/living green deck off the south side that has a 'door to nowhere' that will also cover the entrance stairs," Weinberg says.
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| Gindlesperger, Weinberg and their cat Meow Meow at home. The couple loves living in Squamish with its small town environment that includes access to the urban environment of Vancouver that includes restaurants and nightlife, and the natural environment including coastal mountains for skiing and biking. Weinberg says, "We know our neighbors, we run into them on the streets, our friends drop by unannounced and people are here to support each other." More: My Houzz: Cool Studio in the Mountains of B.C. My Houzz: Eclectic Vancouver Loft My Houzz: Vintage Charm in Vancouver |
Ideabook published on Feb. 12, 2012.
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Adam, the alley that you mentioned is actually the neighbour's driveway. Also, to clarify, the owners of this carriage house do have two homes on the property, but it was not their intention to relate the two.