The evolution of Calgary’s laned homes

Laned homes have been the darling of the new homebuyer set for almost as long as there has been a new homebuilding industry. This type of home usually has a porch or veranda facing the street, or big front windows with unencumbered view of the front yard. It also has a parking pad or detached garage with rear lane access, and it has always been the preferred first home for many.

Traditional designs have typically been utilitarian with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths with an open concept main floor and a basement development option. But lately, there has been a noticeable change in the design.
Over the last decade or so, it was rare to see laned homes larger than 1,500 square-feet in Calgary. But today, as lifestyle needs of buyers continue to evolve, laned homes have gotten bigger, offering more living space than ever before, many coming with options for spice kitchens, and main floor bedrooms, and more.

We spoke with a few local homebuilders to explain the laned homes’ continued allure and its new, lifestyle designs.

Changing with the times

Trico Homes Director of Marketing Manager, Glenda Schwartz says laned homes offer much in terms of curb appeal but changing needs have led to new design innovations. “Trico Homes has noticed a definite trend towards larger laned homes, and our product development team has come up new designs to accommodate the emerging new needs among buyers,” she tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

“We have designed larger laned homes to accommodate space that majority of people are looking for now days, such as main floor flex room/ bedroom with full main bath and bonus room upstairs with 3 bedrooms & 2 bath with laundry, as well as a two-bedroom secondary suite in basement for possible rental or extra space for multi-generational living or simply for a large family.”

Shane Homes has also noticed the same trend. “Homeowners now want a few more options for separated / flexible spaces, like media/family rooms on the second floor,” says Shane Homes new home advisor, John Hamilton. “These features have been common in front drive estate homes for years but now we can offer them in laned homes as well.”
Homes by Avi says they have new innovative models of laned homes too, but have also maintained some of their most popular models.

“More people looking for the laned homes with the price escalation of all homes over the recent years,” says Homes by Avi’s Sara Chan. “We give options from 1,200 to 2,000 square.ftee. Our laned homes is the perfect option if you want a detached home.”

All three builders have come out with new laned home models that exhibit the changing tastes in how laned home buyers want to live their lives.

Homes by Avi

Homes by Avi’s Sasha is one of its most popular models. It is just over 1,500 square-feet so it hits the sweet spot in terms of living space. It is a three-bedroom with two-and-a-half bath home with a main level pocket office - perfect for the work-from-home professional, or as a study area for kids. “The Sasha also has an upper level loft living area that adds to the appeal and flexibility,” Chan says.

Homes by Avi is opening a new Sasha showhome in Rangeview by Section 23 in the southeast on August 12 and they are quite excited for buyers to see its fresh splendour.

The Sasha design is so popular they also have it as a duplex showhome in the community of Belmont in the southwest.

But the options they have for laned homes is almost limitless. “We can do a side entrances to most of our homes. We have a couple of plans that have an optional main level bedroom. The side entrance is very popular,” Chan says.
Find out more at homesbyavi.com.

Shane Homes

The laned home has been one of Shane Homes’ specialties, and even though the bigger laned homes are becoming more popular, the multi-awarded builder maintains a good variation of models available.

“We still build smaller models in the 1,500 square foot range as we want to keep a full range of options open for our customers,” Hamilton says.

“But we do notice a trend to slightly larger homes in the 1,625-1,800 square-foot size. Homeowners now want a few more options for separated / flexible spaces, like media/family rooms on the second floor. These have been common in front drive estate homes for years but now we can offer them in laned homes as well.”

Shane Homes just opened their newest Vilano laned home showhome in the southeast community of Legacy, where it has been a perennial darling.

“It is the ideal size for most of our buyers at 1,634 square-feet,” Hamilton says, “with a spacious bonus room up top that’s great for family nights, as a media room or a home office.”

The Vilano also comes with a choice between a centre or rear-located kitchen, it also comes with a good-sized basement that opens up possibilities for legal suite development and extra living space.

Hamilton adds that its inherent flexibility allows it to have options like side entrances, which he says are “extremely popular, and affordable. “They provide a super convenient extra entrance to the house and if you are developing a basement for just personal use at a later time, this will make your construction project much easier when loading materials in and out.”

Shane Homes also has several laned home models with main floor bedroom or flex room that includes a full bath. “It’s a very popular option among multi-generational households and those that work from home.”

The standard options Shane offers are top of the line, he says, and include ultra-durable and great looking Luxury Vinyl Plank, your choice of quartz or granite countertops, and a six-piece stainless steel appliance package. “Homes also come with Video Doorbell, Smart Home System, 9-foot-high main floor, and the convenience and stress reducing services of Virtuo to seamlessly orchestrate your move!”

He adds that Shane Homes is a full custom builder, and “once you sign off on the price and details of your home, there are no subsequent price increases. The price you sign off on is the price you pay.” He adds that they believe in their homes so much that Shane Homes extends the normal five years of coverage buyers get on the building envelope to seven years.

Find out more at shanehomes.com.

Trico Homes

Trico Homes’ the Bravo laned home from its Legacy Collection had been one of the most hotly anticipated models since the homebuilder announced it for their 30th anniversary last year. And now, buyers can see its effervescent allure in the new The Bravo showhome in Seton that just opened.

The Bravo showhome stands at 1,600 square-feet with five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths - which is even more than their larger standard front-drive homes have and speaks to Trico’s ability to put functionality at the forefront.

It’s not all about functionality either, as the Bravo has plenty of “wow!” as well,” says Seton Area Sales Manager (laned), Devin Sloan. “It has a jaw-dropping 10-foot-long island that serves as the centrepiece of this culinary haven, which is accompanied by an extraordinary built-in appliance package that elevates the cooking experience.”

The Bravo is available in most other communities where Trico Homes builds, including Glacier Ridge in the northwest, Wolf Willow in the southeast, and Homestead in the northeast. But there remains a wide selection of laned homes available from about 1,400 to over 1,700 square-feet.

Sloan says Trico is also introducing a highly functional two-bedroom suite that maximizes living space and convenience. “This strategic change aligns with the increasing preference for smaller, more versatile, and affordable homes, ensuring Trico Homes remains competitive and relevant in the evolving Calgary housing marking.”

Building with Trico homes ensures not only a versatile selection of floor plans tailored to individual needs, but it also guarantees unmatched quality and a customer service experience that prioritizes client satisfaction.

“At Trico Homes, it is important for us to understand who our buyers are and how their needs are ny model options to personalize the home to meet your family’s specific needs.

Find out more at tricohomes.com.