Vancouver Laneway Pioneer | Design + Build

VanPlex Plexperts · BC Multiplex Architect

Bryn Davidson

Featured on VanPlex Plexperts — the curated directory of BC multiplex architects.

Co-Founder & Design Lead, Lanefab Design/Build

The studio that built Vancouver's first laneway house. Now building triplexes a decade later.

Started 2005 by Bryn Davidson. Built Vancouver's first laneway in 2010, first net-zero solar laneway in 2012. ~20 people, 10 homes a year, design + build under one roof.

Design + BuildNet-Zero PioneerTriplex Specialist

2010

Vancouver's 1st laneway

2012

1st net-zero laneway

~10/yr

Homes built

~20

On the team

Meet Bryn Davidson

Bryn Davidson started Lanefab Design/Build in 2005, shortly after graduating from architecture school. The practice is design-and-build under one roof — meaning the team that draws the building is the same team that builds it.

Davidson was instrumental in building Vancouver's first laneway house (2010) and the first net-zero solar-powered laneway (2012). Lanefab now runs about 20 staff and ships roughly 10 homes per year.

Beyond design and construction, Davidson has been a quietly persistent housing-policy advocate at Vancouver City Hall. He spent years arguing for the St. George Rainway in Mount Pleasant — now under construction.

On multiplex specifically, Lanefab specializes in triplexes built across two adjoining 33-ft lots: a lane dwelling plus two front townhouse units.

Credentials

DesignerBuilderPublic housing-policy advocate

Why work with Bryn

01

Design + build under one roof

No handoff between architect and contractor — the same team that drew it builds it. Eliminates the typical scope-vs-budget loop that drags Vancouver multiplexes past their schedule.

02

Green by default

Lanefab built Vancouver’s first net-zero laneway before net-zero was a CMHC requirement. The expertise transfers cleanly to multiplexes targeting CMHC MLI Select energy bonuses.

03

Triplex specialty on 66-ft frontage

Their published model — two side-by-side 33-ft lots, three units total — is a tested template for buyers assembling two adjacent lots.

Built work

Vancouver's first laneway house

Vancouver

1 units2010

The build that put laneway housing on Vancouver’s map.

First net-zero solar laneway

Vancouver

1 units2012

First net-zero, solar-powered laneway home in Vancouver.

Triplex on adjacent 33-ft lots

3 units

Lane dwelling plus two front townhouse units across two 33-ft lots — a tested Lanefab template.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lanefab an architecture firm or a builder?
Both — they're a design-build practice. For multiplexes that need a full AIBC stamp, Lanefab pairs with an AIBC-registered architect; for smaller laneway and Part 9 work they often handle drawings in-house.
Can Lanefab pull permits in Vancouver?
Yes — they've been working through Vancouver's permit process since 2010 and were active participants in shaping the laneway and multiplex bylaws.

Work with Bryn

Reach out directly — no VanPlex middle layer.

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