A recent design-build project in Burnaby's Capitol Hill neighbourhood is demonstrating how gentle density can be integrated into established communities with style and sensitivity. The property, developed by Vancouver's Theorem Developments, successfully layers three distinct living units onto a single lot while maintaining the aesthetic of a refined single-family home.
A Philosophy of Family-Centric Development
For Suraj Jhuty, co-principal of Theorem Developments, a personal question guides every project: "Would I want my family to live here?" This principle served as a constant gut check during the Capitol Hill build. "We always try to build as if our own family is going to live there; as if our siblings or our own mother will live in it," Jhuty explains. This ethos is central to the firm's approach, especially for projects involving so-called 'missing-middle' housing—denser than a single-family home but smaller than a large condo development.
Seamless Integration into a Mature Neighbourhood
The project was initiated when the property owner approached Theorem around the same time the City of Burnaby changed its zoning to permit laneway homes. The hilltop lot, offering views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore, presented a prime opportunity. Rather than imposing a bulky structure, the team designed a main residence, a basement suite, and a laneway home to be discreetly layered onto the property.
"We still wanted to give it a single-family feel, so if you were driving on that street, you wouldn't know that there were multiple units on the lot," says Jhuty. "We really wanted to blend in with the neighbourhood." From the street, the home presents a refined West Coast modern design with a white brick and stucco facade, warm wood soffits, black-framed windows, and a distinctive arched entry. Landscape architect Alex Lerner complemented the architecture with layered plantings designed to mature for a balance of privacy and openness.
Warm and Functional Interior Spaces
Inside, the layout centres around a spacious kitchen on the main floor, acting as the heart of the home. Living spaces extend from this core, with a formal living room featuring a gas fireplace at the front and a casual TV lounge at the back. Interior designer Janice Schulte Woodward crafted a balance that feels warm and polished yet practical for daily life.
Key interior features include:
- An oversized, natural stone-topped island with seating for six.
- Slim-shaker oak cabinetry creating a tailored kitchen aesthetic.
- A hidden pantry discreetly located under the stairs.
- An open flow connecting the kitchen, dining area, and front sitting room.
The completed project, finalized in December 2025, stands as a case study in sensitive infill development. It proves that increasing housing density in sought-after, mature neighbourhoods like Capitol Hill does not require sacrificing aesthetic appeal or neighbourhood character. By thoughtfully designing multiple units to read as one cohesive home, Theorem Developments has provided a model for adding gentle density to communities across the region.
