Case Study: Single-Family Home to Multi-Unit Conversion in Kingston

Introduction

This project began with a straightforward goal: reimagine a single-family home in Kingston’s West End as a modern, multi-unit property without sacrificing privacy or functionality for any of the tenants. But the corner lot’s unique advantage (a detached garage facing a second street) unlocked an unexpected opportunity. By the project’s completion, what was once a single-family dwelling had been thoughtfully redesigned into four self-sufficient units, each with private amenities and separate access.

The result? A property that maximizes density while offering tenants the comfort of a standalone home, all within the existing footprint.

Outside Unit 1 (Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

Design and Planning: Leveraging Hidden Potential

Great design starts by listening to the building, and this property spoke clearly. Its existing features and layout eliminated the need for drastic structural changes, allowing the team to focus on intelligent spatial division rather than costly overhauls.

Existing Strengths, Strategic Solutions:

Dual-Access Garage: The detached garage’s positioning, facing a secondary street, allowed easy transformation from storage space into a private, two-bedroom unit. This rare layout granted tenants independent entrances and outdoor space, avoiding the cramped feel of traditional conversions.

Walkdown Basement: An existing exterior entry to the basement made creating a legal one-bedroom unit effortless. No tunnelling or stair reshuffling necessary; just a clean, code-compliant conversion.

Natural Separation: The home’s main floor’s previous addition had an inherent division, allowing the team to carve out a two-bedroom unit without invasive demolition. Upstairs, the original structure’s half-storey layout inspired a charming three-bedroom unit with sloped ceilings, blending character with modern utility.

By auditing the property’s bones first, the design team turned constraints (like strict egress requirements) into advantages: a seamless transition from single-family home to four distinct dwellings, each with privacy, natural light, and in-suite laundry, and all within the existing envelope.

Unit 2 (Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

Features and Amenities: Designed for Independence

Each unit in this converted property was designed to operate as a self-contained residence. From private entrances to in-suite conveniences, the design prioritizes autonomy, ensuring comfort for tenants and ease for owners. In fact, each unit has a dishwasher and its own laundry.

The basement became a comfortable one-bedroom unit with its own exterior entrance, avoiding the common pitfalls of basement suites by maintaining proper light and privacy. Above it, the original home was carefully divided to create two distinct units: a three-bedroom space that makes creative use of the existing half-storey layout with sloped ceilings, and a separate two-bedroom unit in what was once the home’s addition.

The detached garage, often an afterthought in such conversions, was transformed into a complete two-bedroom dwelling with its own street-facing entrance. This not only added valuable living space but also provided exceptional privacy for its occupants.

The design also accounted for essential infrastructure needs from the outset. Our plans specified replacement of the rear deck with durable, low-maintenance materials and included provisions for upgrading the undersized water line, which are crucial considerations that ensured the converted property would meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. These technical elements were seamlessly integrated into the overall design vision.

Results and Impact

Our completed design transformed the property's potential while respecting its existing framework. What began as a single-family dwelling now accommodates four complete living units, each maintaining the quality and comfort of a standalone residence. Careful and thorough design like this demonstrates how we can unlock hidden density without compromising livability.

For the owners, the new layout offers both financial flexibility and practical living options. The units can function as rental properties, multigenerational homes, or a hybrid of both, all while preserving the building’s original character. The garage’s conversion into a full two-bedroom unit highlights how overlooked spaces can become valuable living areas.

On a broader level, the project contributes to Kingston’s west end by adding versatile housing options in a way that complements the neighbourhood. It’s a model for how underutilized properties can evolve to meet modern needs while respecting their surroundings.

Unit 4 (Images Courtesy of She Shoots Inc.)

In Conclusion

This project demonstrates how creative design can transform underutilized properties into smart, functional housing solutions without losing the character of the original structure. By seeing potential where others might see limitations, we’ve shown how thoughtful architecture can meet evolving community needs while also adding lasting value.