Designed by Husk Interior Design, this 1,200 square foot half duplex in Vancouver was reconfigured to allow a family of four to use the small home’s main space for multiple functions including serving as music and interior design studios.
The result is a successful celebration of green design and small space living, reflecting the family’s passions, values and lifestyle in a humble and renewed space.
Inspiration for this “missing middle” renovation project came from a phrase hanging on the family wall – ‘Design Will Save the World. Just After Rock’n’Roll Does’ – which appropriately captures the family dynamics of musicians, designers and environmentalists.
The home evokes simplicity, serving as a backdrop for a rotation of accessories and musical equipment. Thrifted and inherited furniture and accessories from the 60s and 70s add interest to the home.
To demonstrate environmentally conscious living practices and provide learning opportunities for future projects, the project features detailing and green materials not commonly seen in local projects.
Biophilic elements reveal a love of nature with an interior food garden, layered lighting and the use of green materials derived from wood, paper, plant matter and clay. Local products and manufacturing are featured throughout, especially in lighting and tile selections.
“The significant consideration given to healthy and green building materials” made this project unique, says interior designer Sharon Hollingsworth.
The renovation minimized waste, utilized design-for-deconstruction detailing and considered indoor air quality with low-emitting finishes.
Hollingsworth says the project’s main challenge and greatest reward was “developing unique details for less commonly used finishes and materials while navigating existing site conditions and minimizing waste under a modest budget.”
Flexibility and generous storage were also key considerations in the design. Adaptive and playful storage surprises abound, maximizing the small space and allowing for quick change. The dining area houses a utility closet and can flexibly be used as a bar, music room, and multi-workstation home office with secretary desk and pull-out work surfaces. Other storage features include recycling space, a washer dryer and clothes closet tucked into the reconfigured entryway and ceiling-height storage above the electric fireplace.
“A favourite part is the customized storage that helps declutter the small space while ergonomically supporting various needs from record playing to bunny care. Another is the expanded sense of light in the north-facing home,” says Hollingsworth.
To offset the daylight limitations of the north-facing half duplex orientation, the firm used millwork-integrated grow lights for indoor gardening and sunlight mimicry plus a new custom French door to a Juliet Balcony. Other thoughtful details include applying photometrics, lighting controls and maximizing energy-saving windows.
The Drive Duplex project earned Husk Interior Design multiple honours at the 2025 Shine Awards of Excellence. It won an Award of Excellence and the Robert Ledingham Award as well as an Award of Merit, Climate Action and Innovation. Hollingsworth took home the Interior Designer of the Year Award.
“The awards represent a win for green building and small spaces. The Robert Ledingham memorial award will be especially cherished for the remembrance of a gentle and inspiring leader and the meaningful embodiment of both the award and project in the tactile art of Deagan McDonald at Origins,” says Hollingsworth. “I am beyond grateful for this recognition and warmed by the support of our wonderful interior design community.”
Photos: Janis Nicolay
Cheryl Mah is managing editor of Design Quarterly
