If you’re thinking about buying or building a home in Canada, it’s helpful to know about the most popular styles of Canadian house. While homes across North America share many similarities, there are some key differences to be aware of. Here is a guide to Canadian house designs you’re most likely to encounter:
Canadian house plans use most of the same terminology and style elements you’ll find elsewhere on the continent. However, in Canadian architecture, a ranch style home is a broad term used to describe any single story house plan.
So, you might find “ranch” houses in Canada that also fit into a different architectural design category, such as contemporary or craftsman style.
Ranch style house plans are popular in Canada for homeowners who want the freedom of a floor plan without the logistical obstacle of stairs.
Cottage style homes are extremely popular Canadian house plans. Cottages feature asymmetrical layouts and generous front porches. As for building materials, wood is prominently used for interior floors, walls and ceilings. On the exterior, this type of Canadian home often features half-timbered facades with a mix of wood and natural stone.
Cottage homes are charming and simple without sacrificing style. They’re also versatile, energy efficient and come in single and multi-story designs.
A branch of modern architecture, the West Coast style comes from Vancouver and other areas of Canada with uneven terrain. Because of the land’s topography, architects and designers in the region found innovative ways to apply modernist design principles to home building.
Some major examples include homes featuring mixed elevations, bold geometric shapes and floor plans with multipurpose living spaces.
While West Coast Canadian house plans fit beautifully into the difficult terrain of the Western regions, you’ll find this popular style in every province.
Not sure which is the best Canadian house plan for you? While these are only some of the most popular architectural styles of Canadian houses, they are an excellent place to start your search for inspiration. With the wide variety of floor plans and exterior features, you’re sure to find something that fits your personal style.
Lana Harris is a Chicago native who is a second-generation real estate professional. She was introduced to real estate at a very young age while attending open houses with her mother who is a broker. She honed her skills assisting in property searches (back in the thick, Multiple Listing Service book days,) and using map reading skills to help plan property tour sequencing. Lana’s love of working with people and delivering strong customer service led her to the retail sector, where she developed her management skills at MC Sports, Ann Taylor, and Adidas. She and her husband moved to Utah in 2008 to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains, and she began her real estate career here in 2015. Most recently, she was a VP of sales for a large team; she thrives on challenges and is determined to overcome obstacles to achieve results for her clients. Lana and her husband enjoy their three large dogs, skiing, camping and paddleboarding.
