Vancouver Special 2.0: B.C. unveils free, standardized multiplex housing designs [Video]

Call it the Vancouver Special 2.0.

In an effort to cut costs and build times on new housing, the B.C. government has released a set of free, standardized designs for small-scale, multi-unit dwellings.

“Set housing designs mean that people will be able to build more beautiful homes in their communities, faster than ever before,” Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said.

“We see huge potential in this and what’s vital is that every year we continue to expand the opportunity on these catalogues so we see a variety of types of homes in our communities.”

The new designs will invariably draw parallels to the iconic “Vancouver special,” a cookie-cutter single-family home design built in large numbers between the 1960s and 1980s and known for its low build cost and, because of its well-known dimensions, quick permit turnaround at city hall.

The province is releasing duplex, triplex, quadplex and townhouse designs. All of the designs comply with the latest …