Picnic Design Receives Committee of Adjustment Approval for Co-Living Prototype

Picnic Design has received approval from Committee of Adjustment for Lappin House, an upcoming co-living prototype in Toronto’s west end.

Amid the ongoing housing crisis, residents have struggled to find options that foster a sense of community. Lappin House aims to address these needs by introducing a co-living model that combines private living spaces with shared communal areas.

Reflecting on the project’s early reception, Joanne Lam, OAA, LEED AP, Co-Founder of Picnic Design, shared:

“When we first presented Lappin House to the Committee of Adjustment, there was a lot of opposition. People thought we were building a rooming house, mainly because co-living isn’t common here, and there was a lot of misunderstanding. One of our goals is to host an open house once the project is built, or at least far enough along, so neighbours can come in, walk through, and see what we were really trying to create.”

The development will offer a mix of private units and communal spaces, designed to create flexible, functional living arrangements for residents.

“Our studio is passionate about co-living, and we’re trying to bring it in as another missing middle option,” Lam added. “Ultimately, we want Lappin House to show people there are other ways we can live and live well.”

With the Committee of Adjustment approval in place, Picnic Design will proceed with detailed design and permit applications.