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Accessible Garbage Shed Design for Seniors.

Shed Replacement – Vancouver Strata (2024)

This project replaced a deteriorating strata garbage and recycling shed that was at risk of collapse.

The new structure integrates a ramp for accessibility, optimized bin placement for residents and the caretaker, and a roof to protect users from rain—addressing previous misuse of nearby areas for dumping. The design also preserved an existing mature wisteria, with structural reinforcement to support its weight and seasonal snow loads. A practical, durable solution that improves access, function, and community compliance.
Accessible Garbage Shed Design for Seniors
  • Replaced a deteriorating garbage and recycling shed that was at risk of structural failure.
  • Integrated a ramp and optimized bin placement to improve accessibility for residents and ease of handling for the caretaker.
  • Preserved the existing mature wisteria, reinforcing the structure to support plant weight and seasonal snow loads.
  • Added a roofed enclosure to protect users from rain and discourage unauthorized dumping elsewhere on the property.

This was a small project I completed in 2024 for a Strata client in Vancouver, BC. They needed to replace their aging garbage and recycling shed, which was rotting and at risk of collapsing within a few years.

Given the strata’s aging population, I recommended incorporating a ramp and strategically placing the bins for easier access—both for residents and the caretaker, who needed to wheel them out on collection days.

A key requirement was preserving the existing wisteria, meaning the design had to accommodate its current size and weight, along with the additional load from snow in winter. The strata also requested a roof. Some residents avoided using the shed due to exposure to rain with an area in the underground parking becoming an unauthorized dumping site and the strata wanted to put an end to that.

The new structure aimed to encourage proper waste disposal while meeting residents’ needs for accessibility and convenience.

The adjacent photos and images show the existing shed and the proposal.

 

Existing Garbage & Recycle Shed
On the raised deck leading to the shed
Wisteria Growth
Wisteria Growth
Wisteria Growth
Existing Shed Doors
Interior of existing shed
Interior of existing shed
Post & Beam Shed
PV Render – Wisteria removed for clarity
PV Render
PV of Post and Beam Structure
A0.0 – General Information
A0.1 – Site Plan
A0.2 – Plans
A0.3 – Roof Plans
A0.4 – Elevations & Sections
A0.5 – Sections C-G
A0.6 – Proposed Shed Renders
A0.7 – Renders

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