Pre-Approved Detached ARU Design Gallery

The Town of Collingwood is pleased to share these pre-approved detached ARU designs to offer a faster, easier, and more predictable design and permitting process. This gallery showcases designs that have been pre-approved by the Town of Collingwood’s Building Services Department. Expand on each design to learn more and connect with its designer to use the plan.

Design pre-approvals are intended to simplify the decision process for the property owner and expedite building permit approval timelines. Pre-approved designs do not imply compliance with the Town’s Zoning By-Law because full compliance is property-specific. Please read the important note and process section carefully (found below the gallery).

Rending of Bachelor/Bachelorette accessory dwelling unit.

At 450 square feet of interior space, the Bachelor / Bachelorette is an efficient footprint that places the bedroom at the rear of the home, offering a buffer between the bedroom and existing dwellings. Slab on grade provides an accessible, barrier-free entrance and alternate window locations (where site conditions allow) give options for added privacy, while optional exterior finishes can help personalize the design.

Rendering of Comfy Quarters accessory dwelling unit.

At 805 square feet of interior space, the Comfy Quarters is a family-friendly, two-bedroom home with enough room for a family of four.  Bedrooms are placed at the rear of the building, offering a buffer between bedrooms and existing dwellings. Slab on grade provides an accessible, barrier-free entrance and alternate window locations (where site conditions allow) give options for added privacy, while optional exterior finishes can help personalize the design.

Rending of Honomobo's H02 modular accessory dwelling unit.

Modular steel housing is in demand. Many are looking for highly durable design options beyond the typical. Honomobo’s HO2 is scale-sensitive, respectful to the existing neighbourhood context and provides housing choice and diversity because of its functional, efficient footprint, multiple floor plan options and uniqueness. Large windows allow for ample daylighting while the overhangs and “wrap” on the unit’s exterior provide shade protection against summer sun while allowing for sun exposure in the winter.

Photo of exterior of "Ruby" ADU

The “Ruby” is a contemporary, new urbanism design. NUVO’s custom designs create the large home feel in a tiny home envelope.  Engineered wall, floor and roof systems offer a solid feel, similar to a standard home, and custom, high-end cabinetry sets NUVO apart from park model builders.  All units are fully assembled at our factory in Hamilton, ensuring high quality and consistency. Your unit can be delivered within a month, depending on order volume and customization.

Jasper Group Inc. designed this garden suite as a condensed living option without compromising on luxury. Incorporating lofting ceilings with transom windows in the entry and a covered porch to extend the living space outdoors, you will forget that this home is only 768 square feet.

The P70 model is designed to maximize comfort, functionality and efficiency, with a spacious living room and kitchen, a large master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, and a second bedroom and bathroom that adds to its versatility. This series is perfect for a family, offering a balance of open space and privacy, while ensuring a strong connection to the outdoors. 

Design pre-approvals are intended to simplify the decision process for the property owner and expedite building permit approval timelines. Pre-approved designs do not imply compliance with the Town’s Zoning By-Law because full compliance is property-specific. Property owners will be required to go through the regular permitting process for the construction or placement of the ARU.  For more information on Zoning By-Law Requirements visit our Rapid ARU Program webpage and scroll down to “ARU in a Detached Accessory Building – Zoning By-Law Requirements”.

The Town makes no guarantees, representations or warranty with respect to the ARU design or construction plans, including their quality, safety, or suitability for a homeowner’s property. Homeowners using pre-approved plans rely solely upon the designer, architect and/or contractor for any representations, warranties, and assurances with respect to the ARU design and construction plans.

While the Town will help make connections between property owners and the firm/designer, any agreements and/or financial transactions will take place directly between the property owner and the designer, architect and/or contractor.

The Town of Collingwood is calling for submissions of detached accessory dwelling unit designs as part of our Rapid Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Initiative 2.0. Submitted plans will be reviewed and up to six designs selected for this program will be pre-approved and displayed in an online gallery.

Check out the design submission requirements webpage for more details.