ZEHouse
ZEHouse is a concept design based on the 'zero energy building' model. The philosophy was to design a house that is not only self sustaining, but uses as little energy as possible in both the design and construction. The home had to be affordable and have as little impact on the environment as possible while providing an ideal living environment for years to come. We are proud to be one of the first homes registered in the Canadian LEED pilot program, launched this spring by the Canadian Green Building Council.
Careful site planning and house placement allows us to cut less trees and keep the property low maintenance while preserving the site's natural beauty. A southern orientation allows us to take maximum advantage of the sun's energy to heat the house in the winter, while the use of sun shades and roof overhang keeps it cool in the summer. A 3D model was developed to study solar solstice angles and determine the roof slope to allow the light to penetrate through to the far wall. By using local materials, we reduce the amount of energy required to bring materials to the site. The house was designed based on the maximum span of a local white pine from a local timber mart no more than a few kilometers up the road. On site cedar will be used for paneling, decking and flooring, with on site limestone in high traffic areas.
The house also features a gray water reuse system, recycling 80% of waste water and reducing the loading on the septic bed. Low flow shower heads, faucets and toilets will be installed to reduce water consumption. A HVAC heat exchanger will be installed to recover heat from domestic hot water sources and reduce airborne pollutants. R-40 walls are achieved using a 'double wall' framing system, and in the floors and ceiling using 2'x12' framing and the use of unheated cold breaks in both the crawlspace underneath the house and attic above. All three assemblies will be insulated using Ultra Touch cotton batten insulation to avoid harmful off-gassing. Energy Star rated, double pane windows reduces heat loss while maximizing solar gain through the glazing. A detailed cut list and waste diversion plan will be developed to reduce construction waste. The home also features a solar hot water array combined with a solar panel system. Energy Star rated lights and appliances helps keep the power consumption to a minimum. Use of natural ventilation through ceiling fans and opening upper windows will be used in place of an air conditioning system.
A scale model of the home has also been commissioned made from balsa wood at one quarter scale. Check the Gallery for pictures!
Atkins Addition
The Atkins Addition was a 1200 square foot add on to an existing home in Plainfield. The home was made with unconventional 2x12 walls for additional insulation, beautiful naturally finished pine throughough the interior, and a 10x10 open staircase in the centre. The house also featured a double level open deck on the west side which provided a great spot to sit and watch sunsets. The addition was to be done in the same style and materials and contained a wood stove, a replica 10x10 open staircase and a two storey 20x30 library and office space. There was also a glassed in porch area to be added on the south wall to provide a three season porch and allow some sun into the space. The initial design was worked out based on the available area on the property and a site visit was done to determine the setback distances and clearances for the existing septic system. After coming up with a basic layout, a 3D model was then developed and modified over several client meetings until a final design was agreed upon. Plans were then drafted and submitted to the local building department, then revisions were completed. The final plans were approved and construction was completed this fall.
Maracle House
The Maracle House was a brand new construction in Landsdown, just north of Napanee. The home was to be a 2500 square foot 4 bedroom home with a large great room featuring cathedral ceilings and large fireplace. The house also featured a large art studio on the east side. Special care was taken in the design of the studio including moving it from its original placement in the basement for better lighting. The studio also had large upper windows on the north face, to allow an evenly diffused light in throughout the day and multi-spectrum lighting to give an even colour pallet for paintings when the sun wasn't shining. The site provided a unique challenge in that it was proposed on an environmentally protected site. The property was inhabited by the native shrike bird, which is endangered. Their nests have a 200 foot radius in which no dwellings can be constructed. Over a five year period, the owner Ed was able to get the zone pushed back just enough ti fit the house in. The problem was that this spot was over 300m from the road and the closest available power source. Bell wanted 40, 000$ to run hydro poles in. The solution: a solar and wind power system. The plans were developed over a series of meetings from sketches the client provided. A 3D model was then created to give a sense of the space and to help decide on colors and finishing materials. The final drafts were produced and reviewed for approval. Final revisions were completed in late January and construction begins this spring.