6,000 sf  Year-Round Residence . Christie Beach, Ontario. Completion 2009.

Design + Construction Management

Design

Set on the south shore of Georgian Bay, this residence seeks to harmonize with its surrounding landscape with a minimal environmental impact while accommodating the diverse needs of four generations of occupants. Integration with the site is achieved by setting the building low and shifting floor and roof planes so that it becomes embed into the landscape. As the elevations shifts between the deck, loft, upper patio, green roof and floor levels; intimate moments are created as each space unfolds distinctly into the external environment. The elevation of the reflecting pool is also set specifically to create an effect of seamlessly extending Georgian Bay to the house, blurring the lines between building and landscape

Material choice is also significant in addressing the issues of site responsiveness, sustainability and for comfort. The rich wood in of the interior spaces brings warmth to the spaces in winter while the rich red cedar and cherry woods intensify the vibrant green of the surrounding forest in summer. The consistent palette of cedar soffits and ceiling cladding, window and doorframes seamlessly transition between the interior and exterior spaces. The exterior Ipe naturally blends with the surrounding rock soil, and becomes a geometric topography that extends its contemporary aesthetic into the natural environment.

Flanked by hard edges on the east and west, the building maintains privacy from neighbours while emphasizing the views to the inner courtyard. The organization of the building is broken down into zones; the main floor is divided between the public / living area and service while upstairs there are the two wings – one for the master suite and the other for the guest wing to accommodate extended family. These spaces are unified by a central courtyard which acts as the hub of the house which gives access to all main spaces on the ground floor.

It also was important for the owner to reduce the energy footprint of their home as much as possible without compromising comfort. The first line of defense was to optimize the building envelop by means of correct solar shading, effective ventilation and high insulation levels achieved with ICF construction and spray applied ployurethane as well as high performance Heat Mirror glazing. The building is effectively naturally ventilated to minimize the energy footprint of the home. The continuous clerestory windows in the main pavilion offer daylight as well as a 360° view of the adjacent external environment while its upward sloping roof utilizes stack effect ventilation. Solar gains are controlled through expansive south facing glazing with large overhangs and gypcrete floors acting as thermal mass. Regionally sourced limestone was used to minimize transport carbon emissions.

The second line of active strategies implements a ground-loop geothermal system as the primary heating system. Solar energy is then collected to heat the pool and in a 10 kW grid-connected PV array to power the home. Comprehensive sustainable technologies and building practice sets this project apart from others in the Blue Mountain region while the unique building form and functional program promise to provide a wonderful family retreat as well as a year round dwelling for its owners.

Materials

Structural steel and ICF frame; Spanish Cedar windows,doors, soffits and ceilings; Heat Mirror and Low E glazing; Fundermax phenolic siding; copper flashing, regional limestone, Ipe decking, cherry cabinetry and flooring.

Sustainability

• Passive Solar Heating
• Natural Ventilation and Passive Cooling
• Natural Daylighting
• High Performance Envelope Design
• Material Optimization and Modular Design
• Renewable Materials and Finishes
• Reclaimed and Recycled Materials
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Non-toxic Materials and Finishes
• Advanced Geothermal Systems
• Advanced Wood Heating Systems (ie. Contraflow Masonry Heaters)
• Radiant Heating
• Heat Recovery Ventilation
• Solar Hot Water Systems
• Solar Electric (photovoltaic or PV systems)
• Low Energy Lighting & Appliances
• Water Conserving Appliances & Fixtures
• Green Roof Systems
• Tertiary Wastewater Treatment

The goal the owners is to reduce the the energy footprint of their home as much as possible without compromising comfort.  The first line of defense was to optimize the building envelop by means of correct solar shading, effective ventilation and high insulation levels achieved with ICF construction and spray applied ployurethane as well as high performance Heat Mirror glazing. The primary heating system is a ground-loop geothermal system supplemented by a clean wood-burning Finnish masonry stove. Energy usage is offset by a solar pool heater and a 10 kW grid connected PV array.

Altius Project Team

Architecture: Graham Smith, Joe Knight, Joseph Khoury

Project Partners

• Engineering: Hamann Engineering
• Construction: Valley View Construction
• Geothermal: Just Geothermal Systems
• PV Array: Generation Solar