The vernal equinox has just passed, and now it’s time to think about the garden in earnest. As we draw plans, dig the soil and pat seedlings into place, how many of us stop to think about the implications of how we garden, how we interact with nature? [Read more…]
The good, the bad, and the hopelessly trendy
It’s time to talk about designing for longevity. This is an important component of sustainable design. For a home that will age gracefully, choose a classic style and use the best quality materials that fit your budget. Now, let’s look at each of these two points more closely. [Read more…]
Designing a Resilient Home: more thoughts
There’s no doubt that climate change and tapped-out fossil fuel supplies are presenting challenges that our forebears never imagined. In such times, we need to build for resilience. During extreme weather (or seismic) events, will your house keep you warm, dry and safe? [Read more…]
Design for the 95%
I often talk about “building small” as a good strategy for sustainable living. But what does “small” mean? These days, the average new Canadian home, built for 2-3 people, measures 2,000 square feet. I define a small house as one that minimizes space per person while allowing a comfortable lifestyle for its occupants. About 1,200 square feet or less for a couple, or under 1,500 square feet for a family with kids, would fit this criterion. [Read more…]
The ‘Dinosaur Home’: heading for extinction
One of our oldest human institutions is the home. For as long as our species has existed, we’ve occupied spaces and made them our own. As we’ve evolved, so have the form and concept of “home,” giving rise to the detached, single-family dwelling that eventually became normative for many people. [Read more…]
The Sustainable Commute
I spent the past weekend “winterizing my commute”. This didn’t mean putting on my snow tires; rather, I made sure that the trail I walk to work (and home for lunch) each day will be passable in the rainy, snowy months to come. A pair of tree loppers, a bit of scrap wood, and an investment of some spare time were all it took. Now a couple of bridges get me across the creek behind our office; bark mulch keeps the mud at bay. [Read more…]
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