Some columnists in popular media have been wondering whether the garage is on its way out. They cite recent census data (from the U.S.) that show a steady increase in the percentage of homes built without a garage or carport — a surprising 8% at the height of the housing boom in 2004, rising to 13% in 2011. It seems that homeowners are opting for neighbourly front porches instead of the 1990s-standard, oversized garage that took up most of the view from the curb. [Read more…]
Designing for Difficult Building Sites
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” – Seneca
The philosopher was right. In my career, there have been many building sites that cost me blood, sweat and tears, but none that gave rise to regrets. In fact, some of the most challenging projects that I’ve undertaken turned out to be the most satisfying in retrospect. [Read more…]
Planning For Pets
Recently my family became the proud guardians of a lovely rescue dog from Mexico. Canela (Spanish for “cinnamon”) has undergone quite a transformation from feral to family, and in the process she has made our lives much bigger with her quiet and loving presence. As her photo suggests, she’s a big girl. Her mellow nature allowed her to integrate into our home almost effortlessly. [Read more…]
Rooms With A View: Waterfront living
Here on the west coast, we don’t have to go far to enjoy the spectacular beauty around us. Those with waterfront homes are especially fortunate. British Columbia is blessed with an unsurpassed variety of shoreline landscapes, from the gently pastoral to the wildly rugged. [Read more…]
The Resilient Home: an update
Recently, I posted a few thoughts here about the resilient home in response to extreme weather events across the eastern provinces. Some former clients (and now friends) responded by sharing a bit of their experience living in the home that we designed together in Smithers, BC. [Read more…]
Weathering the Storm: Thoughts on the Resilient Home
I had the pleasure of attending parts 1 & 2 of Dr. Guido Wimmers’ training in Passive House design. It was easily one of the best courses I’ve taken, anywhere, and deepened my insight into how to create a truly resilient home. [Read more…]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- …
- 11
- Next Page »