I’d like to present you with a novel twist on the cohousing theme: the intentional shared household. Also known as “householding”, it can be thought of as cohousing in miniature. Unlike the typical roommate arrangement, this type of shared household allows the participants to have an equity stake in a home, but for a much smaller investment than usual. [Read more…]
WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE: Reflections on House and Home
A Tale of Two Houses
Last week I was in my hometown of Vernon BC, and had an opportunity to visit the house I grew up in. Designed in 1965 by my architect father, Terry Gower, it embodied many of the ideals of the highest form of residential construction: the “architect-designed house”. [Read more…]
Coach Houses: Coming Soon to a Backyard Near You
Lately we’ve expanded our design portfolio with some new ideas for coach houses (also known as laneway houses or garden suites). We applaud the recent decision by the Comox town council, who recognize that the time is right for this very accessible and versatile housing option. [Read more…]
Relationship-Centred Design
Our friends at 1stview.ca did a feature recently about “relationship-centred design”, the philosophy that drives what we do here at Gower Design. Thanks to Nora for the wonderful job she did to convey our message. Just thought we’d share the link to her article:
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone, and as we give thanks for what we have, let us remember those who seek shelter.
Passive House Institute 2013 – Vancouver
Last Sunday I returned from the two-day Passive House North conference, where the theme was Affordable Energy Efficiency for Cold Climates.
As the first such gathering of Passive House pioneers, engineers, architects & designers, builders, suppliers and interested folks to be held in North America, it delivered a wealth of information about this exciting way of building. A few of the main takeaways… [Read more…]
Future-friendly design in Prince George, BC
This summer our clients moved into their new 2500 SF home on an acreage outside of town. From the outset they were passionately committed to energy efficiency and the use of renewables. [Read more…]
