Thomas Residence, 2008


SITE CONTEXT
Conifer covered mini moguls sprinkled throughout a mostly unspoiled valley that is subject to flash flooding near Orangeville, Ontario.

WIND ROSE
Showing the frequency and force of the wind at different times, it was used to place the house so that it is protected from punishing winter winds. For the summer time, it helped to orient the outside decks and windows for cross-breezes.

SUN INCIDENCE
The structure favours a slight turning toward the east to have an earlier start on heating the space, while turning away from excessive afternoon heat. The west upstairs deck shields the lower level living area from late afternoon sun.

CONCEPT
A horizontal line inspired by a ship’s deck divides the 2875 sq. ft. structure roughly in two. Everything above this line is related to the client’s yoga business. Below the line it is residential and private.
The land’s aggressive land undulations, pockets of wet lands and the Credit River suggest a rolling sea for the ship’s imagery evident in the stair detailing, cabin-like windows, minimalism, and order.

THE CLIENT
Participants in extreme sports, the clients rely on effective equipment which enables them to do more with less.

INTEGRATION
The ‘passive’ solar house has a glass wall that spans 40 feet long and 12 feet high at its highest point to maximize solar heat gain. Double glass and Mylar shades keep the home comfortable during all forms of weather. Breezes from the north-west benefit the yoga deck. Service areas, bathrooms and storage occupy the north wall. Bedrooms are located within a separately articulated east-end volume to enjoy the sunrise.

INNOVATION
Energy modeling showed us that the south wall could not be made entirely of glass. It is wrapped with a dominant element, a zinc shield that protects the residence from high winds and excessive summer sun.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The house is equipped with in-floor heating. A small wood-burning fireplace in the living area reduces evening chills in the seasonal transitions of spring and fall and completes the forest’s cycle of degeneration and regeneration. The indoor central stairway connects the decks and provides a shaft of light from the top. Natural ventilation also occurs as warm air escapes and cool air is pulled in below.

CLADDING
‘Cor-ten’ steel , stone , zinc screen, ‘Prodema’ cladding, wood decking

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