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SHAW HOUSE, Toronto Island (2004) Purpose and Goals: The Toronto Island Seniors wanted to remain on the island after becoming too challenged to live in their own own homes. The clients website was an essential way to make the new housing community based, permanent and affordable. The building we designed was so successful it has resulted in ongoing work. Our team is designing more seniors cottages. Innovative Techniques: An existing structure was able to be altered and added to using alternative ‘breathing’ assemblies such as green roofs and straw bale walls. Implementation: With the help the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF), who funded the design cost, we were enabled to demonstrate the environmental benefits of the Shaw House. Its website was used to inform the wider public of these benefits and helped in receiving a wide community support through volunteerism, in kind donations and islander self-financing. The project therefore was realized without further governmental support. Demonstration Results: Smart windows, straw bale exterior walls, mass under glass principles and community volunteerism is providing, for the larger community of islanders, inspiration to renovate the existing housing stock with these attributes. Cost/Beneifts: The project remained affordable as the structure has accommodated a host of materials recycled from demolition of some cottages. A community based team of volunteers assisted in the construction and keeping the cost reasonable. (Note graph on energy conservation steps) 2004 Wood Design Award |