A Place by the Lake 2015
Outdoor living on the shores of Lake Ontario. This home was severely dated and lacked any architectural interest. Working within the budget constraints of the client, a 550 square-foot, sustainably harvested Cumaru deck was designed and built to furniture grade standards.
Materials were selected to be sensitive to the surrounding ecosystem. Cumaru has an expected 40 year lifespan without the need for annual application of chemical preservatives or finishes. The space was designed to support opportunities for socialization and maximum enjoyment of the vistas.
Scheduled for 2020-2023, this property will once again be revisited and serve as a case study for sustainable renovation methods: energy reduction, utilizing reclaimed materials, implementing universal design standards for aging in place and remediating existing indoor air quality issues. Material and product selections will focus on creating sense and meaning of place. In addition to reformatting the original body of the building, an additional 800sf will be added to the structure.
25-year old pressure treated balcony and deck were severely degraded. As this was the waterfront side- considered the "front" of the house, the aesthetic appeal was limited.
Enclosed porch didn't allow for circulation into the yard, minimizing its usability by homeowners.
In order to replace the unsightly posts supporting the master bedroom balcony, flitch plate arch supports constructed.
The final balcony brackets were encased in Azek for a maintenance free finish/ Cumaru newels, handrail and details were added. Utilizing uncommon elements, goat fence serves as the guard.
Sustainably resourced cumaru is the primary material for the deck. Selected as it can maintain up to 40-60 years without chemical treatment/weather protection. Protecting the adjacent water source from potential pollutants.