A Sustainable Residential Design

Concept Statement

My thesis and design objectives will be based around the concept of ‘balance’. Due to the intention of my thesis, I feel that this is an appropriate word to convey the direction of my project because this idea of balance stems from the project’s need to have an equal amount of renewable energy used and created. In terms of dwelling, I want this project to visually represent balance because it brings a sense of calm, stability and structure to the design by placing elements in such a way that the visual weight, in terms of objects, colors, textures and shapes is distributed. I feel that an appropriate metaphor for balance is a seesaw. Equal weight on both sides creates balance. With respect to dwelling, a seesaw in my design can equate to two weights on opposite ends that are balanced on a fixed part in the middle, ultimately creating stability and symmetry. This helps to relax the eye and produce an appealing effect. There needs to be a synergy. With respect to my design, the total amount of energy used and created by the house will be dependent on each other, just like a seesaw is dependent on each side for its outcome.

Client Profile

A Family of Four

A traditional Canadian family who are moving from a noisy neighborhood in Downtown Toronto. They have chosen this location to live because they want to be more connected to nature and settle in a more quiet environment.

Parents

Benjamin - Interior Designer - Works Hybridly

A family man, and a professional interior designer. He works in a hybrid setting and usually has clients come home to discuss work going on. He loves cooking for his family as well as alongside them. Both Benjamin and Olivia love to have friends and family over to spend quality time together.

Olivia - House Wife

She spends most of her time at home looking after the house and her kids, loves to cook, work out and spend time in nature.

2 Children

Noah - High School

Noah is in his last year of high school, and spends most of his free time playing video games online, or with his friends at home. He is more reserved, and plans to still live at home once he starts university. His favorite sports to watch are football, and favorite sports to play are table tennis and basketball.

Henry - University

Henry is in his last year of university, studying Applied Mathematics. He is prepared to leave home once he finds a job after he graduates. He is an outgoing person and spends most of his time with friends outside of the house or at school working. When he's at home, he loves playing the guitar in his free time. He has asked for a simple design as he is prepared to leave soon, and his room may be converted into another space in the next few years.