Finalist for the 2018 BILD Alberta Awards for Housing Excellence. An innovative family home in East Elbow Park that's designed from the ground up to be flood resistant. Its bright, open floor plan offers flexibility as the needs of its owners' family evolve over the years.
What was the brief?
Design a modern, flood-resistant home for a growing family on a narrow infill lot in a desirable established community.
What were the key challenges?
The key challenges on this project all resulted in one way or another from the need to address potential flooding in the neighbourhood. We had to raise the main floor 5’ above grade which added considerably to the visual mass of the home. We also had to deal with a code requirement that all mechanical systems be placed above the flood line.
What were the solutions?
Built in a neighbourhood that was flooded in 2013, this home incorporates many flood-resistant design features and specifications. Mechanical rooms are located above the hundred year flood line, additional drainage and waterproofing are added to foundation. With mechanical rooms on the main and second floors It was a major technical achievement to minimize HVAC bulkheads above grade, and to minimize the impact of the mechanical areas on the flow of space in the house.
We addressed the additional building height required to address flooding concerns by designing a layered façade with different depths creates to visual interest and break up the massing. As a result the new home fits seamlessly into the massing of the adjacent homes on the block.
The home is constructed with all of Alloy’s innovative energy-efficient systems including air barrier envelope, solar-ready electrical system, triple-glazed windows with many openers, natural cross ventilation, spray foam insulation, radiant heat to basement slab. Extensive use of solid surfaces and upgraded HVAC system enhances indoor air quality.
The low maintenance exterior uses Longboard in place of stained wood where weathering is a concern. The house is designed for flexibility of use, incorporating a potential basement nanny suite, a play room / additional bedroom on second floor, and a third floor loft/office.
