In Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario, Sustainable.TO have constructed a self-sufficient, postmodern work of art.

Suitably named, Sustainable.TO specializes in designing innovative, sustainable housing – which I believe is the future of residential architecture.

The owners, a large family of five, have long-term goals of having their home become completely self-sufficient. The conditions they strive to achieve include:

– farming their own land
– growing fruits and vegetables
– tending livestock
– collecting rainwater for irrigation
– drawing from well-water
– generating power through solar panels and generators

To add to the conservational quality of the property, Moses Structural Engineers used eco-friendly, sustainable material choices in their construction.

Design-wise, the home is an effective blend of simple Miesian modernist forms and traditional finishes such as wood. The central space, composed of the kitchen and a living area, offers open concept living, which facilitates a healthy family dynamic.

The lucky family of five consists of a young couple, their sibling, and their parents, all looking to find their own living space. But rather than live in three separate homes far apart, the family decided to converge into a high-tech farmhouse.

The home is divided into three private living units, with shared facilities throughout the house.

This property provides an accommodating floor plan that offers privacy for the whole family, while still keeping them nearby, which to me is a charming and family-nurturing arrangement. I think there’s a lot to learn from about sustainability in this design, and perhaps just as much from the family who lives in this space!

Please check out Sustainable.TO for more great eco-friendly designs!

Photos courtesy of Sustainable.TO

Researched and Written by Mikhail Shchupak-Katsman, Undergraduate Environmental Design, OCAD University.