Happy New Year!!
Guess what? In 2016, Houseporn showcased more posts than ever before, and so I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all of the inspiring and hard working student writers! From dazzling design innovations to unique Canuck-made products, the breadth of topics shared with our readers over the past year is a testament to the ever-growing interest in – and appreciation of – unique Canadian talent!
As I wrap up another fantastic year with Houseporn, I’d like to share the Top 5 most popular posts of 2016!
#1 The Castleton Residence: Ontario’s First Ever Rammed Earth Home
Researched and written by Mikhail Shchupak-Katsman, Undergraduate Environmental Design, OCAD University
Conceived by Stone’s Throw Design Inc, and in combination with the building technology of Aerecura Rammed Earth Builders, the Castleton residence is truly a gem of the fusion of modern sustainable technology and a strong sense of spatial design. Compacting natural materials makes for an excellent insulator due to their tremendous thermal mass, making the Castleton residence extremely effective in energy conservation, specifically in regards to heating/cooling costs. It’s also the very first rammed-earth construction in Ontario!
#2 Here’s Modern Sustainable Design In Toronto’s Beach Neighbourhood For $2,099,000
Posted by Steve Fudge, the purveyor of canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca, and the proprietor of Urbaneer.com
Designed by German architect Felix Leicher – from baukultur/ca – this sustainable house marries pragmatism with sublime design elements. Available for $2,099,000, this luxe contemporary family residence in the coveted Beach neighbourhood in Toronto, was also featured as The Globe and Mail’s “Home Of The Week’. Check out the link to see the amazing video of this property by clicking A Unique Architectural Masterpiece In The Beach.
#3 Divine Intervention In Hillsdale, Ontario
Posted by Steve Fudge, the purveyor of canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca, and the proprietor of Urbaneer.com
This divine 1889 Ontario former church in Hillsdale, Ontario hides a surprising interior! Having served as a spiritual sanctuary for 98 years, first as a Methodist Church and then as a United Church, in 1988 the property was bought and converted into a 1500-square-foot open concept living space and lower level 2-bedroom hideaway with eat-in kitchen! For those who have dreamt of living a soulful life in a bucolic rural setting, this divine property offers a pleasing sanctuary of domestic bliss! It’s definitely worth a look inside!
#4 The Reeds Bay House By Superkul On Wolfe Island In Ontario
Researched and written by Amanda Salmon, a Bachelor of Fine Arts Graduate from the Alberta College of Art and Design
Located east of Toronto, this dwelling is situated on Wolfe Island – the largest of the 1,000 Island Archipelago, and an early trade route between borders – where Lake Ontario’s 1,864 islands are perched between Southeastern Ontario and Northern New York. Designed by Superkul, it represents a minimalist approach to the classic ‘barn’ vernacular, and makes for a quiet and contemplative space. Interestingly, it owes its proportion and scale to interlocking volumetric forms, which break up the homes’ living zones. Absolutely superb!
#5 Eco-Conscious Shipping Container Homes, Designed By Zigloo.ca In Victoria, British Columbia
Researched and Written by Michelle McNally, Undergraduate Student of Journalism, Ryerson University
Keith Dewey, an award-winning designer based in Victoria on Vancouver Island, is the founder of Zigloo.ca, a concept company that uses old cargo ship containers as materials for ecological homes. Shipping containers are used on commercial ships to transport goods by sea, and can reach lengths between 20 and 40 feet. And while shipping containers may sound cold and utilitarian, Dewey’s believes that “living sustainably doesn’t mean living without”, and that choosing an eco-friendly home shouldn’t require sacrifice. We’d love to see this trend catch on!
For four years now, I’ve invited Canadian Students from coast to coast who are enrolled academically in the fields of Architecture, Landscape, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or Canadian History of Art & Architecture (and other discplines which include a focus on Housing and Home) to join the Houseporn Paid Internship and Mentorship Program. As part of this program, students are given the opportunity to research and write stories about our country’s shelter industry, while I provide support, constructive criticism, and guidance throughout the process. I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to watch students hone their craft while building a portfolio of written work which reflects both their passion of Canadian housing and their ability to be wordsmiths!
I continue to be inspired daily by the voracious young minds that share my love of houseporn, many who will undoubtedly contribute to a new generation of Canada’s vernacular!
~ Posted by Steven Fudge, the purveyor of canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca and proprietor of urbaneer.com, a division of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.
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