We approached the 100 mile challenge, not as an end-product using a list of local materials, but as a means to support a 100 mile lifestyle. The majority of a building's environmental impact comes from its operational lifespan and the consumption patterns of its inhabitants. The goal of Home[grown] is to provide an environmental tool for greater lifestyle change, from food production, treatment of wastes and dense urban living.
Dividing the home vertically between production on the intensive green roof, habitation between the solid rammed earth walls and treatment of grey and rainwater below-grade, a clear functional layout evolved. The rammed earth partitions act as physical and acoustical division between public, semi-private and private areas, in addition they provide thermal mass, visual impact and demonstrate it's value as a universally local and minimal-impact building material, while
The limited material palette of earthen partitions, concrete slabs and wooden siding and framing allows for standard construction methods and local production. In some cases, the design team was torn as to whether to include materials that were available in close proximity to the site, or ones with low embodied energy but sourced beyond the 100 mile radius.
The layout provides for interconnected, indoor/outdoor living with easy access to the butterfly roof where rainwater is collected, food can be grown and sunny naps can be taken. The compact 1200 square foot home opens up to a private courtyard, while the back portion of the site is open to the neighbouring lots, thereby providing space for fruit trees, lane farming and playing children. We included a garage that could be suitable for studio/office space, or an apartment to further increase density on the urban property and offset the high housing prices in Vancouver.
(Competitor's text)
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- Presentation Panel
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