UNIVERSAL DESIGN: PART 1

By Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Masooma Naqvi, Accessibility Consultant

Deborah: What is universal design?

Masooma: Universal Design (also known as inclusive or barrier free design) is often thought of as design that is specific to people in wheelchairs. Universal Design aims to design a built environment that everyone can use. Though it’s not yet possible to construct a building that considers all capabilities, ages, movement ranges, and cognitive needs, using the 7 principles of Universal Design, can bring us a lot closer. Those principles are equitability, flexibility, simple and intuitive, perceptible, tolerance for error and low physical effort.

Inclusion is always an ongoing process that we must all be open to learning about!

Deborah: What are the challenges for universal design in existing urban houses?

Masooma: Toronto has a lot of older homes that were built in a time when accessibility or ageing in place were not well understood concepts. One challenge is the elevation change from curbside at street level to the front door. If that height change can be bridged with low ramps, or an elevator device, there still needs to be enough width through doorways and hallways both inside and outside for a wheelchair or mobility device. Beyond limiting interior stairs (or providing an elevation), another challenge is having enough room and circulation space for a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen facilities on the ground floor.

Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about universal design?

Masooma: I wish homeowners knew that universal design isn't just about making spaces accessible for people with disabilities—it's about creating environments that are usable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.

Contrary to popular belief, many universal design features are not significantly more expensive to implement than traditional design elements. In fact, they can often save money in the long run by reducing the need for future modifications or adaptations.

Incorporating universal design features into home renovations can future-proof the living environment, accommodating changing needs over time due to aging, injury, illness, or lifestyle changes.

You don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. In fact, well-designed universal features can enhance the beauty and appeal of a home while improving usability for all occupants and visitors.

Deborah: What are you most excited about that’s emerging in your field?

Masooma: There is a growing recognition of its importance and relevance across various industries and disciplines that I find particularly interesting and exciting. New Inclusive technologies are being developed and opening up new possibilities. There's a growing emphasis on creating age-friendly cities and communities that support the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. There's a growing body of research and educational initiatives focused on universal design, spanning disciplines such as architecture, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. Collaborative efforts between researchers, educators, practitioners, and advocates are advancing our understanding of universal design principles and their impact on the built environment, public policy, and quality of life.

Learn more about Masooma Naqvi here.

GOING NET ZERO

Deborah: What is Net Zero (for residential projects)?

Carolyn: Everyone is talking about Net Zero. Though definitions may differ, the intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to address climate change.  For homes, this means a house that is energy efficient, uses renewable energy for power and does not burn fossil fuels - ie no propane, oil or ‘natural’ gas.  

Deborah: What are the main barriers to achieving Net Zero while retrofitting existing homes?

Carolyn: One of the biggest problems is a lack of awareness.  Most homeowners and even allied professionals like realtors, designers and contractors, are not aware of coming regulations.  In Toronto, all existing homes will need to be Net Zero (or close to it) by 2040.  Anyone doing renovations a home today should incorporate Net Zero planning.

Deborah: What are changes or upgrades you think every homeowner should plan for before they renovate?

Carolyn: We all need to go electric.  If you have gas in your home for heating, hot water, cooking etc, it has to go.  Insulation, air sealing, and high performance window and doors will help reduce the amount of money you spend on utilities.  Solar panels can help offset electricity costs and provide more resiliency.  The order that these improvements are completed in needs to be well thought out and sequenced.

Deborah: What do you wish more homeowners knew about Net Zero?

Your home will NEED to be Net Zero.  Understanding what Net Zero means and how to get there is really important. But, rest assured, with a bit of guidance - your home can get there! Also - there are currently government incentives like rebates and loads to help make the transition - take advantage of them while you can!

Deborah: What are you most excited about that's emerging in your field?

Carolyn: So many things! I’ve been working with homeowners to make beautiful and sustainable homes for over 25 years - the pace of change in recent years has been incredible.  I believe there are solutions to the climate crisis that will create an amazing world we can all thrive in.

Learn more about Carolyn Moss and Homes To Zero here.

DECONSTRUCTION

 By Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Rashmi Sirkar, Intern Architect and Sustainability Analyst

Deborah: What is circularity in the construction industry?

Circularity is an approach to designing materials, processes and buildings that subverts the linear "take, make, waste" approach to construction and looks to create a closed loop system. This can be done by re-using existing building materials through careful deconstruction, using more bio-based renewable materials, using construction methods that allow for easier future disassembly, and/or using locally made products and components.

Deborah: What is deconstruction?

Building deconstruction is an alternative to conventional demolition where the building is systematically dismantled in a way that preserves building elements and materials. Residential building deconstruction is often done manually with lo-fi tools. Deconstruction is also evolving to include more advanced machinery and techniques such as panelized deconstruction in which cranes etc. can be used to take apart and transport entire wall panels rather than breaking it up into its constituent parts like studs and sheathing. Deconstruction is an essential process in a system of “urban mining” and building material reuse - but it is not enough to just deconstruct buildings to keep material out of landfill. There needs to be simultaneous development spatial and logistical infrastructure for salvaged material and a market for them too.

Deborah: What alternative materials are available to us? 

If we group products broadly into structure, envelop or interior finishes, there are many bio-based materials that can be used. For structure, low-rise residential construction is already typically wood stick framing, but basements and foundations often use concrete which is incredibly carbon and energy intensive. Locally sourced stone foundations can be a lower carbon alternative to concrete foundations. 

Wood fiber insulation and cellulose insulation too can be used where possible instead of petroleum-based insulation products. Thatch and wood shingles have been used as cladding materials for centuries in vernacular architecture and may still be used with an updated design aesthetic. Hempcrete and strawbale are gaining popularity as alternative materials for exterior walls, though difficult to accomplish on tight urban properties.

Interior finishes can include lime and clay renders, linoleum/cork flooring and mycelium composite flooring. Reclaimed wood can be used for floor, wall and ceiling finishes.

Deborah: What potential does the reuse of wood have? 

Currently salvaged wood is most commonly used as interior finishes - flooring, wall and ceiling panels. There is also a lot of potential for reused wood in outdoor landscaping where boardwalks, seating, planters and trellises can all be made from reclaimed wood. Technically wood can also be reused as structure - most wood studs that have survived 50-60 years within the walls of an old house have the structural integrity to stand within walls of a new house unless they have been damaged by moisture or mold. However currently there are no testing and certification systems which allow for the general reuse of wood as structure. Reclaimed wood can also be used as feedstock for mass timber manufacturing and wood fiber-based insulation. Smaller quantities of salvaged wood can also be repurposed as furniture, and low quality wood can be chipped up for mulch.

Deborah: What can’t salvaged wood be used for? 

As we can see salvaged wood has a pretty wide range of uses since once you plane away the top inch or so the interior layers of the wood can look as good as new. The main process that salvaged wood requires is de-nailing where old and rusted nails need to be removed from it. This can leave various holes in the surface of the piece but will often have little impact on its structural integrity. One of the more common uses for wood waste currently is incineration in waste-to-energy facilities - which can be avoided for higher uses that continue to sequester the biogenic carbon that's locked in the wood.

Deborah: What is emerging in your field that your excited about? 

Many things! Including the role of AI and robotics to de-nail wood and process salvaged lumber that can radically reduce the labour input and cost of this material at scale. Also encouraging is the interest that municipalities are showing in understanding low carbon and circularity that can help create policy and regulation that will enable circular construction at scale.

Learn more about Rashmi’s work here.

INTRO TO CIRCULARITY

by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Breanne Belitski, Toronto Circularity Network

Deborah: What is circularity in the construction industry?

Breanne: Circularity is about utilizing the Earth's finite resources more intelligently. Circularity challenges us to acknowledge the significant impact of materials of construction that have already been produced—materials that have been mined, quarried, cut, transported, and manufactured, often extensively, before being transported yet again. It is sometimes compared to recycling, but it goes beyond that; it's about minimizing waste from the outset and thinking through the full life cycle of materials.

Deborah: What impact can circularity principles have on design?

Breanne: Circularity should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a constraint. Popular home renovation shows often depict complete overhauls, where everything is discarded and started anew. However, by acknowledging the value of the materials already in use—considering the resources and effort embedded in them—we can shift our design approach. This perspective allows us to think about which elements can be preserved, can we reuse the countertops, refinish the cupboards? And when replacement is required, think about how the wood floorboards can be repurposed to maintain their highest value. Embracing circularity not only fosters creativity but in some instances, also offers financial savings.

Deborah: Why is circularity important? 

Breanne: Circularity is important because our resources are depleting at an alarming rate. Circularity presents a pathway to mitigate some climate related impacts. By demanding fewer resources, reducing our waste, consuming less, and sometimes even building LESS, we can decrease the harm we inflict.

Deborah: What are the barriers to incorporating circularity into residential construction?

Breanne: There are four barriers: societal trends, individuality, knowledge and perceived costs. Social trends, propelled by popular media such as house-flipping shows, DIY Instagram accounts, and HGTV, advocate for a constant cycle of renewal, pushing "out with the old, in with the new". This perspective has become deeply ingrained, encouraging the belief that our homes should be an absolute reflection of individual selves, often leading to us sending items to the landfill, items that still have notable service life left in them.

While the environmental impact of everyday items like plastic bags is well understood, the consequences of home renovation waste are less recognized, leading to a disconnect from the detrimental effects of the linear consumption model. There are not many designers and contractors who know what circularity IS, let alone the practical skills and related support required to apply circularity to a build.

Deborah: What should designers/architects know about circularity?

Breanne: As opposed to the linear model of consumption (the take - use - waste model), the circular model of consumption is designed to be regenerative by design, aiming to retain as much value as possible from resources, products, and materials. The circular model seeks to create a closed-loop system, where waste is minimized, and resources are reused, recycled, or composted, leading to a more sustainable, eco-friendly approach to consumption and production. It challenges not only designers and architects, but also businesses, consumers, and policymakers to rethink how goods are designed, used, and reused, aiming for a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.

Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about circularity? 

Breanne: I wish homeowners knew that their decisions have the power to spur a cultural shift towards more sustainable living practices. By valuing what we already have and considering the lifecycle of our possessions and homes, we can make a profound difference in reducing waste and preserving resources for future generations.

Learn more about Breanne Belitski’s work at the Toronto Circularity Network here.

REAL ESTATE

by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Penny Fortier & Kelly Koellner of PK Real Estate

Deborah: How do you help your clients decide whether to renovate, or sell and buy bigger?

Penny + Kelly: We are very honest (maybe too honest at times!). We see so many clients trying to decide whether or not to renovate, sell and purchase a bigger house and we carefully point out the pros and cons for each option. We look at what is the best scenario for their particular situation knowing that this can be a very difficult and costly decision.

There are many factors at play such as:  

Location: Are the clients in love with their neighbourhood and their exact lot? Can they find what they are looking for elsewhere?

Value add: Is the renovation a good investment?  For instance, are they adding value to the house so at some point in the future if they want or need to sell, will they get a return on their investment?

Which option is going to give them the most on their wish list?

Time is a factor here too. How long will this all take? We want our clients to enjoy their dream home and start living in a way that makes sense for their lifestyle as soon as possible. Life is too short!

Is renovating the best route to go in the end! Ok let’s go for it!  We will connect you with the right people to make it happen, find you a rental while the work is being done and be the first ones to congratulate you on your new home!

If moving is the best route, we will find you that dream home that checks all those boxes and help you maximize your own home’s potential in the meantime so that when we do find your new home, you will be ready to rock and roll!

If for any reason you decide to change your mind from renovating to moving, the money that you have spent on the plans and the preliminary work can add value to the sale of your home. Potential buyers want to see the future value.

Deborah: What are the most impactful home renovations? 

Penny + Kelly: We are so predictable but kitchens and bathrooms. There is nothing like the wow of a nicely renovated kitchen and everyone knows this is where the action is. If you can’t renovate all of the bathrooms, can you renovate at least one? People want to imagine themselves moving in and enjoying their new home right away. You can always work on renovating the extra bathrooms while you are living in your new home if you have one good one you can enjoy it in the meantime! 

Have a little extra money and motivation?

New light floors can have a big impact and brighten up the home. As well, try and make the front of your home look as updated as possible, even if it is just painting out the windows and doors a nice fresh color. Old yellowed siding? Switch it out to a nice dark modern color and voilà, your house reads updated and modern.

Deborah: What’s more valuable to buyers, extra bedrooms or extra bathrooms?

Penny + Kelly: We’d say both are valuable but there is a big benefit to having that fourth bedroom over three, especially with so many people working from home at least part of the time. That fourth bedroom also gives the owner lifestyle flexibility (third child, maybe a home gym or guest room). Having the fourth bedroom also expands that pool of potential buyers looking to purchase your home in the future (four bedrooms is definitely on the wish list for most families of five). 

If you can sneak a little powder room on the first floor there is definitely a benefit, but it has to make sense (psst…don’t put it right in the middle of your kitchen). We are seeing people who can’t fit it on the first floor, tuck it at the bottom of the basement stairs so it is easily accessible.  Add some fun wallpaper too! This is the spot to have some creative fun!

Deborah: What makes a good realtor?  

Penny + Kelly: Honesty, knowledge good connections and a good listener. It is important to work with a realtor who will give you advice that is in ‘your’ best interest, very knowledgeable (this is a BIG investment and your realtor needs to be an expert!) and is well connected.  Good connections with realtors means that your realtor will be in the know of upcoming listings. Furthermore, realtors like to work with realtors who are easy to work with, professional and trustworthy, so this gives you an advantage.

Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about buying or selling a house in Toronto? 

Penny + Kelly: We wish they knew to contact us! Ha, no really people moving from outside of Toronto often feel overwhelmed by the city, but it’s really just a bunch of unique small towns and that’s the charm. We love helping clients find their perfect small town Toronto neighbourhood. In terms of selling, your realtor really needs to know the city well and have experience.  They need to price your house properly using the right selling strategy and show it in the best form it has ever been in!  We just love hearing ‘why didn’t we do this sooner! Our house looks amazing when it’s spruced up and staged’.  That’s when we know we have done our job.  But don’t worry…we’ve got you…your new house is going to be even better on the other side.

Learn more about PK Real Estate here.

Planning a renovation?

Drôle House Inc. provides several fixed fee services for folks who are just starting to plan for a renovation. Our most popular one is the in-person Home Design Consultation at $399+hst, and we made an infographic about it so you know what to expect.

HVAC DESIGN

by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Haibo Chen, HVAC Designer

Deborah: What is HVAC design?

Haibo: HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Design of a system involves heat loss and heat gain calculations using the existing and planned areas and volumes of a house. Heat is lost and gained mainly through windows and doors, but also through walls, roofs and slabs depending on their level of insulation and the air tightness of the enclosure overall. HVAC design deals with the thermal comfort and indoor air quality of a house to satisfy extreme conditions on the coldest and hottest days of the year.

Deborah: What are the challenges with heating and cooling older homes?

Haibo: Older homes, whether they are brick masonry or wood framed, tend to have very little existing insulation, and are very air leaky. Back when coal or wood stoves heated homes, having air leakage was a good thing because it allowed some fresh air to be slowly exchanged with the heated indoor air. The indoor air quality back then was not very good for health! Now, we are required to insulate homes much more, and make them more air tight to reduce heat loss and reduce energy, but this also means we need to rely on efficient mechanical ventilation more to improve indoor air quality.

Deborah: What are the most common HVAC systems available?

Haibo: For residential HVAC, the most common heating systems either use water or air as to distribute heat. Hot water systems are boilers that send hot water to radiators or radiant floors, while hot air systems are usually forced air furnaces that distribute the heated air through metal or plastic ducts. There are also combined systems of boilers with air handlers, as well as ducted and ductless air to air heat pumps (ASHP).

Deborah: What are the benefits of water or air systems?

Haibo: Houses heated with hot water usually need separate air conditioning, whereas forced air systems can have an air conditioning condenser added to cool the air instead of heat it, using the same ducts.  Air source heat pumps do both heating and cooling. Hot water radiators are low maintenance, and do an efficient job of distributing even heat, and are less noisy than forced air. Air source heat pumps need either a big exterior condenser, or several small ones, which need to be located somewhere outside, ideally that can be easily serviced or cleaned.

Deborah: What does a homeowner need to know to transition off gas and go all electric?

Haibo: An all-electric system would likely be the popular air source heat pump (AHSP), that can be installed ductless or ducted. The ductless system requires ­“heads” in each bedroom and main area, whereas ducted systems are more seamlessly integrated into the space BUT require bulkheads here and there which need to be planned for.

It is also possible to have electric radiant floors and electric baseboards, and even electric hot water boiler and radiators, which are a lot more common in Europe than in Canada at the moment. The most important thing to know about going all electric the extra work required to upgrade the electric capacity of a house, called amperage. Most older Toronto homes only have 100amp panels, so upgrading to 200A, 400A or 600A may make sense depending on the future electric loads a house might have (heat pumps, induction stove, electric cars etc).

Learn more about Haibo Chen here.

CONTRACTOR: ARCHETYPE

by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Marijan Zelic of Archetype Design and Build

Deborah: What makes a good contractor?

Marijan: Good communication. I feel good communication is essential in delivering a successful project. There should be open communication with all stakeholders throughout the process. Obviously experience, the more a contractor knows about the built process the better he or she can anticipate obstacles throughout the project. This can save a project both time and money. And lastly, integrity goes a long way. 

Deborah: What qualifications or skills does a contractor need?

Marijan: A good contractor needs to be a problem solver, problems will inevitably arise no matter how well a project is managed. As mentioned above, a good communicator. This will add value to your services and help you lead effectively. And you need to be able to multitask, and at times work well under pressure. And last, remain open to learning new things. I started out as a trade. Eventually it allowed me to go back to school to study industrial design. After graduating, I spent time working in architectural offices. Be well rounded, learn something new as often as you can. 

Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about renovating?

Marijan: Renovating older homes can be challenging at times, full of surprises under the surface. Manage your expectations, and enjoy the ride. 

Deborah: What are you most excited about that’s emerging in your field?

Marijan: 3D printed houses. The technology has advanced, though still somewhat a novelty. A shortage of skilled labour is an issue the construction industry has begun grappling with, will this be a viable solution?

Learn more about Archetype Design and Build here.

TREES

by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Wendi Li, Arborist with Elite Tree Care

Deborah: What is a protected tree?

Wenda: Trees located on private property with a diameter of 30 cm (12 inches) or greater are protected within the City of Toronto’s Private Tree By-law. This means a tree removal permit is required to remove any private tree with a diameter of 30 cm or greater, even if you planted it yourself! The diameter of the tree is measured at 1.4 metres (4-1/2 feet) from grade level. Protected trees also include all trees of any diameter situated on the municipal property or on the municipal right-of-way, as well as trees of all diameters situated on ravine protected land which are protected within the City of Toronto Ravine and Natural Feature Protection.

Deborah: How do renovations or additions impact trees?

Wenda: Root loss and root damage are the most common types of construction related damage to trees. Digging near a protected tree, such as excavating for a new foundation, walkway, or patio will impact tree roots. Similarly, soil compaction, caused by repeated construction traffic, will damage tree roots by compacting the soil and removing the vital air pockets important to retain oxygen and water for the tree roots to grow. Damage to tree roots will impact the tree’s health and stability.  Tree branches in close proximity to construction activities can also be damaged as the result of the passage of equipment and machinery. Protected trees can be pruned prior to the commencement of construction to provide appropriate height clearances to the development activities. The City of Toronto has specifications to protect trees during construction. An arborist report for construction development is typically required to identify protected trees for preservation or removal. The report also includes tree protection measures to minimize the impact of construction to protected trees. It is best to consult with a certified arborist during the early stages of a development project.

Deborah: What do arborists do?

Wenda: An arborist is a professional that specializes in the care and maintenance of trees.  They are able to advise on optimal tree care practices which can include tree pruning; tree and stump removals; fertilization and soil aeration/amendments; installation of tree support systems like cabling and bracing; tree planting; and the treatment of insect and diseases.  Utilizing specialized equipment and gear, arborists typically work at height. In the urban landscape, trees require regular maintenance to promote and to maintain tree health and to provide adequate clearances from building structures and utilities.  Dead, diseased, or structurally compromised trees may necessitate removal.  During storms, arborists are called upon for highly technical and hazardous removals to mitigate potential risks posed by fallen trees.

When looking for an arborist, it is strongly recommended that they are certified.  The most recognized certification is an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist.

Deborah: What other specialized services do arborists offer?

Wenda: Trees which are impacted by construction sometimes require an investigative root survey to determine the extent of potential root loss due to the proposed excavation within the Tree Protection Zone. A specialized pneumatic tool, e.g. Air Spade, is used to blow the soil away to expose structural roots with minimal root disturbance.  This type of exploratory root assessment can better determine the viability of root injury on a protected tree.

Deborah: Why are trees important in Toronto?

In the urban environment, trees play a vital environmental and ecological role by improving air quality; cooling the effects of urban heat islands by shading; and promote biodiversity by supporting wildlife, bird, and insect habitat.  Toronto is also known for its green spaces, and trees provide people with that connection with nature and is also known to enhance a person’s health and well-being.   Trees also aid in stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion. As a part of Toronto’s green initiative, the City of Toronto has a goal of reaching 40% tree canopy coverage by 2050.

Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about trees?

Wenda: Trees are a breathing, growing, living organism. 

Learn more about Elite Tree Care here.

NET ZERO HOMES

by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Carolyn Moss, Architect and Net Zero Consultant

Deborah: What is Net Zero (for residential projects)?

Carolyn: Everyone is talking about Net Zero. Though definitions may differ, the intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to address climate change.  For homes, this means a house that is energy efficient, uses renewable energy for power and does not burn fossil fuels - ie no propane, oil or ‘natural’ gas.  

Deborah: What are the main barriers to achieving Net Zero while retrofitting existing homes?

Carolyn: One of the biggest problems is a lack of awareness.  Most homeowners and even allied professionals like realtors, designers and contractors, are not aware of coming regulations.  In Toronto, all existing homes will need to be Net Zero (or close to it) by 2040.  Anyone doing renovations a home today should incorporate Net Zero planning.

Deborah: What are changes or upgrades you think every homeowner should plan for before they renovate?

Carolyn: We all need to go electric.  If you have gas in your home for heating, hot water, cooking etc, it has to go.  Insulation, air sealing, and high performance window and doors will help reduce the amount of money you spend on utilities.  Solar panels can help offset electricity costs and provide more resiliency.  The order that these improvements are completed in needs to be well thought out and sequenced.

Deborah: What do you wish more homeowners knew about Net Zero?

Carolyn: Your home will NEED to be Net Zero.  Understanding what Net Zero means and how to get there is really important. But, rest assured, with a bit of guidance - your home can get there! Also - there are currently government incentives like rebates and loads to help make the transition - take advantage of them while you can!

Deborah: What are you most excited about that's emerging in your field?

Carolyn: So many things! I’ve been working with homeowners to make beautiful and sustainable homes for over 25 years - the pace of change in recent years has been incredible.  I believe there are solutions to the climate crisis that will create an amazing world we can all thrive in.

Learn more about Homes to Zero here.