Making Stories: Facilitating Spatial Agency through Democratized Design by Lucas Druet by greyandivy

Making Stories Facilitating Spatial Agency through Democratized Design

Lucas Akira Druet

Making Stories

Facilitating Spatial Agency through Democratized Design Lucas Akira Druet

Master of Architecture Design Thesis Advised by Shawn Bailey October 2021 University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture1

Acknowledgements Thank you, to my advisor Shawn Bailey, for being an unwavering source of support, inspiration, and opportunity. Your guidance brought my research to places unimaginable and your enthusiasm for a better way of doing architecture is infectious. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Gwen Traverse, Kurvis Anderson, Stephen Anderson and the many other community members of the Pinaymootang First Nation who generously shared their time and knowledge with me. Their contributions were invaluable and their compassion, inspirational. Thank you to my family, for their love, support, and genuine interest in the things I find joy in. Thank you to the Vancouver MakerLabs community, whose welcome embrace inspired the foundation for this thesis. And special thanks to Luxmy, I couldn’t have done this without you sharing your strength, curiosity, compassion, and confidence with me. Your contributions to this work is immeasurable. *This book was researched and prepared on ancestral lands in the Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 territories. The original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. **This research was supported by the Canadian Graduate Scholarship Master’s Program from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

Contents

Par t 1 Democratized Design Research Investigations into the informal ‘maker’ movements that are facilitating democratized design.

3 Acknowledgements 6 Introduction 8 Abstract 10 What is ‘Good Design’? 190 References

16 Democratized Design 20 Democratized Design Studies DIY PhoneBooth Open-Source Parts Design Hacking

Par t 2 Housing Crisis & Context Research direction and avenues to implement democratized design theory

42 First Nation Housing Crisis

Compounding Conditions and Causes Housing Initiative Precedents

28 The Maker Movement

50 Pinaymootang First Nation

34 Indigenous Making

56 Common Building Component Deficiencies

DIY Culture Digital Fabrication

Community Mapping

Description & Recommendations

Par t 5 Pinaymootang Community Workshop Developing the community workshop, technical considerations, construction strategies, strengthening integration into the community, and animating the life of the building.

Par t 4 Par t 3 Process Strategies & Explorations Refining an process for home-building and speculative explorations into remedies for housing deficiencies and desires.

64 Process 66 Understanding Housing Scope 68 Design Principles 70 Measure of Success 74 Hierarchical Scales of Domestic Design Explorations Natural Materials Inhabiting a Room Allowing for Expandability Community Network

New Direction & Conversations Re-evaluating the thesis trajectory, building capacity through a community workshop, and conversations with community members.

90 Enabling a Community-Led Process for Home Building 92 Access to Tools: A Community Workshop Mapping Out the Thesis Trajectory

96 Conversations with the Community 98 Building Capacity Dynamic Program Generating Ideas

108 Site Selection

Connection to the Pinaymootang School

112 Imagining the Building

Facilitating Design Discussions Evoking Pride Site Connections & Exemplary Design Solar Strategies Cooling Strategies

128 Unique Technical Considerations Mapping Out Technical Components Focus on Mould Growth Mitigation Foundation Systems

144 Collaborative Construction Rooting into the Community Hempcrete Material Studies

158 Life in the Building

Sense of Ownership The Active Shop Space The Passive Shop Space Social Spaces Seasonal Activities Outdoor Workspace Collaborative Building Grounds

186 Future Life of the Building & Facilitating Spatial Agency Closing Remarks

Design Thesis Portfolio

Introduction

This thesis topic was inspired by my own relation to making things, and the varying levels of access that I’ve had to tools and workspaces. This impromptu 10’ x 20’ woodshop I scrounged together in a friends-parents detached garage represents the elation I felt at a time when I could exercise my passion for ‘making’ and the commitment I made to ensure it was a part of my life.

↖ A one-car garage converted

into a workshop. I raced home everyday from work to spend a few hours learning new jointery methods, experimenting with different wood finishes, and restoring and building guitars.

I spent the last summer working at a makerspace in Vancouver, building personal projects, as well as being employed as a fabricator helping individuals make whatever it was they wanted. I fell in love with the sense of community that was fostered by the collaborative act of making something. Everyday I would see people come in, learn new skills, impart old knowledge, and make something using the shared tools. It didn’t matter whether they were making a living off their work, discovering new crafts, or making a small trinket for the fun of it - they would be overjoyed by it and proud of themselves for having made something for themselves. Everyday I saw individuals excited and empowered by their ability to participate in making something. After working here I realized the social value and empowerment that is generated through increasing a community’s access to tools and shared knowledge. I began to wonder: How can I inject the spirit of making and collaboration into architecture? How can architecture lead to spatial empowerment?

Abstract

If we truly believe that design wields the power to improve our quality of living, inspire awe, delight, comfort, and healing - why is the practice of architecture out of reach to over 95% of the global population (Ratti et al., 2015)? This thesis asks the questions: how can we democratize the skills and knowledge base of the formal designer, and what can we learn from the informal designers and builders of our world? The majority of formal designers work within the reality of Industrialization and globalization which have contributed to an era of mass-production and homogenized design. While this has maximized design accessibility and affordability it has also resulted in a shift from a craft-based vernacular architecture to one that neglects to consider the individualistic needs, cultures, climate, techniques and materials local to a place (Umbach, 2005). This neglect, compounded with the legacy of colonization, has led to failed housing practices in Canada’s First Nation communities (Dyck et al., 2015). Avenues for democratized design have begun to emerge through bottom-up movements such as “the maker movement”: a socially-driven technology-enabled trend focused on increasing self-reliance through participatory craft and open-knowledge networks. This thesis seeks to harness the spirit of the maker movement as a strategy for capacity building. It is in the context of the housing crisis facing First Nation communities that I believe the theory of democratized design can bridge formal and informal design thinking to enable a community-led process for home-building. With drastic cultural, economic, and environmental differences between First Nation communities there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. Through a housing initiative program with the University of Manitoba, I was connected with Pinaymootang First nation of the Fairford Reserve, signatory to treaty 2. Through conversations and research, I learned about the unique challenges, needs, and strengths of the community.

↖ Informally built studio spaces

in the woodshop of Vancouver’s MakerLabs. Each studio exhibits the unique personalities of the different workshop patrons.

The outcome of this thesis is an investigation of architecture, not as a finite commodity, but as a technique for story-building and facilitating spatial agency. This thesis explores how a community workshop facility could host training programs, engage youth, strengthen cultural identity, and plant-a-seed that could one day enable a community-led process for home-building.

What is ‘Good Design’?

What is good design? In his book, Design For Good (2017), John Cary describes our daily encounters with design as functioning on a subconscious level. People can experience a spectrum of emotions as a subconscious response to a designed space, but not always will someone attribute the elation or the melancholy they experience in a space as being derivative of the design considerations made. I believe that good design is design that has critically considered the context it operates in and the value that it can add. I believe that the strongest measure of good design isnt found in the sophistication of detailing, curation of materials, or grandeur of form. Rather, it is found in the sense of belonging it facilitates and the pride it evokes. Sentimentally enriched spaces, like ‘Music Man’s’ house shown to the left, are not easily imagined by formal designers. The informal designers of our world have as much to contribute to design thinking as trained designers do.

↖ Music Man’s House - A

collaborative home-building project by Rural Studio in Greensboro, AL. Using donated and found materials they collaged an eclectic home that evokes pride and comfort in it’s owner. Image by: Timothy Hursley Source: http://www. timothyhursley.com/new-gallery/ ccfmuk359kzs77yjynnio9f61zispa

Vernacular architecture and indigenous practices have produced countless casestudies of resourceful, sustainable, and value-charged design. With the urgency of the global housing crisis brought on by rapid urban growth and systematic neglect of marginalized peoples, both developed and developing countries could benefit from the democratization of good design. Addressing this problem through conventional architectural and urban practice isn’t going to work; we have neither the time nor the money to do that. We need to consider an inclusive intervention that fosters a reciprocal relationship between the formal and informal designers of our world.

Par t 1

Democratized Design Research

16 Democratized Design 20 Democratized Design Studies DIY PhoneBooth Open-Source Parts Design Hacking

28 The Maker Movement DIY Culture Digital Fabrication

34 Indigenous Making

Part 1

Democratized Design Research

Democratized Design

↖ This playful graphic represents the formal and informal, familiar and unfamiliar aspects of design and construction that are un-boxed and shared through democratized design movements

This research is conducted in the spirit of democratized design, which believes that the more we participate in creating solutions for ourselves the more we begin to increase our own self-reliance and boost our sense of agency. The theory of democratized design asks the questions: “How do we break down design exclusivity” and “why is the process and language of design not part of collective public knowledge?”

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Democratized Design Research Part 1

Democratized Design

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Several modest grassroots movements accelerated by new technologies and digital networks have begun to lay the foundation for democratized design. Open-source design networks have popularized the idea that design solutions and lessons learned should be freely shared, allowing for rapid testing, iteration, and evolution of ideas. Design hacking and the right-to-repair movement believe that designed objects should be made to be made again. Not only should products be designed to maximize their lifespan, they should be flexible so that individuals can make modifications, additions, and solutions that cater to their needs.

that I designed and built for MakerLabs Vancouver sitting on display amongst the other objects designed and made by local makers.

↙ Design sketches for

the phone-booth used to communicate ideas to the client and prototype assembly details.

Part 1

Democratized Design Research

↘ A “co-working” phone-booth

DD Study: DIY PhoneBooth I was contracted to design and build this co-working phone booth in the summer of 2020 for MakerLabs Vancouver. The project requirements were that the phonebooth be made using as few materials as possible, on as few machines as possible, and assembled using as few people as possible. The primarily plywood structure was build entirely using donated re-purposed plywood and acrylic, constructed in two weeks by myself alone using a CNC router table, table saw, and a drill. 20

Democratized Design Research Part 1

↑ Process documents and

assembly instructions that were shared online along with CNC cut files for anyone to download and make themselves.

AN SC ME

The final requirement for this project was that absolutely every step of the process be recorded, every CNC file documented, and published for free. The process package chronicles the initial design meeting ideas, sketches, prototypes, renders, digital preparation, construction, and assembly. Additionally an IKEA-esque assembly instruction package was created that detailed step by step the process for construction the phone-booth. The idea being that anyone can download these documents and the CNC cut files, make it themselves or go to their local fabrication lab to work with them to build one.

Democratized Design Research Part 1

↑ 3D printers like my small

4x4x4” build size printer shown here are becoming increasingly affordable. Thanks to sharing networks like www. thingiverse.com I was able to download a replacement part for an otherwise doomed pair of headphones.

DD Study: Open-source Parts When a plastic hinge broke on my 5 year old headphones, it took under two hours to locate the part on an informal open sharing network, print it on my affordable 3D printer, and reassemble the headphones. Without the use of the 3D printer and open sharing network these headphones lifespan would have been forced to expire.

Democratized Design Research

↙ A $5 lamp bought from value village and the schematics for ‘design hacking’ it to give it new purpose and function

↘ The design-hacked pin-up

lamp mounted with 3D printed parts and decorated with a paper shade and drawings.

#201010

Part 1

Pin-Up Lamp X Salvaged __

X Store-bought __

X Re-purposed __

__CNC

__ Laser

X 3D Printed __

Components

What is it?

3D Printed:

A simple wall mounted lamp with a horizontal rail to mount art, drawings, pictures to.

wall mount

x4+

picture hanger

x4+

lamp shade clip

Hardware Sourced: Value-village Standing Lamp x1 Lamp hardware: Wall plug, bulb socket, end-threaded hollow light pole. See list for acceptable parts

Other x8+ x2 x8+

Small pins - push pin, sewing pin etc Small Nail - pictured hanging drywall nail Small pins - push pin, sewing pin etc

A re-purposed standing lamp, bought at value-village for $5.99, stripped down to the essential hardware with a few small 3D printed parts. The lamp shade is made of a single piece of paper - use a blank piece, or get creative and decorate your shade as desired!

What will I need? Access to a 3D printer To either hunt for a similar standing lamp that will provide the hardware, or to buy the additional components from your local hardware store.

GSEducationalVersion

DD Study: Design Hacking This lamp, purchased for 5 dollars at Value Village was given a second life with added value. A few small 3D printed parts allow the stripped down components to be converted into a wall mounted pin-up space to host ideas, art, and memories. A simple sheet of paper is used as the lamp shade, allowing for individuals to customize their spaces further. 26

Democratized Design Research Part 1

The Maker Movement The maker movement is an umbrella term for a new generation of hackers, designers, artists and entrepreneurs, united under a technology enabled shift in the way people interact with the designed and built world. Maker Spaces and Fabrication Labs facilitate a culture of sharing. Space and tools are communal and multidisciplinary work environments allow for the creative crosspollination of knowledge. The maker movement has popularized the notion that when we participate in creating solutions for ourselves we begin to increase our own self-reliance and boost our sense of agency.

↓ The communal workspace

used by Space10 and IKEA to conceptualize and prototype new ideas and products. Base image source: http://www. berndkarlsboeck.com/ikea/

Democratized Design Research Part 1

↑ Tool schematics, home 30

maintenance instructions and DIY projects from the Reader’s Digest’s Complete Do-it-Yourself Manual, published in 1969.

D.I.Y. Culture

The maker movement has its roots in the late 50s and 60s with the emergence of do-it-yourself or “D.I.Y.” culture. This book, published in 1969, is meant to be the quintessential handbook for any one looking to increase their agency through knowledge of craft, home maintenance, and basic design principles. It goes through, in incredible detail, everything you need to know to operate almost every tool you’d find in a work shop, as well as how to maintain and repair them. It then documents almost all aspects imaginable of home maintenance and operation, from septic fields to door locks. The book finishes with basic material theory, general design guidelines for spatial planning, how to plan for simple additions to your home, and concludes with 50 DIY projects using the knowledge gained from the book

Part 1

Democratized Design Research

Digital Fabrication

This mid-century DIY culture has recently exploded with the emergence of user-friendly 3D software, the free, abundant, and rapid distribution of knowledge, and increased access to advanced digital fabrication machinery. Digital fabrication, namely CNC machinery, laser cutters, and 3D printers are often valued for their ability to raise the bar of extravagant form and complex manufacturing but the real value comes from the radically lowered social threshold to participate in complex manufacturing. Maker spaces and fabrication labs facilitate a culture of sharing, where complex machinery and operational knowledge is rapidly shared. The use of these machines to uncover new potential in material use is widely promoted.

↖ A simple chair design made

using the CNC metal plasma cutter, and plywood laser-cutter available at my local makerspace.

The chair to the left was designed with a plywood structure making a compound curve. This was achieved using a laser cutting technique known as “living-hinge”. Multiple layers of a fanned out living hinge were laminated to act as the interior structure. Digital fabrication made quick work of what would otherwise be a complex and labour intensive process to achieve the same profile.

• Indigenous technologies

common to many First Peoples of North America. Utilizing natural harversted and gathered materials like birch bark to make homes, canoes, vessels, and art. Keeping traditional knowledge alive through the collaborative act of making.

Indigenous Making

While the maker movement has supercharged modern interest in participating in craft and self-build, the essence of the maker movement pre-dates any talk of D.I.Y. culture by centuries. It is when we look to indigenous practices of making around the globe that we see where the origins of our humanistic desire to participate in creating solutions for ourselves and each other derives. In Canada, while there is a great diversity of indigenous cultures there are commonalities in the act of design and making. The act of design is an efficient and respectful utilization of local resources to respond to the environment, needs, and culture of a people. Learning about the environment through a respectful and reciprocal relationship with the natural world has enabled indigenous people to become experts of their environment. A deep knowledge of natural systems, local material properties, and material potential through craft had enabled self-reliance.

Democratized Design Research Part 1

↑ Mapping overlaps between

the modern maker movement and traditional indigenous acts of making. Highlighted are the key strengths of each respective category.

This graphic charts the main categories where similarities exist within the spirit of making in modern maker culture and indigenous making. I am interested in intersecting the respective strengths from the maker movement and indigenous making. The primary momentum behind the maker movement is often attributed to the increased access to digital fabrication tools and the encouraged use of these tools to experiment and explore the potential of the tools and materials they operate on. Imperative in indigenous cultures is the transfer of this knowledge between generations. This knowledge transfer has historically been carried out through the act of story-telling and the collaborative act of making. Additionally, indigenous resourcefulness and knowledge of natural systems is unparalleled and has historically attributed to indigenous self-reliance.

Par t 2

Housing Crisis & Context

42 First Nation Housing Crisis

Compounding Conditions and Causes Housing Initiative Precedents

50 Pinaymootang First Nation Community Mapping

56 Common Building Component Deficiencies Description & Recommendations

↥ A home in Pinaymootang

First Nation that has fallen into disrepair.

↘ The rate of new constructed

homes cannot keep up with the rate of deterioration.

Part 2

Housing Crisis & Context

First Nation Housing Crisis

“Substandard and deplorable housing conditions in First Nations are a persistent and growing phenomenon. Current Housing programs do not meet the increased demand for new housing units, brought on by the higher than average population growth, overcrowding, the outstanding and current effects of flooding, and deteriorating units as a result of poor construction and impacts from mould.” - Shawn (A-in-chut) Atleo, 2014 (Then National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations)

Inadequate and insufficient housing is an unrelenting crisis affecting many of Canada’s First Nation communities. In 2014, the First Nations Financial Management Board estimated that 71% of the approximately 108,000 housing units on reserves in Canada were in need of repairs, with approximately 40,000 of those houses requiring major repairs (Calla, 2014). Systemic barriers, and culturally and climatically insensitive design has led to failing building components as well as physical and mental health stresses among families within these communities.

As I learned more about the housing crisis and this project I began to see the role democratized design could play in rethinking the process of home building in these communities

Part 2

Housing Crisis & Context

Compounding Conditions and Causes in First Nation Housing

↖ Mapping the complex

interrelated and compounding issues of the First Nation Housing Crisis. Information Source: Kyser, J., & Intern, S. (2011). Sustainable Aboriginal Housing in Canada A Case Study Report.

The cause and effect of the crisis is intertwined in a series of complex layers. Many communities lack the resources and financial stability to construct and maintain sufficient quality housing, resulting in poor quality construction practices and the use cheap materials by the lowest bid contractor. Barriers to legal ownership of housing amongst community members has resulted in a lack of incentive to appropriately maintain and monitor the houses. The rapid deterioration of housing is further exacerbated by the rapid population growth occurring in First Nation communities, leading to the over-crowding of homes which puts further stresses on the already inadequate building components and systems.

Housing Crisis & Context Part 2

Housing Initiative Precedents

Pre-Fab Many government sponsored housing interventions have come in the form of a pre-fab or kit housing shipped up and plopped into place

Monotony Many of these initiatives have resulting in monotony, and giving no sense of ownership to the residents, leading to housing deterioration.

Addressing the housing crisis in First Nation communities is not a new topic. There have been countless historical attempts to make amends and rectify some of the housing issues brought on by western colonization. The success of which greatly varied depending on the project’s sensitivity to culture, ability to build capacity in the community, ability to establish ownership, and ability to produce durable lasting homes among many other factors. Understanding what worked, and what didn’t work is imperative to progressing the success of the First Nation housing interventions.

Housing Crisis & Context Part 2

Pinaymootang First Nation

My research into the First Nation housing crisis began in conjunction with a housing initiative project lead by The University of Manitoba and Tech-Access Canada titled “Designing respectful, accessible, sustainable, and functional residential housing in First Nation communities in Canada”. The project aims to address the deficient housing stock across Canada through a series of pilot programs in seven of Manitoba’s First Nation communities. Particular focus is placed on addressing the specific cultural needs, issues with housing maintenance, energy security, economic self-sufficiency, skill development, training, and community capacity building through a participatory design/build process. Located between northern Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin, and Pineimuta Lake, Pinaymootang First Nation shares many of the common housing issues that First Nation communities across Canada face; overcrowding in houses, substandard home design and diversity, poor quality of construction, and rapid deterioration caused by mould growth and insufficient maintenance. The community was victim to a man-made flooding event in 2011 that saw hundreds of families being displaced from First Nation communities in Manitoba’s Interlake Region, wreaking havoc and causing distress. The effects of which are still prevalent in the communities today where health and wellbeing are slowly being restored.

The project recognizes that there can be drastic cultural, economic, and environmental differences between even neighbouring First Nation communities. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this crisis. For this reason, the ultimate goal of this project is not to construct a single housing prototype, rather, it is to develop the framework for a process of home building and capacity building that First Nation communities can adopt and adapt to suit their specific needs and conditions.

↥ The poplar, birch, and oak

forest common in Pinaymootang.

↗ Map of Fairford 50 reserve (highlighted in orange)

P in eim uta

Little Saskatchewan First Nation

Lake St. Martin Pinaymootang Health Centre Pinaymootang School

Lake Winnipeg

220km to Winnipeg

Part 2

Housing Crisis & Context

Mapping Pinaymootang

WATERBODY /W ATERWAY WETLAND VEGETATION FAIRFORD 50 RESERVE 1M CONTOUR LINE ROAD TRAIL RAILWAY POWERLINES WATERCOURSE

Part 2

Housing Crisis & Context

Mapping Topography & Flood Risk

806 Easement The levels of Lake St. Martin and Pineimuta Lake can rise to the elevations specified in the 806 legal agreement without any future legal action. All houses existing or built in this area (left of red line) are liable for their own damages brought on by man-made flooding.

Wall Cladding

Exterior Lighting Exterior Doors

Part 2

Housing Crisis & Context

Common Building Component Deficiencies

This graphic depicts the common building component deficiencies found in Pinaymootang First Nation as reported by David Nairne + Associates Ltd. (DNA) in their House Inventory Condition Assessment report (Oct 21, 2016). The report surveyed and inspected 140 houses on the reserve, 73 of which were deemed “non-salvageable”, and the remaining 63 were deemed “salvageable” but require major repairs and upgrades in some cases at a substantial cost.

Visualizing these issues like I have done with this graphic is not something you typically see in these reports, creating a barrier in the accessibility of this knowledge.

Hardscaping Pathways Ext. Decks, Stairs & Ramps

Roof Structure

Roofing Materials Roofing Underlayment

Attic Insulation

Gutters

Roof Penetration & Flashings Attic Ventilation & Soffits

Foundations Downspouts

Windows

Site Grading & Drainage

Deficiency description and recommendations listed on page 60.

Wall Structure Interior Wall & Ceiling Finishes Closets

Part 2

Housing Crisis & Context

Common Building Component Deficiencies

Additional Deficiencies:

Lack of Appropriate Accessibility Considerations General Lack of Durability in Components and Systems Poor Surface Water Management Overcrowding Leading to Compounded Systems & Material Issues Lack of Maintenance and Knowledge of Systems Poor Quality Control During Construction Asbestos-Containing Materials & Other Hazardous Materials Ant Infestations Damaged Insulated Boxes for Above-Grade Water Lines Faded of Incomplete Electrical Panels Over-Use of Power Bars Rather Than Receptacles Expired Furnace Filters Basement Foundation Wall Waterproofing Issues

Inadequate, Missing, or Non-Functional Smoke Detectors

Crawl Spaces Floor Finishes Floor Framing Ventilation Systems Mech. Registers & Grilles

Washrooms

Electric Baseboards Heaters

Exhaust Fans Kitchens

Interior Lights

Interior Doors

Deficiency description and recommendations listed on page 60.

Housing Crisis & Context Part 2

Common Building Component Deficiencies Attic Insulation

Exhaust Fans

Floor Framing

Some cases of asbestos in insulation. Cases of thermal bridging at truss bottom chords creating localized mould clusters.

Kitchen and washroom exhaust fans were commonly not functioning properly, resulting in poor removal of moisture. Fans were also not properly suited for the higher demand required.

Plywood or OSB sheathing on top dimensional lumber floor joists spanning from perimeter foundation walls to interior post and beam bearing line is typical. Steel jack posts on interior bearing lines were found with the following deficiencies: corrosion in steel components, bearing plates that are too thin and exhibiting bending failure, bearing plates that are too small in area resulting in wood beam bearing failure, no connection between steel post and lower bearing plate, no connection between lower bearing plate and footing, no lateral stability, and steel posts out of plumb.

Increased insulation reduces change of thermal bridging. Ensure roof baffling in place to avoid insulation of roof sheathing

Attic Ventilation & Soffits Plywood soffits are less effective than vented aluminum soffits, facilitating mould growth in some cases. Ensure ventilation is not blocked by insulation, clean dust build-up around vents, and recommend vented aluminum soffits.

Closets Significant number of closets missing doors, shelving, or have shelving in poor condition. Recommend installing new shelving and doors as required

Crawl Spaces Almost all crawl spaces had past or existing moisture issues,. Evidence includes: structural damage and rot to wood framing, corrosion of steel jack posts, corrosion of nonstructural steel components, visible condensation on wood framing and mechanical components, and damp and musty odours.

Ext. Decks, Stairs & Ramps Deficiencies include: undersized framing, deteriorated/rotten framing, inadequate guard railing structure, missing balusters, inadequate ledger anchorage connection, unstable framing, inadequate footings Covered entry mudrooms desired by residents

Exterior Doors Double exterior door system typical. Damage to the outer door from vandalism is common. Other deficiencies include interior damage, failing frames, broken hardware, and misalignment. Stronger frames and doors with durable hardware are recommended to minimize damage from vandalism.

Exterior Lighting

Due to moisture exposure in crawl spaces, water damage, rot and mould were found to varying degrees, resulting in structural damage. Structural damage due to notching out floor joists to accommodate plumbing components. Crawl space access hatches have floor joists cut without installing transfer headers. Recommend reviewing post and beam construction details to increase stability and utilize thicker bearing plates, or use alternative system. Ensure proper installation of floor structure in conjunction with appropriate waterproofing to crawl space.

Entry lights commonly broken, missing or in poor condition

Floor Finishes

Due to moisture presence electrical components located in crawl spaces pose electrical safety hazards.

Durable and easily fixed replacements recommended.

Vinyl tile flooring is common, which has a short life expectancy evident by cracking, worn and missing tiles.

Comprehensive moisture mitigation strategies should be evaluated.

Foundations

A more durable flooring alternative is recommended

Downspouts Similar conditions as gutters in addition to not extending far enough downwards, or missing splash pads. Resulting in water pooling at foundation walls and footings and water ingress into crawls spaces. Recommend appropriate downspout extension, splash pads, and considered landscaping details

Electric Baseboard Heaters Damage found on baseboard heaters.

Consider sizing exhaust fan for larger demand and greater durability

[Need more information on specific issues and causes]

Permanent wood foundations (PWF) on concrete footings are typical. Frequently the footing is very near the surface grade, with foundation wall entirely above grade, resulting in water ingress between footing and PWF. Freeze-thaw damage to footings reported near downspouts. Poorly installed protection board and moisture barriers. Geo-technical eng. recommendations for foundations can assist in economical and durable foundation selection.

Gutters Completely missing, partially missing, damaged throughout, damaged locally, or not connected to downspout Recommend repairing, replacing and regular cleaning.

Hardscaping Pathways Pavers, concrete, plywood, gravel, and dirt paths have heaved/settled, cracked, or deteriorated Ensure paths do not create tripping hazard

Interior Doors

Roof Structure

Wall Cladding

Hollow wood doors typical. Common damage to door panel and hardware.

Typically constructed with plywood or OSB sheathing on top of engineered wood trusses. Soft areas on roof due to localized damage. Site-built trusses with plywood gussets may be in need of repair.

Most common types are OSB siding and vinyl siding. OSB siding deficiencies include: localized damage, warped or buckling siding members, missing or dislodged H-mouldings at joints, missing siding members, rot in siding members, deteriorated coating at edges exposing OSB, lichen growth, etc. Vinyl siding deficiencies limited to localized damage.

Consider options for more durable doors

Interior Lighting Poor interior lighting conditions common. Low quality of light, missing or broken fixtures, or poorly located fixtures. Ensure optimal quality, location and durability of interior light fixtures.

Interior Wall & Ceiling Finishes Painted drywall is the most common type of wall and ceiling finish encountered. At least a moderate level of repair and repainting to wall and ceiling finishes is required. Damage ranges from typical wear and tear to severe vandalism. More substantial drywall backing assemblies could be considered to provide more durability of drywall finishes to vandalism and accidental damage

Kitchens Vary in condition throughout community. Extensive repairs and replacements required. Suitable ventilation often not present. Non-vented range hoods common where filter is not regularly changed and with significant debris on underside. GFCI receptacles are missing in several homes in locations where they are required.

General roofing maintenance should be carried out.

Roof Structure Typically constructed with plywood or OSB sheathing on top of engineered wood trusses. Soft areas on roof due to localized damage. Site-built trusses with plywood gussets may be in need of repair. General roofing maintenance should be carried out.

Roofing Materials Deficiencies in asphalt shingle roofs: localized leaks, missing shingles, granule loss, curling, cracks, splits, fastener pop-out, flashing details, etc. Consider higher grade shingles/alternative roofing types. Revise roofing details for durability

Roofing Underlayment Cases of asphalt shingles installed without an underlayment. Underlayment is recommended for slopes less than 8:12. Include underlayment for increased reliability

Site Grading & Drainage

[Need more information on specific issues] Recommend implementing range hood maintenance program to ensure cleaning and filter changing.

Houses lack significant positive surface drainage away from the building

Mech. Registers & Grilles

Ventilation Systems

Many cases of registers and grilles being blocked by furniture or requiring cleaning.

Presence of mould; dirty, clogged or obstructed exhaust fans, ventilation grilles and floor registers; filters in need of replacement, and lack of operational knowledge are all indicative of ventilation sub-performance.

Consider locating these items in areas where they are less likely to be obstructed

Roof Penetration & Flashings Numerous instances of sealant failure at roof penetrations, valleys, and flashings. Investigate use of alternate sealant types

Regrade drainage away from home

Consider more durable wall cladding alternatives.

Wall Structure Perimeter wood stud walls typically support roof trusses above. Instances of water ingress into wall cavity and subsequent mould build-up on walls and ceiling. Both these conditions can lead to structural damage in the wall cavity. Assess areas of water ingress and causes to reduce structural damage and facilitation of mould.

Washrooms Conditions poor throughout community. Deficiencies include flooring damage, structural damage to floor, mould, vanity damage, severe staining in tubs, toilets and sinks, fixtures in need of replacement, poor lighting, and inadequate ventilation. Recommend studying chemistry of water supply and implementing measures to reduce impact on fixtures, and plumbing.

Windows Deficiencies includes: damaged screens, replacement screens stapled/nailed to frame, localized damage, sealed unit failure, broken window panes, non-operable windows, condensation on window interiors, water build-up around sills, sagging window frame headers, inadequate building envelope detail around frame Consider more durable and efficient windows to avoid future deficiencies.

More effective ventilation systems that are less susceptible to operational disruption is recommended.

Par t 3

Process Strategies & Explorations

Process Strategies & Explorations Part 3

Process

My proposed research is an investigation of architecture not as a finite commoditable product but as story building technique to empower and boost agency. Design as a story is heavily process oriented. As such, the process by which I exercise the thesis research will ultimately be the primary findings of the thesis itself. The execution of this process will follow four primary methods; The humancentred design process, the circular process of learning by doing, the continued contextual, precedent and technical research, and by allowing for fluidity so the process can be organically shaped by its own findings.

In maximizing the social value of a project it is incumbent upon us as designers to understand the unique perspectives of those we are designing for. Humancentred design (HCD) is an approach to problem solving that uncovers innova-

↑ Diagramming an imagined organic process for homebuilding.

tive tailored solutions by following an inclusive design process centred on the perspective of the end-users (IDEO, 2015). It is an approach that encourages collaborative making, perpetual iterations, embracing ambiguity, and embracing optimism. The HCD process begins with understanding people, hearing their hopes and desires, and becoming familiar with the challenges. It then slips into the circular phases that are shared by the maker movement ideology of learning by doing: Generate ideas, identify opportunities, test, refine, step back and repeat - all while staying grounded in the desires of the people you are working with. Trusting in the process and moving past the discomfort of not knowing the answers will be key to maintaining the optimism that human centred design strives for.

Part 3

Process Strategies & Explorations

Understanding Housing Scope

↖ A map of the considerations and design responses that should be incorporated into a housing initiative.

When dealing with the the complex context, conditions, and consequences of housing it is important to understand the full scope and impact of design decisions. This process is a balancing act of understanding the human desires (a launching off point), the technological feasibility, and the viability as a business model. This is why collaboration and knowledge transfer is to be woven into every aspect of this thesis. Democratized design seeks to break down the romantic vision of design as a stroke of genius from an individual labouring over their tasks.

Utilize off-the-shelf construction materials

Avoiding non-standardized materials to increase the likelihood of self-sufficiency and easy of repair

Part 3

Process Strategies & Explorations

Design Principles

Built using easy-to-assemble processes For maximized repeatability and participation in the construction process

Develop a community-based skilled-worforce Through the construction and planning of the homes, ownership and sel-reliance are increased in the community

Provide exclusive license for blueprints, assembly instructions, and SKU’s For any First Nation community looking to improve the on-community housing stock, or commercialize off-community

Create evergreen project ensuring constant evolution of housing stock The project should be flexible and blueprints revisable to incorporate retrofits, modernization, and incorporate new technologies

The Tech-Access Canada and University of Manitoba housing initiative project is adhering to a series of goals that will maximize the potential for capacity building in a housing project. If the construction of these homes is meant to be a collaborative opportunity to build capacity within the community, then it is important to develop creative detailing and methods that maximize participation in the construction process across all phases and scales of the build. Creating a process where community members can participate in the construction of their own built environment helps to increase the sense of belonging and ownership of the homes; a form of sweat-equity. By avoiding the use of non-standardized materials and utilizing off-theshelf construction materials it increases the likelihood for self-sufficiency. Remote communities have the added difficulty of access to building materials. When using standardized materials occupants don’t need to rely on complicated construction methods, materials, or suppliers to participate in constructing or maintaining the homes. In communities that have the opportunity to harvest local resources for the construction of their homes, the incorporation of those materials will be investigated to help foster a connection to the traditions of working with the land and further build self-sufficiency of the community

Part 3

Belonging

Process Strategies & Explorations

ort

Measure of Success

This thesis attempts to re-approach the role of the architect from a creator of space to a facilitator of spatial agency. The outcomes of this research will be a framework for capacity building and the design of a process for engagement using the groundwork of the democratized design movements. But what is the measure of project success in a means oriented thesis where participation and creating of “good” design cannot be easily evaluated by its outcomes? The success of a community based housing project should be measured in four ways; ownership, comfort, belonging, and story-building. A sense of ownership is fostered through continual participation and inclusion in the idea generation, design, and construction of a home. Comfort stems from the reliability of design, where durability and self-sufficiency leads to stability. Belonging is achieved through culturally and individualistically responsive design. Finally, value is found in the story-building that emerges from a collaborative and supportive design and construction process.

Part 3

Process Strategies & Explorations

Hierarchical Scales of Domestic Design

Intended as something that could begin to facilitate a conversation at collaborative design meeting, I began a series of small studies. Using the hierarchical scale of domestic design I began to envision potential methods of addressing the concerns voiced by community members.

Part 3

Process Strategies & Explorations

Natural Materials Integrating and surrounding occupants with natural materials is a common desire amongst First Nation community residents who live in deficient housing. The use of natural materials in a way that is affordable, durable, and sensible will be an important study, as well as looking to potential for harvesting local resources where possible.

Part 3

Process Strategies & Explorations

Inhabiting a Room Reflecting on ways me and my partner have inhabited spaces we’ve lived in I realize we tend to create an environment that’s comfortable for us by surrounding ourselves with objects that represent who we are and memories we’ve made. The value of the objects we display derives from the sentiment we hold for them rather than the monetary value they hold: from things we’ve made to sticks and rocks found at the beach. Integrating surfaces, ledges, and hangers into the structure and services of a home that allow for the hosting of objects and memories can facilitate belonging in a space. The easier it is for someone to reflect themselves in a space they inhabit the greater the connection will be.

Process Strategies & Explorations Part 3 80

Allowing for Expandability Testing ideas for adaptable housing that addresses the varying needs for expansion different families have, this study imagines a system where the roof and foundation could be oversized during initial construction, so that the interior could be expanded on and filled-in on an as needed basis.

Part 3

Process Strategies & Explorations

This model would be adaptable to different futures, family sizes, and domestic conditions. Allowing for the residents to proceed with a housing model that addresses their needs.

Part 3

Process Strategies & Explorations

Community Network Secondary trail networks that connect homes with each other and the surrounding environment are prevalent across the Pinaymootang First Nation reserve. This study imagines strategies that might foster these connections, facilitate assembly spaces, and strengthen community. Later in my thesis studies, during collaborative discussions in Pinaymootang, the challenges of this proposed housing network model were raised by community members. They had noted struggles with security, privacy, and proximity that existed in a similarly dense new development on the reserve. This made clear the importance of balancing privacy and connectedness with simple interventions like trees and planting for privacy and density of homes. It also revealed how important a dialogue with community members was in being familiar with the unique challenges they face.

Par t 4

New Direction & Conversations

90 Enabling a Community-Led Process for Home Building 92 Access to Tools: A Community Workshop Mapping Out the Thesis Trajectory

96 Conversations with the Community 98 Building Capacity Dynamic Program Generating Ideas

108 Site Selection

Connection to the Pinaymootang School

Home Building

Capacity Building

Part 4

New Direction & Conversations

Enabling a Community-Led Process for Home Building

At the start of my second semester, I wanted to re-evaluate my trajectory for this thesis and find something to further ground the work. A speculative process for home-building was becoming too open-ended. Ultimately, as a conclusion, designing a house, a series of homes, or a kit of parts will not challenge the housing crisis in a meaningful, lasting way. Yes, housing is the most immediate problem and homes need to be built now. However, whatever housing design I could envision would feel like a “bandaid” solution and likely wouldn’t get at the root of the housing issue.

↥ The woodshop at MakerLabs Vancouver, filled in by informal partitions that subdivide the space.

Taking a step back at the body of research I had done, I began to reconsider a more holistic approach to capacity building. An approach that could create lasting change generated from within the community and perhaps one-day enable a new community led process for home-building.

New Direction & Conversations Part 4

Access to Tools: A Community Workshop

Ultimately this thesis is about the collective empowerment that comes from people sharing knowledge and building together. It was a type of empowerment that I felt vividly during my time working out of a community workshop facility in Vancouver called MakerLabs. I was here building personal projects as well as working parttime as a fabricator, helping people from the community make whatever it was they wanted to make. I loved the collaboration involved in making something and the sense of community that was fostered by the shared act of making. The highly creative atmosphere was generated by the diverse individuals and disciplines shared tools, space, and knowledge. It didn’t matter what was being made, what skill level you had, or whether the things you made were for self-enrichment or self-employment; everyone was overjoyed by “making” and excited by their ability to participate in making something.

From being exposed to this very motivated, creative, and supportive atmosphere I felt my own capacity as an individual grow. I began to wonder what value an amenity like a community workshop could add to Pinaymootang. What kind types of capacity building could it lead to?

↖ MakerLabs Vancouver, clad in murals by local artists as a representation of the creative atmosphere within

↗ The woodshop at MakerLabs.

Prompt / Intent

Research

Part 4

New Direction & Conversations

Design / Execution

Mapping Out Thesis Trajectory

New Direction & Conversations

↘ The Pinaymootang Health

Centre. One of the most recognizable and important buildings in the community. The Health Centre fulfills a wide range of roles in the community from administering medical care to organizing community social events.

Part 4

Conversations with the Community

In the second term of my thesis studies I had been fortunate to begin conversations with community members in Pinaymootang to discuss all of my research and ideas, start a feedback loop, and build a relationship. My primary contacts were Gwen Traverse (director of the Pinaymootan Health Centre), Kurvis Anderson (Pinaymootang council member and community leader), and Stephen Anderson (community member and Health Centre employee). They had generously opened up and shared with me many of the unique challenges that are faced in the community today, as well as what the community strengths are. With the exception of one community visit to survey the proposed site, all discussions were held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this we had very productive conversations on how a community workshop could function in Pinaymootang, could engage with the youth, and could help begin to address the housing issue from within the community rather than relying on outside support.

To these conversations, I had brought my personal experience of capacity building in a community workshop as well as my eagerness to learn and to listen. Gwen, Kurivs, and Stephen had brought to the table their compassion for their community and a re-imagining of the unlimited uses and life a community workshop could have in Pinaymootang.

New Direction & Conversations Part 4

Building Capacity

At its core, a community workshop building is simply a home for tools with the space to use them. The space becomes activated by the limitless creativity from the people who use it. Looking through census data it became clear that there is a large concentration of youth in the community. Youth engagement activities could allow new skills to be learned, traditional knowledge to be maintained, and self-identity to be developed and expressed. This environment for learning would be enhanced by the wide range of age groups using the space. By interacting with this building and each other there can be collective and individual capacity building across things like home-building, community workforce growth, entrepreneurship, creative expression, and ultimately wellness, health, and happiness.

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Dynamic Program

Community workshops vary in function, program, and user-group. “Fabrication labs” and “maker spaces” are commonly associated with the rise in micro-manufacturing facilitated by digital fabrication tools. 3D-printers, laser cutters and other CNC machinery are increasingly accessible and user-friendly, allowing for individuals to manufacture highly customized products in small quantities. Other community workshops are more traditional arts oriented, usually found in community centres, allowing for the practice of drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. And some simply offer access to basic wood and metal tools. To address the immediate needs of the community, this workshop would focus on incorporating training programs for home-building as well as traditional knowledge and land-based learning programs for youth. Hopefully, these programs would be enhanced by the layering of social spaces into it, to accommodate community events and gatherings. But the key for success will be the adaptability to cater to the needs and capacity of the community as it grows and changes. “Even though the goal is providing for what’s needed right now... if you came back to the building in two years time you would see more than what we could think of now... It’s going to open up more opportunities to do more.”

- Kurvis Anderson

The building could simply start out as a durable space with basic tools to host training programs. Over time the program grows, re-organizes, and adapts. This growth is accelerated by the blurring of boundaries between the different programs, allowing for creative cross-pollination.

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Future Extensions / Storage

Part 4

New Direction & Conversations

Generating Ideas

Activity Grounds

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Core Workshop

Home-Building Test Site

To begin to get out ideas of how the program and site could be developed I drew a preliminary development plan. This spoke of ideas for how the buildings could be phased, starting with a primary workshop as a core building, with future storage facilities, and training spaces built later and perhaps as an exercise for the workshop. I considered ways that activities could easily spill out into the site for collaborative builds, land-based teachings, and community events. As well, imagining opportunities for ground to test and practice building construction and maintenance.

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The primary site selection criteria considered existing infrastructure connections, natural surrounding, site security, and proximity to the school for maximized youth engagement. The proposed site is in a partially forested section of land beside the Pinaymootang school. The site is shared with a proposed school bus garage and would share road access, parking, and service connections.

Part 4

New Direction & Conversations

Site Selection

Alternative Site Options

Site Advantages:

• • • • •

• •

• • •

Close proximity to school Close to main road & highway Near to dense housing district Heavily forested area Potential new development area nearby

Cons:

•

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Site conditions unknown

Close proximity to school & health centre Close to main road & highway

Cons:

• •

Little vegetation on site No housing development potential

Heavily forested Sprawling natural landscape Housing development potential

Cons:

• •

Not close to school and other amenities Site conditions unknown

Pinaymootang School Drainage Ditch Teacher / Staff Housing

- Community Workshop - Bus Garage

ON GZ

D OA SL

Proposed Site

MA ET

MA AD RO

Neighbouring Home

↖ Options for potential sites

to develop the community workshop. These graphics were used in conversations to help coordinate the site selection criteria and search.

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Community Workshop

Bus Garage

The vegetation on site primarily consists of deciduous low-height trees, such as poplar and oak. Larger coniferous trees lay East of the proposed building site. Retaining as much of the natural landscape as possible will be a priority in the site design as a passive solar strategy, as well to enhance land-based teachings.

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↓ Birds-eye view of the

Part 4

proposed site looking North. The site spills open to a heavily forested natural landscape to the South and East.

School Staff Housing

New Bus Garage

Neighbouring Home

Pinaymootang Community Workshop

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Connection to Pinaymootang School

Pinaymootang School

School Staff Housing

The spirit of the community workshop is strengthened by its connection to the Pinaymootang School. During a meeting with the schools Principal Edwin McCorrister, Vice-Principal Harold Hourie, and Director of Education Lorette Woodhouse, ideas for how the school and workshop could support each other was discussed. The community workshop could provide the space for new and needed curriculums in the school. The close proximity could allow for after hours programs to keep youth engaged. As the school continues to age and is in need of repair and replacement, skills and tools provided by the workshop could contribute to the repair and reconstruction of classrooms.

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Par t 5

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Pinaymootang Community Workshop 112 Imagining the Building

Facilitating Design Discussions Evoking Pride Site Connections & Exemplary Design Solar Strategies Cooling Strategies

128 Unique Technical Considerations Mapping Out Technical Components Focus on Mould Growth Mitigation Foundation Systems

144 Collaborative Construction Rooting into the Community Hempcrete Material Studies

158 Life in the Building

Sense of Ownership The Active Shop Space The Passive Shop Space Social Spaces Seasonal Activities Outdoor Workspace Collaborative Building Grounds

186 Future Life of the Building & Facilitating Spatial Agency Closing Remarks

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112 Imagining a Building

113

114

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Facilitating Design Discussions

↓ An early schematic design

of the community workshop, used to generate ideas for the tectonics and arrangement of programs on the site.

Ideally the design and development of this building would be something that comes from Pinaymootang, through community workshops and collaborative design meetings where the spirit of the community can pour out into the drawings. The design, technologies, and life of the building shown in the following sections are simply an imagined idea at what could be based on feedback and research I’ve absorbed. It is meant to be a conversation piece to facilitate design thinking and grow ideas.

Pinaymootang Community Workshop Part 5 116

↓ A schematic design for

the interior spill-out space in the workshop. Establishing connections to potential future expansions of the building and program.

The same design principles that would maximize capacity buildig in a housing project would apply directly to the community workshop. Using simple off-the-shelf materials and easy to assemble processes will allow the community to participate and contribute to the construction and identity of the building.

Pinaymootang Community Workshop Part 5 118

Evoking Pride When the building is being made using simple methods and materials, the design becomes a delicate balance of a simple, quickly, and easily constructed form while being unique and expressive enough to evoke a sense of pride in the community. These renders help to imagine the strategies for light-weight construction with an off-the-shelf material palette.

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Pinaymootang Community Workshop Part 5

Pinaymootang School

Active Workshop

Social Space

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Passive Workshop

Activity Grounds

Site Connections & Building Layout The community workshop is a central node bridging life between the community and the school to the North and the dense natural environment surrounding the Southern and Eastern faces. Like much of the Pinaymootang landscape, over time the land will be marked by overland pathways that lead to projects built in the forest and reveal movement of the deer and wildlife that traverse the land. This ecologically and socially diverse location will enhance all of activities and learning that takes place in the building and on the land. The buildings is split in to two primary volumes. Noisy “active shop” activities that have greater demands for ventilation and power distribution are contained on the north side. Attached to this volume is the central gathering and flex space for assembling projects, hosting classes, and other events. The southern building volume, separated by a industrial strip curtain, contains the “passive shop” space that blends social gathering with low-demand crafts and activities.

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NORTH

9pm

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Pinaymootang Community Workshop

Solar Strategies

AMOUNT

SPEED

8pm ANNUAL WIND Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

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210314 Pre-Design.pln 9:19 PM Monday, March 22, 2021

Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

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ducationalVersion

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I believe that the building should be exemplary in responsible building practices. So when we picked the new site, The development of the form became a response to several passive design strategies, like where to orient openings, thermal masses,

SOUTH

SOLAR PATH

SOUTH

Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: weatherstats.ca

Reduce opening on north face

Maximize southern glazing

Locate thermal mass near sun exposure and western walls

12pm 2pm Nearly all of the glazing will be kept to the southern exposure. The southern building volume will feature a primarily glazed facade with a 2’ overhang to reduce solar gain in summer months.

The majority of the West, North, and East facades will be constructed with Hempcrete walls and only a few small openings for visual connections.

Sun exposure during winter months from the late afternoon will pass through the southern glazing to the concrete slab, allowing for solar heat gain. Hempcrete walls along the west facade will regulate late afternoon heat gain.

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Cooling Strategies

SPEED NORTH

AMOUNT

SPEED

ANNUAL WIND Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

ANNUAL ANNUAL WIND WIND Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba

Closest Weather Source: Climate Consultant Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

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Reduce opening on north face

Locate thermal mass near sun exposure and western walls

The building form is shaped in such a way that diverges prevailing Western winds. This allows for the smooth pass-over of cold winter winds which can cool the building.

In the summer months, the prevailing Western wind can be captured as a natural ventilation strategy passing through the building and naturally drying out any moisture build-up.

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ANNUAL WIND

Pinaymootang Community Workshop

Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

Part 5

20º 20º

0.5m Depth 0.5m Depth

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Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

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GROUND TEMPERATURE Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

Seasonal ground temperature fluctuation highlights the importance of the foundation strategy. The frost line in Pinaymootang approximately sits at 8’ below grade. This means that any foundation strategy should extend below this line - preferrably to bedrock as a pile system. These ground temperatures also justify the need for the slab on grade to be insulated underneath, regardless of radiant flooring systems.

126 150

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Jul

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Annual

GROUND TEMPERATURE Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

Precipitation (in mm)

150

100

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150

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A S O N D

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ANNUAL WIND ANNUAL RAINFALL Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba

Source: weatherstats.ca Closest Weather Data: Dauphin Manitoba Source: Climate Consultant

While annual rainfall is fairly negligible, flat ground, lack of good soil conditions for surface water drainage, and concentration of rain during late spring and early fall mean careful consideration should be taken into the site design and building placement. The primary strategy currently in place in Pinaymootang is to bring in fill to artificially grade the site so that the building sits at the peak and water runs-off away from the building.

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128 Unique Technical Considerations

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Pinaymootang Community Workshop Part 5 130

Mapping Out Technical Considerations

In order to imagine how the building comes together it was important that I do extensive technical research to understand what has failed here and what is appropriate.

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Focus on Mould Growth Mitigation

The building should be an exemplary building in practices that mitigate the common building deficiencies in the community. While the primary technical research follows the building component deficiency that single-family homes are facing, the lessons learned and strategies for competent construction can be applied, adapted, and tested on the community workshop. The technical focus of this thesis explores strategies for mitigating one of the most prevalent issues the housing crisis faces: the presence of mould. The Canadian Senate report on First Nation housing conditions attributed the growth of mould to “poor building materials, lack of drainage, overcrowding, lack of awareness among occupants about how to prevent mould, and inappropriate housing design” (Calla, 2014). The committee also had observed that even some newly constructed high-performance housing projects were susceptible to mould growth due to residents not understanding principles of proper ventilation or how to operate the HVAC systems to control humidity.

↖ Mould growing in wall

assembly, Cat Lake First Nation (ON) Source: https://www.cbc. ca/news/indigenous/cat-lakefirst-nation-mould-1.5009079

The source of the mould issue is compounded by a wide range of factors, however, in the hierarchy of mould growth conditions, the greatest contributor is the presence of moisture. And in the flood prone, wetland and bedrock prevalent area of Pinaymootang the biggest source of moisture ingress into a home is through the foundation. Therefore, in answering the question “what are the best practices for mould prevention?”, we must address the question “What are the best strategies for siting, surface water management, and foundation systems?”.

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Understanding Mould Growth

In understanding appropriate preventative measures to fight mould growth, it is important to understanding what mould is and which conditions it thrives in. The term “mould” refers to a large group of microorganisms that thrive on nutrients of organic substrates including wood products, plants, foods, and soils. Mould is one of the principal decomposers of organic matter, making essential nutrients available to other organisms. When mould goes untreated in a home, not only can it compromise the functional and structural integrity of a building material, it can cause serious health risks to anyone living in the contaminated space. People living in a home with mould are likely to have sinus irritation, coughing and phlegm build up, issues breathing, and worsened asthma symptoms brought on by the greatly reduced indoor air quality (IAQ). Prolonged exposure to airborne mould particles can lead to more serious respiratory problems, especially in infants, youth, and the elderly (Health Canada, 2020).

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Mould requires three primary conditions to flourish: a growth medium / nutrient source, a source of moisture, and proper environmental conditions (see Figure 2). The most common growth mediums in a building are the drywall, wallpapers, wood products, ceiling tiles, and carpets. Crawl spaces are highly prone to mould from the surrounding soil when not properly fitted with a continuous moisture barrier. Inorganic materials like fibreglass insulation, plaster, and cement-based products can host organic materials like dirt that support mould growth. Building materials in many of the deficient homes on First Nation reserves are often cheap, and ill-suited for the use, climate, and number of occupants living in a home, resulting in quick deterioration and being susceptible to vandalism. The presence of moisture can be from household functions like cooking and bathing when not properly ventilated. Relative humidity fluctuations and condensation in wall cavities, ductwork, and unventilated spaces can result in trapped moisture. In Pinaymootang, a high-water table and flooding have wreaked significant damage to buildings and led to high levels of moisture ingress through foundations and crawlspaces.

↗ Three conditions for mould

growth flourish and their areas of ingress on a typical single family home.

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General Prevention Strategies

Of course, many of the best practices in mould prevention simply come down to the competency of the detailing and construction practices. Many mould growth issues can be mitigated through proper practices of using dry, durable construction materials, appropriately located membranes, and maintaining ventilation system operation. The table to the right suggests some general mould prevention strategies that can be taken through the design, construction, and occupancy phases of a building.

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↖ Housing renovationsns.

Source; Canadian Construction Association. (2018)

↗ General mould prevention

strategies by building phase (Information source: Canadian Construction Association, 2018)

ARCH 7080 Technology Thesis Report

Lucas Akira Druet

Table 1: General Mould Prevention Strategies by Building Phase (Information Source: Canadian Construction Association, 2018)

Design Phase

During

Construction

Post Construction

HVAC systems design consideration Avoid air intake downwind from moisture sources (e.g., building exhausts, sanitary vents, etc) Protect filter from direct wetting by elements, or interior moisture sources. Construction Scheduling considerations Three construction phases: The exposed phase, the partially enclosed phase, and the controlled phase The sooner the contractor schedules interior finishing the greater the risk of moisture ingress and entrapment Owners, designers, consultants, and contractors must work together to ensure appropriate timing of phases

Construction Material Handling Minimize exposure of interior building products to exterior conditions Protect materials stored on-site from exterior conditions (e.g., tarp & lift materials from ground surface) Prevent spillage of water within the building during construction Reject wet or mouldy material deliveries Purchase order specifications should require materials be delivered dry and clean Perform regular inspections and monitor humidity levels Document moisture meter readings Report any moisture ingress or compromised materials Ensure proper training for workers Knowledge of building envelope fundamental & material handling Allow structure to fully dry out prior to sealing the building envelope Ensure appropriate ventilation and moisture handling of built spaces

HVAC operational and maintenance procedures must be clearly outlined and handed over to owner

HVAC systems maintenance consideration -

Maintain protection and access to air intakes (e.g., bird nesting, snow removal)

Regular inspection of moisture prone areas should be done

Follow Health Canada’s mould prevention checklist for common home maintenance

Even while following the general mould prevention strategies it is nearly impossible to eliminate mould spores from the construction process. The best way to mitigate growth is to control at least one of the three conditions for mould: growth medium, source of moisture, and environmental conditions. The following is a series of investigations into materials that resist mould growth, as well as foundation systems that can reduce moisture ingress into the building envelope.

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Foundation Systems: Existing Conditions

↗ Permanent wood foundation sitting on crushed gravel (source: Ching, 2014, Building Construction Illustrated 5th Ed.)

↖ PWF on a new construction in Pinaymootang

In 2014, Pinchin Environment conducted an air sample test in 148 of Pinaymootang’s houses and found that 140 of the houses crawlspaces had been negatively impacted by the presence of mould (Fortier, 2016). During a housing inventory condition assessment of Pinaymootang done by David Nairne + Associates Ltd. in 2016, investigators found that the most common foundations for houses with crawlspaces were permanent wood foundations (PWF) (see Figure 5) sitting on a concrete footing. It was also reported that many of the footings had only been dug to a depth just below the surface of the ground and well above the frost line making the footings susceptible to surface-water ingress and frost-heave damage. It is clear that more durable and climatically appropriate foundation system should be considered in Pinaymootang. The economic savings of using a PMF is diminished by the resulting damage and required repairs from water ingress.

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Foundation Systems: Studies and Responses 1. Thickened-Edge Slab-On-Grade Pros: • Minimal site disturbance means increased cost savings • Minimal frame-work, materials and associatated labour costs • Reduces points of water ingress • Reduces surface area exposed to ground conditions Cons: • Subject to freeze-thaw damage if not insulated correctly • “Floating Slab” subject to differential settlement and therefore cracking • Cracked slab would act as point for moisture ingress • Systems difficult to route under slab

2. Slab-On-Grade with Perimeter Strip Footing and Bedrock Driven Piles

Pros: • Bedrock driven piles provide most structural durability and longevity to building structure • Reduces points of water ingress • Reduces surface area exposed to ground conditions Cons: • Increased excavation costs • Increase formwork, material, and labour costs • Systems difficult to route under slab

3. Perimeter Strip Footing with Bedrock Driven Piles, Crawlspace and Wood Frame Floor

Pros: • Common construction practice in area • Allows for building services to route through crawl-space • Bedrock driven piles provide most structural durability and longevity to Cons: • Many entry points for moisture into building - Crawl space, foundation wall to exterior wall, foundation wall to floor system, etc. • Increased formwork, material, labour, and excavation costs • Wood frame floor not ideal for workshop program

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•

Increase up-front costs are worth the increased durability and reliability of construction - as is evident in current building failures The majority of ventilation systems will run through the exposed roof structure

4" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ 80/110 INSULATION

INT

VERTICAL WOOD SIDING ANCHOR BOLT INSECT SCREEN

2x6 P.T. WOOD PLATE

SELF ADHERED WATER RESISTANT MEMBRANE INSULATION COVER BOARD 8" min.

2 1/2" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ 80/110 INSULATION

METAL FLASHING 4" min.

POLYETHYLENE SHEET ALL LAPS AND EDGES SEALED

3" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ 80/110 INSULATION

SL OPE GASKET DRAINAGE MAT C/W GEOTEXTILE FABRIC FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING GRAVEL BACKFILL

FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING CAPILLARY BREAK

PERFORATED PERIMETER DRAINAGE PIPE W/ FILTER FABRIC CONC. FTG - SEE STRUCTURAL

BEDROCK

6" ⍉ CONC. FILLED STEEL PILE DRIVEN INTO BEDROCK

4.1

TYPICAL FOUNDATION TO HEMPCRETE WALL SECTION 1 1/2” = 1’-0”

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142 Collaborative Construction

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Rooting into the Community

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As the construction progresses, so to does the involvement by the community. Simple construction techniques, and a broad range of collaborative tasks could be picked up by youth, young adults, and anyone willing to make their mark on the building. And it doesn’t have to be only builders coming to site. Just the social presence of community members contributes to the celebration of the building and its rooting into the community.

↘ Community collaborative

construction on a home from the Standing Tree to Standing Home initiative. Source: Eco-Health Learning Centre https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=f5lJNptzlgI

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Collaborative Construction Material Studies

A collaborative construction process provides the opportunity to learn about building science and test ideas. Hempcrete is a recently rediscovered and promising building material composed of a bio-fibre (hemp hurd or shiv) and a mineral binder (lime). When mixed together with water, set in a form, and cured the resultant product is a multi-functional wall infill material, typically cast between traditional wood frame construction. Hempcrete satisfies the demands of multiple building requirements and wall systems, particularly addressing moisture mitigation. It is also a easily applied but highly hand-on and hand-textured product making it an ideal collaborative construcion material.

↖ Hempcrete wall

infilled between timber structure. Source: https:// practicearchitecture.co.uk/ project/mass-timber-studio/

↗ Hempcrete construction

process. Source: https://youtu. be/cm23l_VLyp4))

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Benefits of Hempcrete

1. Resistance to Moisture and Mould

5. Carbon Sequestration :

2. Thermal Insulation:

6. Easy-to-Assemble Construction :

3. Fire Resistance:

7. Locally Harvested :

Hemp hurd has a unique pore structure that allows the material to store and release moisture. “Hemp-lime is capable of rapid liquid transfer, high moisture retention and high water vapour permeability, all of which act to avoid condensation, and manage the internal environment to retain comfortable conditions.” (Lawrence, M. et al (2012)

The loose packing and fibre rich nature of the hemp hurd creates a high percentage of void space in the final mixture, giving the product excellent thermal insulation potential. (Magwood, 2016). Depending on the mixture you can achieve an R-value in the range of R2.4 to R4.8 per inch (Brooks, 2018

Hempcrete has excellent fire resistant properties, with a 1-to-2hour fire resistance rater per 4 inches of thickness.

4. Acoustic Dampening:

Left unfinished, the porous face of the hempcrete wall has high acoustic dampening qualities - softening both reflective sounds (interior) and transmission sounds (exterior). It has reportedly absorbed 90% of airborne sound (Brooks, 2018)

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Hempcrete’s ability to capture carbon in the growth and construction process makes it a valuable material in light of the urgency of climate change action. The greenhouse gas emissions over 100 years in a hempcrete wall is equal to -35.5 kg CO2eq/m2 against 40.5 kg C02eq/m2 in a traditional wall assembly

The construction process for a Hempcrete infill wall is simple and leaves a “hand-made” quality - making it an ideal construction material for a community collaborative construction process. A community made hempcrete wall would maximize ownership and belonging in a space.

Hemp hurd is locally harvested within 2 hours of Pinaymootang by Plains Hemp. Locally sourced Metakaolin and recycled crushed brick can act as pozzolans in the binder mix. “Crushed brick, when used in combination with hydrated lime will result in a carbon-negative, sustainable, widely available, and potentially cost-effective” (Khan, Mohammad Amil, 2020)

Design Considerations for Hempcrete

Wall Ins u l a t i o n

1. Insulation value of hempcrete

dependent on thickness of infill, mix ratios, and compaction during installation.

2. This project will employ a split

insulation approach with the hempcrete infill a 2x6 stud wall with an additional 4” of mineral wool insulation mounted to the exterior

3. The split insulation approach will

maximize economy, construction ease, lessen the deadload.

4. Assuming an average of R-1.9 per

Source: Magwood, Chris. 2016

inch a Hempcrete 2x6 infill wall will provide R-10.45. The additional 4” of Rockwool comfortboard will provide R-16 totalling an effective R-26.45

Found a t i o n

1. Hempcrete walls are adaptable to any foundation system.

2. The greater deadload from thick

Hempcrete walls can have impacts on foundation sizing and design

3. Ensure appropriate moisture barrier and detailing at base of wall

4. Provide proper flashing and

water removal detailings at foundation wall and hempcrete wall intersection

5. Ensure adequate foundation floor drainage to avoid risk of interior water damage to wall base

6. Specify suitable moisture break

layer between foundation and wall

7. Specify suitable air barrier to

prevent leakage between wall and foundation - caulking, gaskets, adhesive, tape etc.

Use split insulation (see next page) See wall plan details

See wall plan details

Interior floor drains to be piped to exterior and insulated until meeting storm drainage system See wall section details See wall section details

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Hempcrete wall infill can be approached in a variety of different methods:

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Hempcrete Wall Construction Options

1. Single Stud Framing

2. Single Stud Framing with Furring

Pros: • Simplicity of framing • Simplicity of formwork attachment • Narrow wall profile • Exposed studs allow for easy attachment of exterior sheathing or strapping and interior finishes • Ventilated rainscreen siding easily accommodated Cons: • Thermal perfomance limited to stud depth (not including additional exterior insulation) • Potential for thermal breaks at stud location • Increased risk of air leakage at each stud / hemp intersection • Lack of service routing spaces

Pros: • Simplicity of framing • Simplicity of formwork attachment • Furring adds insulation depth for Hempcrete • Thermal breaks are minimized with furring Cons: • Thermal perfomance limited to stud depth (not including additional exterior insulation) • Additional furring can create complicated detailing at window and door openings

• • • • •

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3. Single Stud Framing Centered in Hempcrete

Pros: • Thermal performance can be met entirely through hempcrete • No thermal bridging Cons: • Formwork is more complicated as forms cannot attach directly to frame • Door and window opening detail becomes complicated • More difficult to plan for electrical and services in wall cavity • Increased deadweight on foundation and structure alignment with foundation wall • Added labour

My approach will incorporate single stud framing with split insulation. Hempcrete infill between wall studs, and mineral wool mounted to exterior reducing thermal breaks and meeting code thermal performance This will help keep the interior structure warm and reduce condensation on structure Services will be primarily routed in ceiling structure with intermittent electrical encased in conduits within hempcrete wall The simplicity of this option allows for maximizing economy (foundation sizing, materials, labour cost)

4. Double Stud Framing Pros: • Simplicity of formwork attachment • No thermal bridges • Exposed studs allow for easy attachment of sheathing or interior infishies • Thermal performance can be met entirely through hempcrete Cons: • Additional framing time and cost • Added labour • Increased deadweight on foundation • Alignment issues with structural foundation system and load bearing walls

5. Double Stud Framing with

6. Timber Frame

Pros: • Simplicity of formwork attachment • No thermal bridges • Exposed studs allow for easy attachment of sheathing or interior infishies • Thermal performance can be met entirely through hempcrete • Addition of service cavity Cons: • Additional framing time and cost • Added labour • Additional cost of sheathing required to finish interior wall • Increased deadweight on foundation • Alignment issues with structural foundation system and load bearing walls

Pros: • Thermal performance can be met entirely through hempcrete • No thermal bridging • Few interruptions / junctions make hempcrete installation simple • Aesthetic possibilities of heavy timber frames • Consolidation of structure means insulation can be removed or replaced without affecting structure Cons: • Detailing of openings more complicated • Increased deadweight on foundation and structure alignment with foundation wall • Temporary framing for formwork needed • Air sealing details around timber frame can be complicated

Service Cavity

↑ Images sourced from:

Magwood, Chris. 2016. Essential Hempcrete Construction : The Complete Step-by-Step Guide. Sustainable Building Essentials. Gabriola Island, BC, Canada: New Society Publishers.

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Hempcrete Model Studies

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A sectional detail model was built to experiment with how the hempcrete wall framing could integrate shelving and nailing surfaces by exposing the wall studs on the interior finish. The inclusion of hempcrete becomes a conversation piece within the community, raising questions like: Why does mould grow in a typical wall? What does this material do differently? How can we rethink our homes?

↑ Build up of construction

phases of foundation and slab, primary structure, infill framing, and hempcrete infill.

↗ Detail photos of modelled hempcrete detailing.

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Part 5

BUILT-UP RAFTER (SEE STRUC. DWGS.) 2x4 DIM. LUMBER BLOCKING 3/4" PLYWOOD SELF-ADHERED VAPOUR PERMEABLE MEMBRANE 2-4" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ 80/110 INSULATION JOINTS OFFSET AND STAGGARD 2x3 DIM. LUMBER ON END @ 24" O.C. (VENTED AIR SPACE) 1/2" SHEATHING SELF-ADHERED WATER-RESISTANT MEMBRANE CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING LONG SCREW FASTENER 2X3 DIM. LUMBER ON END

m 2 1/in. 2"

CONTINUOUS SELF-ADHERE VAPOUR PERMEABLE MEMBRANE

5" m

in.

T&G WOOD SOFFIT INSECT SCREEN WOOD FASCIA TRIM EXPOSED BUILT-UP RAFTER

EXPOSED HEMPCRETE WALL HEMP HURD WITH HYDRATED LIME AND CRUSHED BRICK BINDER

INT

EXT 3-2x8 BUILT-UP DIM. LUMBER COLUMN @ 5' O.C. 2x6 DIM. LUMBER INFILL WALL @ 16" O.C. 5 1/2" HEMPCRETE™ INFILL 4" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ INSULATION 3/4" VERTICAL P.T. STRAPPING 3/4" HORIZONTAL P.T. STRAPPING 1" VERTICAL T&G WOOD SIDING

EXPOSED 2x6 INFILL WALL BLOCKING INTERIOR MOUNTING SURFACE EXTERIOR STRAPPING FASTEN

3.1

ROOF EAVE AT HEMPCRETE WALL NTS

154

3/4"

1' - 1

1/ 2 "

1-4

2x3 DIM. LUMBER ON END FASTENED THROUGH ROCKWOOL 2-LAYERS 4" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ 80/110 INSULATION SELF-ADHERED WATER-RESISTANT MEMBRANE

CONTINUOUS SELF-ADHERE VAPOUR PERMEABLE MEMBRANE 3/4" PLYWOOD 2x4 DIM. LUMBER BLOCKING BUILT-UP RAFTER (SEE STRUCTURAL) 3.2

TYPICAL ROOF SECTION DETAIL PERP. TO SLOPE NTS

1-4 EXT

VERTICAL T&G WOOD SIDING 4" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ 80/110 INSULATION ELECTRICAL CONDUIT

INT

EXPOSED HEMPCRETE WALL HEMP HURD WITH HYDRATED LIME AND CRUSHED BRICK BINDER 3-2x8 BUILT-UP DIM. LUMBER COLUMN

3.3

TYPICAL WALL PLAN DETAIL NTS

155

SELF ADHERING THROUGH WALL FLASHING MEMBRANE W/ SEALANT AT TOP EDGE VERTICAL WOOD SIDING INSTALLED OVER 3/4" P.T. HORIZONTAL STRAPPING AND 3/4" P.T. VERTICAL STRAPPING

EXPOSED HEMPCRETE WALL HEMP HURD WITH HYDRATED LIME AND CRUSHED BRICK BINDER

4" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ 80/110 INSULATION INSECT SCREEN

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WINDOW TRIM DRIP FLASHING BACKER ROD AND SEALANT JOINT FROM WINDOW FRAME TO MEMBRANE

SELF ADHERING MEMBRANE TO WRAP INTO ROUGH OPENING

DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOW

INT

EXT

SEALANT

CONTINUOUS METAL BACK DAM ANGLE

CROSS-CAVITY FLASHING C/W END DAMS

SL OPE

HEMPCRETE WALL HEMP HURD WITH HYDRATED LIME AND CRUSHED BRICK BINDER

5.1

156

TYPICAL WINDOW HEAD & SILL SECTION DETAIL NTS

INSECT SCREEN SELF ADHERING MEMBRANE TO WRAP INTO ROUGH OPENING

VERTICAL WOOD SIDING INSTALLED OVER 3/4" P.T. HORIZONTAL STRAPPING AND 3/4" P.T. VERTICAL STRAPPING

VERTICAL T&G WOOD SIDING

1-1

4" ROCKWOOL COMFORTBOARD™ 80/110 INSULATION 3-2x8 BUILT-UP DIM. LUMBER COLUMN

ELECTRICAL CONDUIT

EXPOSED HEMPCRETE WALL HEMP HURD WITH HYDRATED LIME AND CRUSHED BRICK BINDER

4.2

TYPICAL WALL PLAN DETAIL AT CORNER NTS

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158 Life of the Building

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Sense of Ownership

As the building comes to life and becomes operational its ability to facilitate learning and gathering continues to grow. During community conversations, Kurvis and Stephen had spoke about how a community collaborative construction process would give people a greater sense of ownership over the building, increasing the amount of caring and maintaining that goes into it. 161

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The Active Shop 01

↑ In the active shop, the exposed materials

and structure will serve as a reminder for the accomplishments and contributions everyone had in its construction.

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The Active Shop 02

↑ The space is flexible to adapt to new life and

activities as they become needed. As more and more gets added, built, stored, and adapted the architecture becomes a peripheral element to all of the creative chaos that takes over the space

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The Active Shop

↓ In my conversations Kurvis Anderson spoke about how limited their activities are because of the limits of the spaces they have available in the community. Today there are funding opportunities for training programs can’t be properly utilized.

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The Passive Shop 01

↓ A flexible space could host an unlimited amount of

activities. As an example, Pinaymootang has a search and rescue team with no base to operate out of. Their presence in the workshop would passively spread safety knowledge and offer training grounds.

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Social Spaces 01

↓ Comfort will come from incorporating social

spaces that allow rest, conversation, and feasting.

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Social Spaces 02

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Seasonal Activities 01

↑ During winter months passive strategies would ensure comfort inside the building, allowing for continued operation year round.

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Seasonal Activities 02

↑ Social exterior spaces provide seasonal event and activity spaces.

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Outdoor Work Space

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↑ Exterior building grounds provide comfortable spaces to teach workshops. The simple materials making up the canopy allow for adaptation, ease of repair, upgrades, and expansions.

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Outdoor Work Space 02

↑ Again, the range of activities facilitated by this

space are endless. Stephen Anderson had mentioned witnessing classrooms being used as a space to skin and process deer caught by community members hunting

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Collaborative Building Grounds 01

↑ Ensuring the building has a strong connection to the site will enhance land-based learning activities, community building events, and will serve as the training and testing grounds for housing projects.

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Collaborative Building Grounds 02

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186 Future Life of the Building & Facilitating Spatial Agency

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Closing Remarks

The work that is shown in this book is intended to be a tool to facilitate a conversation. It questions how we approach problems. It challenges the role of the architect to someone who recognizes opportunities for capacity building and unlocks greater value for a project by stepping back and allowing more hands at the drawing table. Democratized design rejects the notion of the lone genius architect and embraces the belief that maximizing participation and perspectives in designing and making will lower thresholds and distribute solutions faster and farther.

↖ Invisible Studio’s “Studio in

the Woods” hosts design-build events that are highly focused on land-based teachings and collaborative building methods. Source: http://www. invisiblestudio.org/selected_ work/studio-in-the-woods/

Spatial Agency is defined in the book Spatial Agency: Other Ways of Doing Architecture as “effecting change through the empowerment of others, allowing them to engage in their spatial environments in ways previously unknown or unavailable to them, opening up new freedoms and potentials as a result of reconfigured social spaces.” (Awan et al, 2011) There is a lot to be learned from the informal bottom up movements contributing to the democratization of design. Perhaps most universal is the spirit of reciprocity found in the way knowledge is distributed. This transfer of knowledge allows for new skills to be developed, skills which can empower an individual or a collective community to interact with their built environments.

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References Abel, Bas Van. Open Design Now: Why Design Cannot Remain Exclusive. Amsterdam: BIS, 2011. Awan, Schneider, &amp; Till. (2011). Spatial agency: other ways of doing architecture. Routledge. Bach, Rachel. Rep. “Every House Counts”: First Nation Housing in Manitoba. University of Winnipeg, 2015. Ballard, Myrle, and Donna Martin. “Hearing the Elders’ Voices: Minoawayin,” 2017. https:// manitobafloodhealingvoices.com/index.php/resources/ Benson, Michaela. Self-Build Homes: Social Discourse, Experiences and Directions. London: UCL Press, 2017. Brown, Valerie J. “Give Me Shelter: the Global Housing Crisis.” Environmental Health Perspectives 111, no. 2 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.111-a92. Cary, John. Design for Good: a New Era of Architecture for Everyone. Washington: Island Press, 2017. Caspersen, Simon, and Caroline Till. Imagine: Exploring the Brave New World of Design and Manufacturing. Kbh.: Space 10, 2017. Dyck, Lillian E., and Dennis Glen. Patterson. Housing on First Nation Reserves: Challenges and Successes: Interim Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa: Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, 2015. IDEO, The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design: Design Kit. San Francisco: 2015. Fortier, Brian. Rep. House Inventory Condition Assessment: Pinaymootang First Nation. David Nairne + Associates Ltd., 2016. Freear, A. (2014). Rural Studio at twenty: designing and building in Hale County, Alabama. Princeton Architectural Press. Kyser, Johann. Sustainable Aboriginal Housing in Canada: a Case Study Report. London, Ont.: Johann Kyser, 2011. Mass Customization and Design Democratization. CRC Press, 2019. Parvin, Alastair. “Architecture (and the Other 99%)”: Open-Source Architecture and Design Commons. Architectural Design 83, no. 6 (2013): 90–95. https://doi.org/10.1002/ ad.1680. Ratti, Carlo, and Matthew Claudel. Open Source Architecture. London: Thames & Hudson, 2015. Umbach, Maiken. Vernacular Modernism: Heimat, Globalization, and the Built Environment. Stanford, CA: Stanford Univ. Press, 2005.

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Technical References Arias, C. (2005). Steady state and transient two dimensional heat transfer in a thickened-edge slab-on-grade foundation . Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Manitoba, Fall 2005. Brooks, K. (2018, August). White paper. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www. hempcrete.ca/white-paper/ Calla, Harold. (2014, January 29) Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board, Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, Issue No. 3, 2nd Session, 41st Parliament, Canadian Construction Association. (2018). Mould guidelines for the Canadian construction industry. Retrieved from https://www.cca-acc.com/ wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Mouldguidelines2018.pdf Fortier, Brian. (2016) Rep. House Inventory Condition Assessment: Pinaymootang First Nation. David Nairne + Associates Ltd. Health Canada. (2020, April 09). Addressing moisture and mould in your home. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://www.canada.ca/en/ health-canada/services/ publications/healthy-living/addressing-moisture-mould-your-home.html Hildebrand, Jenna. (2020, August). Supporting First Nations in British Columbia to Implement Culturally-Appropriate and Energy-Efficient New Construction. University of British Columbia Khan, Mohammad Amil (2020). Physical and Microstructural Properties of Insulating Hempcrete Mixes and Their Impact as Infill System on the Foundations Due to Increase in Dead Load. University of Manitoba Kyser, Johann. (2011) Sustainable Aboriginal Housing in Canada: a Case Study Report. London, Ont.: Johann Kyser. Laetitia, Bessette & Trémerie, Bruno & Bejat, Timea & Piot, Amandine & Jay, Arnaud & Barnes Davin, Laury. (2015). Study the Development of Mould on Prompt Natural Cement Based Hemp Concrete. from https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/282150171_ study_the_develop- ment_of_mould-on_prompt_natural_cementbased_hemp_concrete Lawrence, Mike, Andy Shea, Pete Walker, and Pieter De Wilde. (2013) Hygro- thermal Performance of Bio-Based Insulation Materials. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Construction Materials 166, no. 4: 257–63. https://doi. org/10.1680/coma.12.00031. Magwood, C. (2016). Essential Hempcrete Construction: The Complete Step- by-Step Guide. New Society Publishers. Pinkos, J. (2014). The effectiveness of hempcrete as an infill insulation in the Prairies compared to a standard building based on power consumption. University of Manitoba Skaftfeld, K. (2014). Experience as a guide to geotechnical practice in Winnipeg. University of Manitoba

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October 2021 University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture Advisor Shawn Bailey 194