September-October Issue 2023

Indigenous Architecture in Modern Society

Maintenance Tips for Autumn

Safeguard Your Home from Wildfires

The Rising Popularity of Modular Homes

THE MAGAZINE OF ARCHITECTURE / HOME & INTERIOR DESIGN / WEST COAST LIVING

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the September / October issue of @ Home on the Coast magazine. Join us as we explore ways in which designers have transformed staircases into works of art. Read about practical tips and expert advice to ensure your home remains cozy and protected during the change of seasons as well as how to extend the vibrancy of your outdoor garden space even as the days grow shorter.

We will also explore the synergy between tradition and innovation in Indigenous architecture illustrating how cultural heritage can thrive within modern spaces, as well as a must read article on how to protect your home from the ever increasing danger of wild res.

Finally, we invite you to explore “Modern Living in Modular Homes,” a journey into the future of living spaces. Discover the synergy of technology, sustainability, and comfort as we uncover the reasons behind the surge in popularity of factory-built, prefab, and modular homes.

Wishing you a September and October lled with creativity, inspiration, and the beauty of architecture.

Brad Ferguson, Publisher

Copyright 2022 by Campaign Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, or artwork without express written permission of the publisher is forbidden. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Brad Ferguson, publisher@homeonthecoast.ca

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bryan Brasco

Russ Qureshi

James Tuer

Angela Koop

GRAPHIC LAYOUT

Darren Griffin

MEDIA SALES advertising@homeonthecoast.ca

DISTRIBUTION

Matt Preus

For Marketing and Advertising contact advertising@homeonthecoast.ca

Printed in Canada on recyclable paper.

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Modern Living:

e Rising Popularity of Modular Homes

In a rapidly evolving world, where time, efficiency, and sustainability are paramount, traditional home construction methods are undergoing a transformation. Factory-built, prefab, and modular homes are garnering increasing popularity for their innovative approach to housing that offers an array of benefits, from cost-effectiveness to reduced environmental impact. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this surge in interest and the advantages these modern housing solutions bring to the table.

Speedy Construction

One of the most compelling reasons for the popularity of factorybuilt, prefab, and modular homes is the remarkable reduction in construction time. Unlike traditional site-built homes that can take months or even years to complete, these homes are manufactured in controlled environments, with each component precisionengineered and assembled in a fraction of the time.

Cost E ciency

Factory-built homes are often more coste ective than traditional construction due to economies of scale, streamlined processes, and reduced material waste. Prefab and modular homes also bene t from predictable costs and minimized labor expenses, making homeownership more accessible to a broader demographic.

Customization Options

Contrary to common misconceptions, factory-built homes o er a range of customization possibilities. Modern manufacturing techniques allow homeowners to choose from a variety of layouts, nishes, and design elements, enabling them to create a unique and personalized living space.

Quality Control

e controlled factory environment ensures consistent quality in every aspect of the home’s construction. Skilled professionals closely monitor the manufacturing process, employing precision machinery and adhering to rigorous standards. is level of quality control often leads to homes that are built to higher standards than some sitebuilt counterparts.

Sustainability and Environmental Bene ts

Factory-built, prefab, and modular homes excel in sustainability due to their e cient use of resources. Controlled production environments minimize waste, and the integration of energy-e cient features contributes to reduced energy consumption

over the home’s lifespan. Additionally, the use of eco-friendly materials aligns with contemporary sustainability goals.

Technological Integration

Modern factory-built homes often incorporate advanced technology, from smart home systems to energye cient appliances. ese technological advancements enhance convenience, comfort, and energy e ciency for homeowners.

Addressing Housing Shortages

In regions grappling with housing shortages, factory-built homes present a viable solution. e quick construction process can help alleviate the demand for housing in a shorter timeframe, o ering a faster solution to housing needs.

Changing Perceptions

As factory-built homes continue to evolve, outdated stigmas are being challenged. Architects, designers, and manufacturers are working collaboratively to create aesthetically pleasing, architecturally innovative homes that defy preconceived notions.

Transportation and Accessibility

Factory-built homes can be transported to remote or challenging locations that might be di cult to access with traditional construction methods. is accessibility makes them an attractive choice for homeowners seeking a unique location without compromising on comfort.

Modern Aesthetics

e design and aesthetics of factory-built, prefab, and modular homes have evolved signi cantly. ese homes can incorporate contemporary designs, open layouts, and high-quality nishes that align with current design trends.

e rising popularity of factory-built, prefab, and modular homes is a re ection of the changing demands and priorities of homeowners. With speed, cost e ciency, sustainability, and customization at the

forefront, these modern housing solutions are reshaping the way we think about building homes. As the industry continues to innovate and re ne its processes, factory built homes are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of housing, providing a harmonious blend of e ciency, comfort and style.

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Architectural Stairway Design

The staircase is perhaps one of the most important elements of a multi-storey home.  Its design provides an opportunity for homeowners and designers to express some of their personality and creativity. Often the most successful stairways are the ones that share space rather than consume space.  They achieve this by being open and skillfully orchestrated to make the best use of space.

In this situation the stair in plan “ate” into the kitchen space. Rather than build a bulkhead I floated the stair on two timber stringers to feature the Fir treads.

Staircases come in a variety of types, with the most common and simple being a straight run, and the next most common being a double set of flights with a mid-point landing.

A variation on this that I like to use is a straight run with a slightly elevated landing which turns the travel path into space rather than sling side the space.

In this design (a) the stringer is built out of steel, which is folded and welded into a deep v shape. It lands on a solid wood landing which “floats” against the wall.

James Tuer Architect AIBC LEEDap AIA

In this house we sat the tropical hardwood treads onto “steel trays” that are welded into imbedded steel that was cast in place into a feature board formed concrete wall (c).

Railings are always a challenge when you have to balance codes with aesthetics. Code requires no space on the railing to be greater than 4” but thankfully the code has recently changed and for guard rails less than 13’ in height, they can now have horizontal members allowing for aircraft cable. Remember, It’s important to work with your local building officials and make sure your design is acceptable and approved before beginning construction.

James Tuer Architect AIBC LEEDap AIA

Open stairways require the treads to be supported either by architectural stringers or by inserting the treads into a wall creating a floating effect. The stringers themselves can either be a single structural member out of wood or steel or they can be doubled up.

To save room we created a ships ladder to the upper level mezzanine of this private library. The mezzanine was constructed out of flat panels of CLT with cut outs for glass infill.

e Role of Indigenous Architecture in Modern Society

e architectural landscape of Canada is undergoing a profound transformation as designers and architects turn to Indigenous wisdom and practices to shape a new era of building design. e incorporation of Indigenous architecture into contemporary projects is not only a celebration of cultural heritage but also a step towards sustainable, holistic, and place-responsive designs that honor the land and its people.

Indigenous architecture re ects a deep connection to the land and a harmonious relationship with the environment. By infusing traditional knowledge into contemporary designs, architects are rekindling a sense of identity and cultural pride, while encouraging a holistic approach that respects the earth’s resources.

ese architectural principles o en stem from centuries of observation and understanding of local ecosystems. is knowledge is manifest in building placement, materials selection, and design strategies that adapt to the climatic and environmental characteristics of the region.

Sustainability lies at the heart of Indigenous architecture. e use of locally sourced materials, renewable resources, and energy-e cient designs aligns with contemporary concerns for ecological balance. is integration of ancestral wisdom resonates with modern sustainability goals, creating buildings that tread lightly on the earth.

Hoop Dance Gathering Place at Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON by BrookMcIlroy. Inspired by sun and moon calendars and the Medicine Wheel, it provides space for traditional practice, teaching, meditation, and quiet study (photo: Tom Arban).

Inspiring

Sunshine Coast Community Services is raising funds to construct a new community services hub and 34 affordable housing units for women and children who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence or homelessness.

Building Together will create lasting positive change in our community. But we cannot do it alone. We need your help to get us over the finish line.

Indigenous architecture doesn’t view buildings as isolated structures but as interconnected elements within a larger ecosystem. is holistic approach considers not only the physical structure but also the spiritual, cultural, and social aspects of the community, fostering a sense of place and belonging.

Incorporating Indigenous architectural elements into contemporary designs is a testament to the resilience and resurgence of Indigenous cultures. Traditional forms, motifs, and techniques are reinterpreted and integrated into buildings, allowing communities to express their heritage in a modern context.

Successful integration of Indigenous architecture requires collaboration and consultation with Indigenous communities. Architects work closely with community members to ensure designs are culturally sensitive, respectful of traditions, and aligned with local values.

Indigenous architecture serves as a bridge between past and future, fostering intergenerational

exchange of knowledge and encouraging younger generations to embrace their cultural heritage. It emphasizes the importance of continuity while welcoming innovation.

Numerous projects across Canada showcase the integration of Indigenous architecture into contemporary designs. From cultural centers to

educational institutions, these buildings stand as embodiments of the Indigenous history in Canada.

While the integration of Indigenous architecture presents opportunities for cultural enrichment and sustainability, it also raises challenges related to appropriation and representation. Ethical considerations and genuine collaboration are essential in addressing these complexities.

Indigenous architecture is not just a design trend; it’s a testament to the resilience, creativity, and harmony embedded in Indigenous cultures. As contemporary building design in Canada evolves, the embrace of Indigenous wisdom enriches the architectural fabric, fostering a deeper connection to the land and the diverse narratives that shape the nation’s identity.

Roo op healing lodge and re circle at the Centre for Native Child and Family Services by LGA Architectural Partners (photo- Ben Rahn, A Frame Architecture).

First Peoples House at University of Victoria by Al ed Waugh of Formline Architecture. Inspired by the Coast Salish Longhouse, the building is a home away om home designed with culture and spirit in mind (photo: Nic Lehoux).

Top 10 Home Maintenance

Tips for Autumn

As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves begin to grace our landscapes, it’s a reminder that colder days and winter’s chill are just around the corner. Before the snow blankets the ground and the frost sets in, it’s time to shift our focus from outdoor barbecues to home maintenance. The transition from autumn to winter is the ideal time to embark on a series of essential projects that will not only ensure your home’s comfort during the chilly months but also help you avoid costly repairs down the line.

By dedicating some time to these vital autumn maintenance projects, you can ensure your family’s comfort, safety, and well-being throughout the colder months. Remember, a little effort now can save you from facing much bigger problems and expenses in the future. So grab your toolkit, put on your work gloves, and get started on these projects to create a warm and inviting haven that’s ready to embrace winter’s embrace.

1. Seal the Gaps:

The first line of defense against the impending cold is your home’s insulation. As temperatures drop, any gaps or cracks in windows, doors, and walls can become pathways for chilly air to infiltrate your living spaces.

Invest time in checking and sealing these gaps with weather stripping or caulk. This small effort can make a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency and your heating bills.

2. Inspect the Heating System:

Before the mercury takes a nosedive, it’s crucial to ensure that your heating system is in tip-top shape. Schedule a professional maintenance check for your furnace or heat pump. This will not only extend the lifespan of your system but also guarantee that it’s operating at peak efficiency, providing maximum warmth for minimal energy consumption.

3. Clean Those Gutters:

Fall’s beauty comes with a price – falling leaves that clog gutters and downspouts. Prevent water from freezing and causing damage by clearing out the debris before winter arrives. This simple task can prevent ice dams, water seepage, and even potential structural issues.

4. Roof and Attic Inspection:

An often-overlooked aspect of winter preparedness is ensuring that your roof is in good condition. Have a professional inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles, as well as signs of leaks. Additionally, check your attic’s insulation to prevent heat from escaping and ice dams from forming.

5. Service Your Chimney and Fireplace:

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, now is the time to make sure it’s ready for cozy evenings by the fire. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected to prevent any blockages or potential fire hazards. A well-maintained fireplace not only adds ambiance but also serves as an additional heat source during colder months.

6. Protect Outdoor Fixtures:

Garden hoses, outdoor faucets, and sprinkler systems are susceptible to freezing temperatures. Drain and disconnect hoses, and shut off outdoor faucets to prevent them from freezing and bursting. This small effort can save you from water damage and costly repairs come spring.

7. Service Your Outdoor Power Equipment:

Autumn is the perfect opportunity to give your lawnmower, trimmer, and other outdoor power equipment some TLC. Drain the fuel tanks and follow manufacturer guidelines for winter storage. A little preventive maintenance now can ensure that your equipment starts up smoothly when spring arrives.

8.

Check Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors:

With windows and doors sealed tight against the cold, it’s crucial to ensure that your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are functioning correctly. Change the batteries and test each detector to guarantee they’ll keep your family safe throughout the winter months.

9. Store Summer Gear:

As you prepare your home for the cold season, don’t forget about your summer equipment. Properly store your outdoor furniture, grills, and other seasonal items. Clean and cover them to protect them from the elements, ensuring they’re ready for use when warmer weather returns.

10. Emergency Supplies and Kits:

Lastly, it’s wise to have an emergency kit on hand in case of power outages or severe weather conditions. Stock up on essentials like non-perishable food, bottled water, fl ashlights, batteries, blankets, and a fi rst-aid kit. Being prepared can make a signifi cant difference in unexpected situations.

How to Safeguard Your Home from Wildfires

As climate change continues to impact our world, the threat of wildfires has become an unfortunate reality for rural communities like those on the Sunshine Coast. Fuelled by dry conditions and gusty winds, wildfires can spread rapidly, putting homes and lives at risk. The imperative to fireproof your home and property has never been more urgent. By following a comprehensive plan, you can safeguard your haven from the ravages of wildfires and ensure your peace of mind.

1. Clear the Defensible Space: The first line of defence against wildfires is creating a defensible space around your home. This involves removing dead vegetation, dry leaves, and other flammable materials within a minimum radius of 30 feet. Trim back overhanging branches and maintain a well-irrigated lawn in this zone. Beyond 30 feet, thin out shrubs and trees, ensuring proper spacing between them to prevent the fire's rapid spread.

2. Choose Fire-Resistant Materials: Opt for fire-resistant building materials when constructing or renovating your home. Metal roofs, brick or stone sidings, and tempered glass windows are excellent choices. Additionally, consider using non-flammable materials for your deck, patio, and fencing.

3. Maintain Your Roof and Gutters: Regular maintenance of your roof and gutters can prevent the accumulation of dry leaves and debris that can become fuel for a fire. Install spark arrestors on chimneys and vents to prevent embers from entering your home.

4. Create a Wildfire-Resistant Landscape: Landscaping plays a pivotal role in fireproofing your property. Replace highly flammable plants with fire-resistant alternatives, such as succulents, native grasses, and low-growing shrubs. Keep vegetation wellwatered and pruned, removing dead branches and leaves promptly.

5. Develop an Emergency Plan: Prepare a comprehensive wildfire emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, designated meeting points for family members, and a communication strategy. Make sure everyone in your household is familiar with the plan and practices it through regular drills.

6. Install a Fire-Resistant Perimeter: Consider installing fire-resistant barriers, such as gravel paths or

stone walls, to break up continuous stretches of flammable vegetation. These barriers can help slow down the spread of a wildfire, buying crucial time for firefighters to respond.

7. Maintain Adequate Water Supply: Having access to a reliable water source is critical for fire suppression. Install an external water tank or cistern with a dedicated pump that can provide a continuous water supply for firefighting efforts.

8. Equip Your Home with Fire Safety Tools: Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a fire sprinkler system in your home. These tools can significantly increase your chances of containing and extinguishing a small fire before it escalates.

9. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather conditions, fire danger ratings, and local alerts. Stay connected with local emergency services and communities to receive timely updates on potential wildfire threats.

10. Maintain a Firewise Mindset: Fireproofing your home and property is an ongoing process. Regularly reassess and update your fireproofing measures to ensure they remain effective. Engage with your community to share best practices and collectively work towards minimizing wildfire risks.

Here on the  Sunshine Coast, where the beauty of nature meets the potential danger of wildfires, taking proactive steps to fireproof your home and property is a responsibility that comes with the privilege of living in such a breathtaking environment. By implementing a holistic approach that includes landscaping, construction choices, and emergency planning, you can greatly reduce the vulnerability of your home and the safety of your loved ones. Remember, the goal is not only to protect your property but also to preserve the precious natural landscapes that make the Sunshine Coast so special.

Habitat Update

Caught in a punishing cycles of unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded conditions, and lack of access to affordable financing, many families live with a constant burden of uncertainty, stress, and fear here on the Sunshine Coast. That’s why we at Habitat for Humanity Sunshine Coast partner with working, low-income families to help them build strength, stability and independence through affordable housing.

How our model of affordable housing works

Our path to homeownership requires hard work, time, and dedication, but this helps ensure the long-term success of the families we partner with. Families who apply and are accepted to become partners in the Habitat Housing Program qualify for affordable housing geared to their income and contribute at least 500 volunteer hours to Habitat. Once they move in, Habitat families are responsible for maintaining their own home. We help families and individuals prepare for future homeownership by providing homeowner education classes, ranging from financial literacy, and budgeting to home-repair and maintenance.

How we keep it truly affordable

We believe affordable housing should be based on income, not market rates. We make affordable housing accessible by removing barriers that can normally make it impossible for many low-income working families and individuals remain stable and save for a home. Monthly housing payments are set at no more than 30

percent of their gross household income, including strata fees and property tax, any dollars left over go into an account, which the family receives back when they are ready to purchase their own home. That’s right, the only cost of housing is the Strata fees and property tax, everything else is savings (less some minor fees). Each year, the gross household income is reviewed and adjustments to the monthly mortgage payment are made based on that income assessment.

Habitat provides families with more than just equity – it instills them with a renewed sense of pride and responsibility. The impact is immediate, and the effects are lasting. Research has shown that Habitat families are happier, healthier, and more financially

stable, which can allow them to return to school, learn a new trade or upgrade their job skills. Meanwhile, their children are more confident and do better in school.

But the benefits of a Habitat home reach far beyond the four walls these families help build. Through reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better education and employment outcomes, and improved health, every Habitat home built helps create $175,000 worth of benefits for the local community.

We are looking for low-income families that would like to benefit from our Housing Program. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please visit https:// www.habitatsc.ca/howtoapply/

Nurturing Your Autumn Garden

Autumn on the Sunshine Coast offers a wealth of opportunities for gardeners to cultivate and care for their outdoor spaces. By following these tips and embracing the unique climate of the coast you can create a thriving garden that not only survives but thrives during the cooler months. As you tend to your plants, take a moment to soak in the beauty of the changing landscape, where nature’s transition reflects your dedication and passion for gardening.

Plant Cool-Weather Crops

Take advantage of the milder temperatures by planting cool-weather crops such as kale, spinach, and lettuce. These vegetables thrive in the fall climate of the Sunshine Coast and provide a fresh harvest for your kitchen.

Extend the Flower Show

Keep the beauty of your garden alive by selecting autumn-blooming perennials. Varieties like asters, chrysanthemums, and sedums add a burst of color to your landscape, ensuring your garden remains a vibrant oasis well into the fall months.

Prepare for Winter Rains

Autumn brings increased rainfall to the Sunshine Coast. Ensure proper drainage by cleaning out gutters and downspouts to prevent waterlogging. Adding mulch to your garden beds also helps protect your plants from soil erosion caused by heavy rains.

Harvest and Preserve

Autumn is the time to reap the rewards of your hard work. Harvest mature vegetables and herbs before the first frost

hits. Consider preserving your harvest through canning, freezing, or drying, so you can enjoy your homegrown produce throughout the winter months.

Prune and Divide

Prune back dead or overgrown branches from trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth in the coming spring. Additionally, autumn is an ideal time to divide perennials that have outgrown their space, rejuvenating the plants and allowing them to thrive.

Boost Soil Health

Before the winter months, enrich your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to your garden beds. Healthy soil ensures that your plants have the nutrients they need to withstand the colder months and emerge stronger in the spring.

Bulb Planting for Spring Beauty

Plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses in the fall. The cool temperatures and moist soil create an ideal environment for these bulbs to establish roots, ensuring a spectacular show of color when spring arrives.

Maintain Lawn Care

Continue mowing your lawn as needed, gradually lowering the blade height as the season progresses. Aeration and overseeding can also be performed in the fall to promote healthy grass growth.

Protect Sensitive Plants

As temperatures begin to dip, protect sensitive plants from potential frost by covering them with cloth or burlap overnight. Consider moving potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area to shield them from the cold.

Plan for Next Spring

Use the autumn months to plan and prepare for the next growing season. Consider sketching out your garden layout, researching new plant varieties, and making notes on what worked well and what could be improved.

Real Estate Insights - September 2023

Looking at our national housing market, the Canadian Real Estate Association lead economist Shaun Cathcart, has some informed and interesting insights! I have paraphrased (for space reasons) his latest report to members and the public: Even before the resumption of Bank of Canada rate hikes, the spring sales rally had displayed signs of losing steam. e biggest month-over-month increase in sales activity was in April, followed by an increase only half as big in May, then by a small 1.5% gain in June.

is was likely because new listings had fallen to a 20-year low, and you can’t buy what isn’t for sale. e existing housing market is supplied by owners who list, sell, and move away. It’s no wonder that move-up buyers aren’t inclined to nance an increase in their mortgage debt at the highest rates in a generation! But that means their current home doesn’t go up for sale for someone else to buy – the opposite of what happened in 2021.

e lack of listings amidst a burst of demand tightened the market rapidly, which was re ected in month-over-month price gains of about 2% in

each of April, May, and June. ose are big gains for a single month, and now we’ve seen three in a row. e only time I’ve seen bigger price gains was at the height of the pandemic. e spring rally has so far played out more on the price side than the sales side.

at said, I don’t think it will last because new listings have been rebounding recently. ere’s nally more out there to buy just in the last couple of months. at’s the good news. Although expected, the bad news is that at the same time the Bank of Canada has resumed raising interest rates. Less expected was the Bank’s messaging in their nal rate decision before the summer break, which included but was not limited to:

1. People are still spending money like crazy.

2. Year-over-year in ation is now expected to remain close to where it is now for an entire year before starting to move back to where the Bank would like it to be. at will take another year, bringing us to mid-2025.

Author’s Note: I wonder to what extent this

“spending like crazy” has to do with demographics. is is the rst time in history we have ever had such a huge cohort of people over age 60 who are increasingly not working, increasingly not saving, increasingly debt free, and generally in their spending years. e Boomers are a big chunk of the population and these days they’re likely a lot less sensitive to the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy than they would have been in the past. Something to keep an eye on moving forward.

is new in ation forecast, should it come to pass, has implications for people renewing mortgages in the next few years because it means we won’t be seeing any rate cuts for a long time.

In the near-term, this summer and fall, I would expect the impact on the resale market to be similar to what happened in 2022 – uncertainty around all of this pushing some buyers back to the sidelines. More supply coupled with less demand should calm price grow th and lead to a slower more balanced market over the second half of the year.

For market info call your realtor. For market intelligence call Russ and Jon!

1064 & 1066 Celia Cresent

Moondance Place - Bonniebrook Heights