Small room demands a big voice

The powder room is defined as a half-bathroom with a sink, toilet and mirror and is typically located on the main living area associated with the more public to semi-public areas of the home.

Because of its small size the powder room can be relatively straightforward and inexpensive renovation project for anyone wanting to make some refreshing changes to their home. And designing it can be fun.

The powder room is a perfect place to infuse some design pizzazz. It's a small space that wants a big voice to express drama and excitement. Here are a few design tips to make the powder room the expressive room it should be.

Powder room by Interior Solutions 

• Embrace the intense. Don't be afraid to use strong, dark colours or a daring wallpaper for the walls. The added punch will add interest and surprise.

• Create a furnished look. Think about purchasing a one-piece toilet or a wall-mounted variation. Have the toilet appear more like a piece of furniture rather than as a utilitarian plumbing fixture.

• Treat the sink as objet d'art. Vessel-shaped sinks have become very popular theses days coming in all sorts of shapes and materials and they have the wonderful effect of transforming a regular household item into a piece of sculptural art.

• Make the counter shine. The counter your sink sits upon should also play its role. I would suggest a counter with lots of glitter and polish. Recycled glass is an interesting option as is granite, marble or quartz.

• A mirror to reflect it all. You can extend a mirror across the breadth of the room or place it creatively within the space but think about the mirror as a device to make the powder room dynamic and alive.

• A floor for a sophisticated space. The flooring for a powder room should also reflect its character as a special place. Natural stone tiles, granite and marble are popular choices these days as they add that extra level of fine finish. Another popular and successful trend is to use a hardwood floor in the powder room, often carried in from a hallway or an accompanying room.

• Add drama with light. Attaching vanity lights to wall mirror can create beautiful reflective effects within the powder room while adding under counter lights can add a level of sophistication and mood to the space. I've even used a pendant light in a powder room on one occasion to great success. Be creative with your lighting. And don't forget the dimmers.

• Keep your style in sync. Above all make sure the style of the powder room is in keeping with the rest of the home. A nice modern faucet and sink will look totally out of place if incorporated into a traditionally decorated home. Choose a decorative palette appropriate to the style of your home and then let your imagination take over.

The powder room is a small room that demands a big voice. Take some chances, have some fun and create a dramatic room that talks loudly about your home.

Eco-friendly green roof an age-old concept

Recent years have seen a clear and defined shift to a more ecologically conscious building industry. More and more people are looking for products and technologies that not only effectively do the job they are meant to do but also reflect an eco-friendly awareness when doing it. The construction industry is responding.

There's no question that technological advancements in the building industry are allowing us to do more with less and are giving us more ecologically minded options but many of the green building advancements we see today are being created by the simple reintroduction of building practices that have existed all along.

Case in point: the green roof.

The green roof or "living roof" is commonly recognized as a modern, environmentally conscious alternative to a standard asphalt roof but the notion of having contemporary beginnings couldn't be further from the truth.

Archaeological findings on the northern tip of Newfoundland have unearthed the remains of Lief Eriksson's ancient Norse settlement and point to the use of sod roof dwellings by Viking explorers over a thousand years ago.

This is no surprise of course as it was a common building practice for the Scandinavians of yore to use sod atop structures of heavy timber and birch bark to create effective insulating and water resistant roof systems. For these ancient people, the green roof was a simple and effective sheltering system created from building materials that were readily at hand. The green roof as we know it today is clearly different from the sod roof of the past but the fundamental concept behind the two remains the same.

What we define as the "modern" green roof -- the integration of a growing medium over a waterproof roof membrane with the deliberate intent of supporting vegetation growth -- was first developed in Germany in the 1960s.

German designers were first drawn to the idea of a living roof purely along esthetic lines recognizing that the incorporation of a growing medium atop a building's roof would enhance the beauty of the building. But in 1970, the German landscape architect Hans Luz challenged this perception by suggesting that a green roof was far more than a simple decorative covering but rather a feature that would profoundly improve the quality of the urban environment. Today, more than 40 years later, the green roof has finally received mainstream recognition as an ecologically minded system that adds to any sustainable urban management plan.

The modern green roof possesses many benefits that make it an excellent environmentally conscious alternative.

A green roof greatly increases the insulating capacity of a roof system while protecting the waterproof membrane of the roof below. The added mass and thickness of the system provides for excellent sound insulation as well.

Storm-water runoff is greatly decreased by a living roof as the growing medium and vegetation retain large amounts of water that can be released back into the environment at a more manageable rate.

Much of this moisture is released through the process of evaporation which, in itself, creates a cooling effect that helps reduce the urban heat-island phenomena that is so common in our cities today. The large-surface tar and gravel roofs that blanket a typical city roofscape absorb solar radiation and re-emit it back into the city as heat. There's a reason cities are significantly warmer than the areas that surround them. A green roof helps reduce this heat gain.

A living roof is exactly that, a natural surface that provides a habitat for birds and insects while acting as a carbon sink by drawing carbon dioxide out of the air.

As we move forward to create a more ecologically friendly future we might be surprised to find that some answers lie in the past.

Child's room a place for imagination and fun

Designing for children is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.

Kids intuitively understand the idiosyncratic nature of design and are quick to add their input if given the chance. They live in a place where imagination and reality blur seamlessly between one another and having them involved in the design of their world brings out the most for everyone.

When designing a space for kids it's important to remember that you're not creating a space of serenity more appropriate for an adult but rather a dynamic place of imagination and fun suitable for a child.

Don't be afraid to use colour -- your kids will approve of nothing else -- but try to maintain some boundaries when you do so. A colour scheme can be wild and vibrant but keep a method to the madness by adhering to a concept or theme.

Kids will always have ideas for a theme and won't be lacking in ideas on how to realize it but it's the adult's job to rationalize their dream into a reality. My instinct tells me to move away from branding as much as possible while still capturing the essence of what your child desires. A Harry Potter-themed room for example might best steer clear of the obvious commercial references while still evoking a sense of the fantasy world J.K. Rowling has so brilliantly created.

A kid's place is exactly that and should be scaled accordingly. I'm always amazed how the smallest of spaces can become wonderfully functioning spaces for a wee one. A space too small for us and just right for them will invariably become a special place for your child.

Bunk beds capture this concept well and are always a huge favourite for kids. They provide a perfect get-away space for a child while providing a great space-saving solution as well. On several occasions I've stacked a bed above a small play alcove allowing for a dynamic, above-ground sleeping area while freeing up space below for fun.

On a more pragmatic level, making your kid's room as green as possible is the best thing you can do for your child. Use only low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and try to use as much solid wood as possible while eschewing off-gasing materials such as fibreboard and plywood. Carpets have a nasty capacity to trap dust, animal dander and mold spores and, when new, off-gas chemicals as well. A wood floor is always a healthier choice. Replacing vinyl window blinds with cotton or linen window coverings is an easy, eco-friendly decision as well.

Designing for kids is great fun and brings out child-like creativity in all of us. If you're thinking about transforming your child's space, make sure to talk to them first and remember it's their world. Scale it for them and let it become a place for invention and play.

Take advantage of natural light

After one of the dullest springs in living memory we're all craving a little more sunshine.

It's only natural, of course. Take a stroll down Lonsdale Avenue when the sun finally does come out and you'll experience it first hand. We all want sunlight. We need it. Why is it then that so many homes fail to capture it?

The relative position of the sun in the sky is determined by the time of day and by the season of the year. In northern latitudes facing south means facing the sun. It will rise in the east and set in the west. We all know this but we often fail to translate this understanding into a meaningful expression when it comes to our homes.

Photograph by: Mike Wakefield, NEWS photo

When laying out a new home the first thing the designer will do is determine the lighting requirements for specific spaces and then locate these spaces to best take advantage of natural light. This typically means maximizing southern exposure (for us dwellers in the northern hemisphere) and often encourages a form that stretches along an east-west axis. Not every property affords such a layout so understanding the movement of the sun to best capture its rays is an essential first step for any project.

As a general rule spaces like a dining area or den require less light than do the kitchen or living room. Morning light is best utilized by morning activity areas such as en-suites and breakfast nooks while afternoon and evening light better illuminates spaces that buzz later in the day.

Once a general room layout based on sun movement has been established the designer or architect begins to consider how this natural light will illuminate the spaces it enters. Light coming from two directions is always ideal. This might be from windows on adjacent walls or from a window wall and skylight above but having light illuminate a space from two directions adds a vividness to the room and enhances its three-dimensionality.

The use of a wall or ceiling surfaces as a reflector can create interesting and appealing lighting options while helping illuminate from multiple directions as well.

A clerestory is a wonderful way of bringing additional light but one must be cautious about bringing in too much. With sunlight comes warmth. Incorporating well-designed overhangs will block out the unwanted, near-vertical rays of summer while still allowing the warming light of a winter sun to make its way deep into the home.

Everything seen in space is perceived and understood through the light that falls upon it. The more we anticipate how natural light affects our layout, the more we move towards an optimal design for our homes.

Outdoor room extends space

North Shore residents have a special connection with the outdoors -- I'd say we're among a select few "big city" dwellers who aren't shocked to see a black bear or coyote rambling down our neighbourhood streets -- and for many of us it's this proximity to nature that's the reason we live where we do.

Photograph by: Mike Wakefield, NEWS photo

The newly coined "Nature Deficit Disorder" that's plaguing many urbanites these days will have a tough time affecting us.

We're seeing a popular trend in home design to extend the interior day-to-day living spaces of a home to the out-of-doors through the use of well-defined outdoor rooms. The barbecue nook with adjoining multi-purpose plastic chairs and table is transforming into dedicated outdoor kitchens, eating and lounging areas that truly bring the indoors out.

If you're thinking about creating an outdoor room for your home here are a few ideas you may want to incorporate:

• The outdoor room should be a natural extension of the interior space of a home with the delineation between inside and out as seamless as possible. Keep the floor levels between interior and exterior spaces as close as possible and pick exterior furniture and accessories that reflect the style and design of the interior. Long gone are the days of the molded plastic garden furniture as today's offerings are stylish, colourful and comfortable.
• Plan your outdoor room as you would any interior area within your home. Delineate areas for specific tasks. If you're focusing on an outdoor kitchen then anticipate adequate areas to work and to lounge. If you're designing an outdoor living area think about how you will furnish the space, how you will circulate through it and what elements might become a focus for the space such as an outdoor fireplace or a landscape feature.
• Think beyond a simple barbecue and purchase or build a grill island. This full-service cooking centre may have storage cabinets, warming drawers, a sink and even an under-counter fridge - but make sure it's only a cold storage for drinks and the like or those rambling north shore bears will be enjoying your outdoor kitchen as well.
• Think about adding gas or electric heaters to your layout.The addition of heat can make a huge difference on how frequently an outdoor space is used. If designed correctly an outdoor fireplace can produce lots of heat and can make an outdoor lounging area an inviting place even on the chilliest of evenings.
• Make sure to generously cover your outdoor area to ensure greater use year round. A pergola with grapevines is visually nice and will provide shade but will not keep out the rain. We live in a very wet climate here on the North Shore. Our outdoor spaces need to reflect this reality.
• Think about sheltering your outdoor room from the wind as a cool breeze is a sure way to send everyone inside. Latticework with trailing vines, a tight wood screen or a densely planted hedge will all do the trick nicely.
• Exterior lighting is a critical component of a successful outdoor room. Think about lighting the outside as you would the inside with general, task and feature lighting. There are loads of new energy-efficient all-weather options on the market these days.

Adding an outdoor room to your home is a wonderful way of expanding your daily life into the outdoors and making nature a place to inhabit rather than just a place to look at.

Build an energy efficient new home

If you're building a new home and want to make it as energy efficient as possible, you might want to consider Natural Resource Canada's (NRCan) ecoENERGY for Buildings and Houses program.

The NRCan's Office of Energy Efficiency has created the EnerGuide rating service to give expert independent advice on energy-efficient home construction and to provide an energy rating system that reflects a home's energy performance.

Green washing abounds in the construction industry and it's all too common hear claims of energy efficiency without the proof.

The EnerGuide rating system provides this proof by using a standardized rating system that generates a number, backed by the Government of Canada, that can be openly compared between homes.

The rating system is based on a scale from 0 to 100 with 0 representing a home with no insulation, enormous air leakage and over-the-top energy consumption -- picture a derelict barn with a low-efficiency furnace running at max -- and 100 representing a home that is very well insulated, is airtight while being well ventilated and is completely off-grid, requiring no purchased energy whatsoever.

A new home built to current building code standards will typically fall in an EnerGuide rating range of 65 to 72. A new home with some modest energy-efficiency improvements will fall in the range of 73 to 79.

A new energy-efficient home with significant energy-efficient upgrades will rank somewhere between 80 and 89 while a super energy-efficient home, one that requires little or no purchased energy, will rate between 90 and 100.

Many municipalities today recognize the EnerGuide rating system and grant bonuses for new home construction with an EG value of 80 or more.

The District of North Vancouver, for example, offers a density bonus from two to 10 per cent with EG ratings of 80 or more.

Taking part in the Energuide program requires the prospective homebuilder to acquire the services of a certified EnerGuide adviser who will evaluate their construction documents to develop an energy-efficiency upgrade strategy before the building starts.

The adviser will use computer software to model different options, focusing on the heating and ventilation equipment of the home and its building envelope, to create the most cost-effective solutions for optimal energy efficiency.

After construction, the Energuide adviser returns and verifies the energy efficient upgrades and performs a blower door test. The homeowner is then provided with an evaluation report and an official EnerGuide rating.

Simply put, an energy-efficient home uses less energy and is less expensive to operate. By creating one, we choose to invest in the proven value of an energy-efficient home while helping to protect the environment as well.

Stairway can create excitement

Locating a stair is likely the single most important planning decision the designer makes when laying out a home.

The stair can become one of the most dynamic and interesting elements of a layout, presenting an exciting sculptural form that efficiently moves occupants from one level to the next, or it can wreak havoc with a plan, disrupting every space it adjoins while generating awkward circulation patterns throughout the home. It all depends on how it's located.

Photograph by: Paul McGrath, NEWS photo

As a general rule, the stair should be relatively centralized in its location and should be easily accessible by its occupants. It can slide neatly up the side of a corridor, sweep formally out of a central hall or be a feature element of a home, but in all circumstances needs to simplify circulation rather than confuse it.

Vertical movement through space is an inherently dynamic circulation experience and demonstrates the power of the stair to create drama. Spatial relationships created by height differences can suggest feelings of authority or distance while the physical shape of the stair can create a sense of excitement. Architects and designers understand this and design the stair as a staging area for dramatic experience rather than solely as a means of getting from one floor to another.

But the getting from the one floor to other is the raison d'être of a stair and there are a few basic principles one needs to understand when designing one. It may seem obvious but a staircase occupies a volume that's more than one storey in height. One of the most common mistakes made by first-year architectural students is to design a stair that at some point runs itself into the floor above. Laying one out is not as easy as it seems. When thinking about the relationship of the step height to its depth (the riser height to tread depth), use this formula: riser + tread = 17.5 inches. There are building code limitations at the extremes of height and depth, but this rule of thumb can be very helpful.

Here are a few design tips that can make for a more appealing and dramatic stair:

• Let an open stair run down the side of a room. Removing the dividing wall between stair and room creates a dynamic within the room and helps make the room feel larger too.
• Place a skylight above a stair. A staircase is a vertical shaft that runs through your home. The light that washes over it will carry right through the house as well.
• Create a window seat on a stair landing. A landing forms a natural stopping point and lends itself as the perfect "getaway" spot.
• Use the walls that abut the ends of the stair as feature walls for artwork and sculpture.
• Place the stair near the entry, where the added height created by the stair volume will enhance the feeling of grandeur.

With a little forethought and design, the simple circulation device that allows us to move from one level to the next can become one of the most dramatic and appealing elements of our home.