It is impossible to know but intriguing to imagine the future of Winnipeg 150 years from now. Will migrations from receding coasts swell the population of inland cities? Will a continuous urban form stretch from Winnipeg to Calgary like a low prairie megalopolis? Or will a densely configured and proximal city emerge from continuous urban infill? Whatever form the city becomes, it seems reasonable to believe that the climate of Winnipeg will continue to be characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with at least a 70º C temperature range across the yearly cycle.
The genesis of the project is two-fold: to create a commodious and appealing sunlight-filled home for a family who desire to live a low carbon life in a neighbourhood close to the city centre; and in the process, to envision a climate-resilient house that can remain commodious long into the future. This long-term view of architecture encourages a preference for timelessness over fashion. Hence, the conception of this design is biased towards simplicity, adaptability, durability, daylight harvesting, passive energy capture, and low lifetime operating costs.
Reminiscent of the structure of early 20th century warehouse buildings, a post and beam timber structure supports nail laminated timber ‘mill’ floors and produces open floor plans. Interior spaces are organized loosely following a nine square grid. The house is designed to the passive house standard. Of necessity, this standard requires passive energy capture through an enhanced building envelope along with minimizing exterior surface area relative to floor area. Making a virtue out of the simplicity of form and orientation mandated by this approach, the design embraces its cubic form. The truncated shape evokes a subtle “Mansard” reference., providing a faint echo of the French heritage of this part of the city, while also creating an appropriate space for future solar panels. The primacy of the truncated cube is further enhanced by a taut skin of metal shingles and wood siding.
We do not know how a changing climate will shape the future lives of our fellow citizens, but we have faith that architecture can provide enduring shelter, while projecting a positive image of a hopeful future.
