– by Daniel Boot –
In a dense urban situation an added benefit of sloping sites is that they can allow for multiple levels lit by natural light while reducing the building footprint and enhancing our environment. However, sloping sites pose a set of unique problems that in turn require unique design solutions.
In a recent situation such as this, the steep site and the setbacks required by city by-laws enabled me to design a “subterranean” home and “bury” two-thirds of the allowable residential footprint into the front yard setback against the property line (pictured). Without the support of a variance we would be restricted to
a home that would be only
12 feet deep.
Two-thirds of the footprint of this residence, initially borrowed from the hillside, has been utilized for occupied living space below grade. The rooftop entry pavilion at the forth level and drive-thru “porte cochère” entrance below are enhanced with extensive landscaping and reflective ponds.
The upper entry is perfectly positioned, extending effortlessly into the slope, and meets the curb-level entry. Taking into account the south-west orientation of the site, we were able to take advantage of the earth’s natural insulating properties to make the house more energy efficient. The rear of the home, which is the area most deeply embedded into the hillside, enjoys constantly cool interior temperatures. The home uses passive solar energy: as heat transfers from the large openings at the pool level and is transferred through the open central stair through the opening windows at the top floor entry level creating a chimney effect … the movement is “like a breathing lung.”
The exterior landscaped “green roofs” on the third and forth level also protect the dwelling from direct heat and eliminate the need for air conditioning. Sun-shades and reflective “shelves” at each level redirect the natural lighting to the rear of the residence. Extensive floor-to-ceiling glass, exposed concrete walls and in-floor heating provide this residence with a natural contemporary and modern design. The residence is also equipped with home automation for even greater energy savings.
