The Universal WC

This church renovation includes adding a wheelchair accessible washroom on the ground floor, within an existing space located near the future barrier-free entry.  Recent changes to the Ontario Building Code affect how a single unisex accessible washroom (referred to as 'Universal') is designed.  For example, the clear space wheelchair turning circle has increased; a power door operator, motion sensor lighting, and emergency signal are required; fixtures and door hardware need to be operable with a closed fist; and enough space is required for an adult sized change table to be installed if required.     

With these new requirements, the minimum area for a universal washroom increases.  The reason for these changes is an attempt for buildings to accommodate a wider percentage of the population.  Within the older requirements, people with motor skill issues may have found it difficult to make use of a washroom with ease and dignity.    

 

Interestingly, there is an existing window opening here with stained glass artwork within.  While the church may eventually decide to relocate this artwork, I take no issue with it staying, as it adds something unique to the typical use of a washroom.  It even provides a simple function - translucency and privacy while diffusing exterior light.

By Committee

When proposing a house addition in the city, often one must request permission for a minor zoning variance at the Committee of Adjustment.  The Committee judges whether a requested variance is acceptable in relation to the zoning By-laws.  Most existing houses in the downtown core are already near or beyond their limit in terms of what is allowed - whether it be area, setbacks from property lines, height, depth, or landscape ratios.  Hence many people wanting to expand their home will find themselves here.  Furthermore, there are two zoning policies in Toronto which are simultaneously applicable (pre and post amalgamation), with the most stringent governing.  The definition of the term 'minor' is subject to interpretation - from the city planning staff, the committee, the applicant with their representative, and neighbours.  From the perspective of municipalities in Ontario, there are 4 tests:

is the variance minor?

is the variance desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land?

is the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law maintained?

is the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan maintained?

One of the benefits of this process is that it gives a voice to local residents, who are informed of the proposal if they are within 60m of the property in question.  Objections can be made, and compromises can be reached if all parties are willing to maintain a dialogue. 

This process of input from various sources, within the city and from the local neighbourhood, leads to its somewhat unpredictable nature regarding final decisions.  Some projects seem to sail through without any issues, while others are the subject of significant and heated debate.  Precedents are also a factor - if a neaby property has also requested similar variances, this can contribute to the decision.  The hearings also include larger scaled projects; one might see a skilled lawyer requesting a number of extra floors to a condo tower, then the next application can see a homeowner asking for a wood deck. 

Ultimately, one needs to take an open approach, pursuing a functional and attractive design, while simultaneously willing to listen to those involved.

Walkway and Access

Design for accessibility includes the capacity for a broad spectrum of the population to use a building with relative ease.  Older buildings, such as this church in Toronto, were originally designed without these factors in mind.  Back then, climbing a few steps was not seen as a hindrance.  Here, a new landing, steps and ramped access are desired for the entry located closest to the parking lot. 

Until fairly recently, a ramp was considered to be mainly for use by those in wheelchairs.  The downside to this design approach was that it tended to segregate users - plus at a typical 1:12 slope it is not very easy to climb.  For this project, the slope is a gentler 1:20, positioned to land at the highest grade point available (thereby shortening length).  Its slope is now considered closer to a walkway, and relates to the car park and the adjacent path winding through the site.  The intent is that more people will want to use it. 

   Beyond the function of access, the expression of the guard is geared to allow for visibility beyond - to the existing church facade itself.  Due to the relatively shallow grade difference between landing and lower walkway, a solid guard is not necessary.  This reduces its overall visual mass and material cost.  A new wider door, complete with a standard push button operator, completes the exterior renovations.   

Adjust and Refine

As this cottage began construction in 2014, some further refinements and material selections were made.  An operable sidelite next to the front door was seen as too great a custom expense - could something more standardized be built here?  A 3d study helped confirm that a more conventional operable window could be installed, separate from the door assembly.  The dark cement panels between door and window helped to visually connect these elements.

Some further study of the entry soffit was made.  Was the dark cement panel soffit most appropriate (see above)?  Or a continuation of the painted wood cladding (see below left)?  Large cement board panels can be heavy to lift and install, but are made in 2' wide strips specifically for easier ceiling application.  From an aesthetic viewpoint, I was most comfortable with the cement panel, then the painted wood 2nd, and in 3rd place, an untreated pine soffit (see below right).

Careful attention was spent on the final colour of the mullions, metal roof and wood cladding.  A light colour roof was seen as the desirable choice (practical to limit heat gain), and a bronze colour was selected for the mullions.  Pure black mullions were considered, but this can appear flat, lacking in visual depth.  The red door was desired by the owner as a welcoming symbol.

It takes a certain amount of energy to keep things simple.  What is often not seen is the process, study and consideration required to get there.   

From Starter to Mid Range

For many home owners, once a house is seen as too small for their needs the logical next step is to sell and buy a larger home.  However, with today's competitive real estate market of bully bids and seasoned speculators, enlarging ones current home becomes more attractive.  Especially if one likes their neighbourhood.  In this case the existing home in Toronto was a relatively small 'starter' home with a low basement, one washroom upstairs and two bedrooms.  How can this house be renovated and expanded effectively?

The main structure of the house has a barn-style roof, which is a strong and prominent form visible from the street.  Towards the back of the house a previous renovation added some area, though with materials inferior to the original house.  The strategy pursued here was to leave the form of the main house intact, while renovating and expanding at the back.

A family room near grade is shown as part of the addition.  This room steps down 3 risers from the main floor so that a more seamless transition is created to the terrace, without the requirement of guards.  Generous glazing allows for an enhanced relationship with the garden.  Above, the master bedroom is relocated here, complete with more storage areas and an en suite washroom.  The 2nd floor is increased to have a total of 3 bedrooms and 2 compact washrooms.

The existing structure behind the main barn form was thankfully set back a little more than 1.2m from the side.  The building code allows for a small percentage of glazing here, as well as some flexibility with cladding materials.  Hence re-cladding, and maximizing glazing at all sides of the inset was pursued.  At the family room, glazing can also be introduced to look into the inset, to allow for a cross breeze and increase natural ventilation.

At the basement, underpinning can increase the headroom and utility of the space, as well as easily connect to the new basement den area under the addition.   This den also has a small basement window facing into the inset.  While the area taken up by the addition reduces the size of the backyard, the lot is large enough to allow for a new terrace, soft landscaping and an existing storage shed to remain.

It is sometimes interesting to consider what was acceptable living generations ago, as these old houses telegraph this information.  A single family house with only one washroom, or an unfinished basement was typical.  Nowadays we have different priorities, and we also have more objects that surround us.