Environmental Design Thesis

Lakeside Commons

Daniel McKinley

Thesis Statement:​ Bring a small community closer together by analyzing the town and figuring out the needs for the town to grow while respecting nature. Bringing in new families and bringing assistance to the elderly that already live in the area. Creating a space where getting care, food, and doing activities become easier for the community as a whole, within the natural environment that the community loves.

Musselman's Lake, Ballantrae, Ontario

Demographics and History

Population and Culture Population 3223 (2016 census)​ 456.5 people / KM

2

(lighter at the lake)​

History A reforestation act was passed in 1911 and forests slowly began to reclaim the area​

Lots of dog walkers and cyclists​ Older population (majority 50-80)​

300% population growth between 2001-2006 and

Predominantly English speaking​

only 8% from 2006-2011​

Majority born in Canada There are current plans of an airplane approach directly above the community to Pickering airport​

In 1993, the Whitchurch Historical Committee said "Whitchurch-Stouffville residents" should be "vigilant to treat trees and forests with respect....

In the 1990s care must be taken so that urbanization and concrete road-building do not repeat the destruction to our forest heritage."​

What is Co-Housing?

Co-Housing is a cluster of homes ​ that brings people closer together within a community. They work together to complete tasks, do activities, and maintain the property. Co-housing can be a great solution for ​ retirement (that is not a retirement home), for people who feel lonely or isolated, bored at home. Co-housing can also help those that struggle with some daily tasks and can get help from others​. This creates community connections while maintaining independence ​within your own private space.

Precedent Images

Blue co-housing complex by Productora

Share House LT Josai by Naruse Inokuma Architects

Aerial image of site

Site Plan and Unit Layout

10 units on a circular grid layed out 18 degrees apart based on the centre point of the existing building 1. The main house is converted into a communal home for shared activities, cooking and gathering spaces.

2. Outdoor centralized firepit for gatherings.

3. Shared garden space can be used for food as well as decorative plants.

4. Tenant parking is located at the front of the lot to minimize the cars coming into the property.

5. Individual housing for each tenant to maintain the sense of privacy.

Unit footprint and plan

Existing tennis court = 400 sq m​ Existing shed = 50 sq m​ Total housing space = 450 sq m​ 10 units at 45 sq m​ 9x5m each Units include living/dining room, kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom, outdoor and indoor firepits and covered barbeque space

Wrap concept

Corrugated steel roofing and siding wrapping around the CLT walls and roof of the house.

Wet Wall The wet wall consists of all of the plumbing fixtures in the house with two CLT walls on both sides of the pipe making the wall thicker, allowing for easier maintenance and control of the plumbing

Exploded Iso

Common House

First floor plan The first floor consists of an indoor fireplace, an industrial sized kitchen, as well as living spaces and areas to gather.

First floor plan

Second floor plan The second floor consists of a grand dining space for all of the tenants to gather for meals, a coffee table with views of the river, two washrooms, three balconies, each with a lake or river view, and a living space.

Second floor plan

Individual Unit Model

Site Model