S2 | Rewind Design | E9 Project 22 with John O’Connor from Basis Design Build
John O’Connor
Project 22 + Sustainable Building on Georgian Bay with Basis Design Build
Welcome to Episode 9 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the Cottage Country.
On this week’s episode, we have Architect John O’Connor from Basis Design Build. We speak about what sustainable building means to him and his firm, and we dissect his own cottage project which he and his partner designed on the shores of Georgian Bay overlooking Beckwith Island.
IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The materiality of the cottage closely resembling a yacht, an ode to his former boating life.
John’s history of designing in Italy, London and France.
How John founded Basis Design Build, and built his dream cottage “Project 22” on the shores of Georgian Bay.
The story of the abstract rock design of his fireplace, and where all the individual rocks came from!
Here is a quick summary of Basis Design Build from their website:
Basis Design Build is a design oriented architecture and construction company involved in a wide range of projects for a diverse clientele. The firm specializes in the quality design and skilled execution of innovative projects that include buildings, furniture and landscape. Design integrity and innovation are key in the development of all projects – Basis meaning fundamental or underlying principle. Projects focus on a continuous relationship between client and architect from initial concept to the execution of final details. A rigorous design sensibility coupled with a hands-on approach to construction management allows Basis to manage the quality of an idea from conception through completion within a reasonable budget and timeframe, and a way to deliver a finished product rather than just a service to a client. (https://www.basisdesignbuild.com/)
LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW BELOW!
PROJECT 22 LOCATION
John answers my questions!
Where are you from + how long have you been working in the design industry?
Born and raised in Toronto and have been working in the Architecture industry for 35 years.
Can you speak a little about your company, Basis Design Build, and how it was founded?
Founded on the principle of design driven construction process, where the design input of the Architect continues during the entire project.
What inspired you to become an architect, specifically in the residential sector?
The desire to design and build things on a smaller scale and shorter timeline.
What drove you to study architecture, after a degree in Environmental Studies?
I was always interested in buildings and building things. Architecture was a two part professional degree with the first degree as Environmental Studies - Pre-Professional Architecture.
PASSIVE HEATING
“The two level house is used to mitigate the rocky slope site conditions. Excavation material and the septic beds were utilized to provide gentle access to level areas on both sides of the house. Deep overhangs shelter the interior from summer sun and rain while allowing for low winter sun exposure and passive solar heating. The narrow house massing promotes cross ventilation in all areas and protects the adjacent outdoor spaces on windy days. The upper main level enjoys expansive views of the surrounding lake and islands.”
In relation to Cottage Design
What areas of Cottage Country do you work in + what are the main types of project you do? (ie. renovations, new builds, spec builds)
Mostly new build year round recreational properties in all parts of Ontario
How did you start designing cottages and have you always been passionate about this? I see you also work on residential projects in the city, as well as mountain properties.
Building my own place brought clients specifically for year round recreational houses and cottages. It is helpful for clients to see how I did it for myself and how we live in it.
Can you briefly describe your general design process from start to finish?
Research, site studies, local environment and traditions, clients wish lists, zoning and other authorities requirements starts our process. From there we develop 3-5 approaches to the project which investigate and develop into a preferred preliminary design, this can take several meetings and back and forth with the clients. Design development of the selected scheme refines and enriches the design. Documents are then produced for the building permit application. Further design of details, millwork, interiors continues through the construction start and process.
How does cottage design differ from designing for a principal residence?
Clients are more aspirational about their wishes and freer to express themselves in a vacation property than in the city. The programme is more flexible and based on the long term rather than the real estate market in the city.
How would you describe/define sustainable design in cottage country?
Build for the long term with solid building science and principles, tread lightly on the natural environment and try to replace and replenish what is impacted by the building intervention. Use sustainable practices and technologies where possible. Design for low maintenance over time.
INDOOR / OUTDOOR
“A low maintenance four season weekend residence on Georgian Bay that exploits the best aspects of its site and views and integrates indoor and outdoor living year round. The project is named after the efficient 22 foot clear structural span that generated the narrow form of the house. The long thin house configuration was dictated by zoning and setback regulations.”
In Relation to Project 22
Can you describe your history of being seasonal “boaters” and transitioning to year long cottage owners?
We enjoyed many years exploring remote and hidden parts of Georgian Bay and the North Channel. We wanted to find something that lasted longer than the summer and could be enjoyed in all seasons.
How did you find your dream property? Was it always a dream for you to own a cottage?
We were looking for a year round property and found it at Mark’s Point, Georgian Bay near Thunder Beach. I always wanted to have another house outside of the city and removed from everyday life.
Can you describe for the listeners the property (location, trees, water, sun)
Looking out to the north and west at Beckwith and Christian Islands (Beausoliel First Nation) almost all dark sky at night, near the French community of Lafontaine. Mostly evergreen trees along a rocky boulder shore. Sun from the south through the forest, and prevailing winds and waves from north and west
OUTDOOR LIVING
“An open outdoor room connects to the lakeside deck and forest garden and serves as a separation between the guest area “cabin” and the main room and owner’s suite. These areas are also connected together through the lower level and stairs at each end.”
Can you describe the design process behind the final approved architecture of the Georgian Bay Cottage?
Most of our projects start with a very simple idea or rule, and then we find ways to break the rule.
We designed a very simple long narrow building with views to the Bay and cross ventilation in most of the rooms. There is a large opening in the house which is an outdoor room that separates the main rooms from the guest suite, so the guests have their own space, like a bunkie.
In cottage country, there's often a desire for a balance between modern comfort and nature integration. How do you achieve this balance in your designs?
We come to this house to enjoy the surrounding nature year round. So there are large window areas in the main rooms and heated floors to counteract the effects of too much cold around you.
Can you describe the passive heating and cooling principles used in the project?
Large overhangs, large glass areas collecting sunlight in winter, large openable window areas for cross ventilation.
MAINTENANCE FREE
“The building exterior was designed to be maintenance free. A matte gray metal roof with concealed fasteners and deep overhangs was used with ventilated soffits and recessed fixtures, concealed vents and penetrations where possible. The matte gray corrugated metal siding system was designed to use industrial components in a refined way. Fasteners are concealed by vertical battens, window frames, and sills. The end result is a modern take on the log houses and cabins found in the area.”
Can you walk me through the interior design choices? ie materials, kitchens, baths, lighting
Many aspects of the house recall boat and yacht design without being literal. Materials are classic and long term choices that will withstand the test of time. This place should look the same in 25 years as if it was just built. Lighting is designed to provide many layers and moods as the exterior light conditions change over the day and year.
Can you describe how the cottage was designed to be maintenance free?
Exterior materials are all maintenance free other than washing down. Systems are designed to be redundant due to remote location and availability of service in bad weather.
What is the most important design decision when designing for sustainability + energy efficiency?
Long term costs and life cycle maintenance
What ways did you incorporate the natural landscape and environment into your design?
Colours and textures of the building inside and out relate to the natural environment. Preserve trees and habitat and plant and encourage more where they needed to be removed.
Project 22 is located in a particularly sensitive ecosystem. How did you address environmental concerns and preservation in the design and construction of the cottage?
DESIGN PROCESS
“Research, site studies, local environment and traditions, clients wish lists, zoning and other authorities requirements starts our process. From there we develop 3-5 approaches to the project which investigate and develop into a preferred preliminary design, this can take several meetings and back and forth with the clients. Design development of the selected scheme refines and enriches the design. Documents are then produced for the building permit application. Further design of details, millwork, interiors continues through the construction start and process.”
Preserve trees and habitat and plant and encourage more where they needed to be removed.
Sustainable design often involves local sourcing. Could you share any local materials used in your project?
Concrete, stone, local labour. Prefabricated components where possible to reduce impact on site.
Can you discuss any innovative or cutting-edge technologies or concepts that you've incorporated into your projects?
We like to use good and proven methods and technologies that will last over time.
Season 2 is generously funded by the Georgian Bay Land Trust
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