Architecture and building design
are wildly beyond my expertise, but occasionally I have fun thinking
about The Perfect House. In my case it would be a communal space,
shared by an entire intentional community of 30-50 people. It would
have the following attributes:
- On the basis that it would likely be located in a
less-than-ideal climate, it would be built into the side of a hill in
such a way that more than half of it would be underground, to minimize
energy requirements and to allow the entire roof to be used as an
organic garden and for solar/wind energy generation, and geothermal
energy sources would also be accessible.
- It would have a huge southern window exposure, two stories
high, to provide natural light, heat, and natural scenery. The windows
would have to be polarized or otherwise designed to prevent birds
flying into them accidentally.
- As a result, the house would be invisible from the
road/driveway, completely blended into the surrounding wild space, to
minimize disruption to the natural ecosystem of the area.
- Instead than lawn, local native pasture species would be
planted, so other than the garden, no maintenance of the property would
be needed. There would be walk-outs to the natural pasture area from
the south side of both levels of the house.
- Entrance to the house (both levels) would be via the
underground parking area for human-powered and renewable-powered
vehicles.on the east side. The parking area would also include the
washrooms, communal baths/hot tub and laundry area.
- The lower level of the house would consist of one Great
Room to be used for all social activities of the community. It would be
reconfigurable for meetings, recreation, dining and adult sleeping. The
entire floor would be cushioned sufficient for sleeping and comfortable
sitting (with a washable surface), and with a sunken area for those not
comfortable sitting without their legs and feet below the rest of their
body. Several movable and combinable tables would be available, and
could be folded away when not needed. The outside of this level, except
for the south window wall, would consist of easily-accessible
walk-through storage for all community members' stuff. Floor-to-ceiling
cupboards in front of this storage area (with back pass-through from
the storage area) would contain built-in appliances, food storage,
entertainment appliances, recreation and sleeping supplies (futons) and
areas to display arts and crafts. The furnace/air-conditioner/stove
might be integrated with the table above the sunken area, as the
central dining/meeting/social hub of the community, Japanese kotatsu-style.
- The upper level of the house would consist of two large,
configurable rooms, also with large southern window exposure. The first
would be a quiet room, used during the day for meditation,
reading, private work etc. and at night as sleeping quarters for
children. The second would be a concentration space, used for
small-group work, small-group conversations and other 'break-off'
activities.
Simple, natural, low-maintenance, responsible, adaptable. As long as
you're not hung up on privacy (I only want privacy from people I don't
love), I think it's perfect.
What would your ideal community house look like? |
MADE IN CANADA
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