The Alexandrian Approach

The architect today speaks of the process of building the net zero home and his influences that form this 21st century farmhouse. One of his most important influences is the architectural theorist, Christopher Alexander.

The architect says of Christopher that...

"He is a highly original thinker in architecture, one of the few to do comprehensive research into vernacular forms worldwide. His later works are an attempt to describe a more complete theory of aesthetics. He is also a construction technology researcher and very much a social justice architect. One of my early influences was his seminal book, A Pattern Language first published in 1977, where he speaks of our shared universal aesthetics environment around us as it is measured in patterns. See a new website: www.patternlanguage.com

The goal of this design is to achieve a very low energy consuming home. At this same time, we want a home that is comfortable, durable and enjoyable. In this regard, the patterns from A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander are useful but only go so far. A twentieth century passive solar net zero energy farmhouse is a new phenomenon not found in vernacular history. So I must employ ingenuity and creativity in giving form to the concept."

Oct. 22, 2010. Kemptville, On.

“Another Alexandrian idea is that of developing the design during construction: first responding to the building site relationship then approaching technical issues in a fluid way. A first example of this process was the casting in of insulation into the foundation thereby eliminating a later procedure of glueing the insulation in place. Secondly, att this current point of construction I am using the engineering geometry of the roof truss layout to generate the drainage patterns of the roof. The solution was to erect low stub walls in specific areas to create the needed slopes. Third, the engineering layout suggested an interesting articulation at the corners of the high roof. A quick consult with the carpentry crew and the change was made on site adding interest and delight to the roof silhouette.

Through the experience of working with the construction process and continuous design refinement, the crew is achieving more than we could have under the traditional working drawing approach.” Oct. 22, 2010. Kemptville, On.

Sunset at Headwater

There will be many more like these, but the Architect's wife felt it was the right time when the truss crew brought me out to the porch of the mini-house to witness another glorious sunset.

To stop and simply enjoy the close of day with the sky's proud glow of colours is what it is to be human. To wait in the hope of being a witness to another is entirely another hope.

Each sunset has its own palette to express.

Simply enjoy.

Let's Introduce the Truss Team

Here on a sunny day in October, Bob (the Architect & General Contractor) invites you to meet the truss team. He is practicing something that typically architects are not know to often do i.e. work alongside the tradesmen moving the project forward. In the next entry, you'll hear from Bob as he touches on this 'Alexandrian' approach as defined by his mentor, Christopher Alexander. From left to right: Mile, Rock, Andre and Steen. This carpenters' team is putting in place the roof structure including the carport.

Daytime weather has been sunny right from the delivery early in October to today, save for 3 overcast days that halted work and we all went home to re-group. In the evenings at Headwater, we often see overcast skies and spectacular sunsets.

Spirits are high and a couple more days of fine weather will ensure that the building is safe to resist winter weather. The wood stove in the mini-house warms the evenings, and quiet conversations pass the time while Andre's delicate guitar melodies makes the hard work roll away. Early each morning they make the walk down the gravel road a couple of paces to the main house and work once more.