PROJECT RESIDENTIAL: DESIGN INCLUSION
12.2021
Located at 37 Bulwer Street, just northeast of the busy Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue intersection, this building is a pocket of quieter residential space in the bustling city. The home is designed for a visually impaired couple with a service dog. The interior and exterior cater to their daily routine and provide easy navigation throughout, minimizing accidents and emphasizing organization.
Software: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Enscape, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
SITE PLAN:
Bulwer Street is nestled behind Queen St. between Queen’s intersection with Spadina. The site is approximately 10 meters in width and 16 meters in length, making the area roughly 160 meters squared. There is an east easement needed for cars passing through and the site does not offer much space for parking. There is not much sidewalk space as the road takes up the majority of the area. There are some trees and bushes that spot the area, across the Bulwer building and provide shade on the north side. Adjacent to the Bulwer building on the west side, there is a City of Toronto hydro energy storage station along with additional residential spaces. The north side of the house receives the least amount of sunlight while the south receives the most direct and bright sunlight.
DESIGNED FOR:
Sophie and Louis Anderson (30yrs) are visually impaired. Louis has glaucoma as the result of hereditary diabetes, and experiences loss of peripheral vision, sensitivity to light and uses a cane daily. He enjoys being active and tinkering with robotics. Sophie has RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) and has symptoms of night blindness, flashes of light, and trips over objects not seen. She requires a service dog and enjoys watching shows and baking. They both garden as a way to unwind and reap the benefits of growing vegetables and plants. As an occupation, they are both educators.
DESIGN GOAL:
A path can be defined as a course of action or procedure. Using this as my goal, defining a path through a linear circulation was important to my concept to encourage routine. This repetition will benefit my clients to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
DESIGN STRATEGIES:
To aid my client in navigating their home, this home will have emphasis in visual zoning with contrast through materiality and colour with integrated technology throughout the space. With furniture, creating contrast flooring and visual circulation will define a clear trail for client's to move safely around the residence. Organization is key with allocated spaces for stored items to prevent any accidents and for the client to have confidence accessing appliances. Adjustable monitors with antireflection technology and narrator: a built-in screen reader that reads out your screen will alleviate issues with their digital work. A talking induction cooker, talking thermometer, talking microwave with a smart oven that has voice control will improve mobility in the kitchen. Task lighting positioned over furniture and equipment to minimize glare and for often used areas is crucial when designing for visual impairment. The floor plan has a general linear circulation with braille and tactile markings and overall contrasting colour palette that will help guide clients from area to area.
FLOOR PLANS
DESIGN STATEMENT:
Merging linear architectural form and atmospheric materiality, the design of the new home will achieve a safe and secure interior layout with a calming visual balance through a refreshing contrastful colour palette and biophilic features that will accommodate for the inhabitants needs.
ELEVATIONS
EXTERIOR RENDERS
Entering from Spadina.
Exiting toward Spadina.
FINISHES & MATERIALITY
SECTIONS
Utilizing differing wood tones, the client can easily navigate to access areas they wish to go to. Paths are wider than standard to accommodate for cane usage as well as comfortably fit a person with their service dog. With contrasting textures on couches, tables and chairs, clients can easily identify which furniture they are trying to use.
INTERIOR RENDERS
FIRST FLOOR OFFICE
This smaller office located on the first floor with an office desk and a reading nook with ample day lighting to provide visibility.
LIVING ROOM
The living room incorporates a modern electric fireplace with a built in television and plenty of seating for when the clients have guests over.
VIEW FROM SENSORY GARDEN
This sensory garden is an extension of their hobbies as they grow herbs indoors while including different textures in the garden to practice their senses.
KITCHEN
With guests over often, the large dining table and island bar ensures enough space for family reunions and playdates with friends.
MILLWORK PLAN
MILLWORK ELEVATIONS
MILLWORK SECTION
