K-House

Nestled in the Dundas conservation area of Ancaster, Ontario, the K-House design works to blur the lines between the natural world and domestic bliss. Native plant species flourish along the exterior of the home, contributing to the delicate ecosystems of the area. In fact, this home works in sync with nature from the ground up: dams and swales help manage rainwater, which in turn refills the aquifer and protects the natural area from straining its resources, while the rooftop features a pollinator garden where bees and butterflies thrive.

The interior has likewise been designed with careful detail. The straw by-products used for the walls are sourced from local farms, and the K-House is also the first electrical net-zero house in the Hamilton area. Although its appearance celebrates domestic comfort, the house itself is as alive as the ecosystem it calls home.

Purpose

• New home

Novel Features

• Prefabricated straw bale walls with magboard skins

Progressive Features

• Prefabricated straw bale walls with magboard skins

Notable Value

• Familiarity with modular strawbale wall design and construction
• Attention to detail
• Responsiveness

LINKS:
Office Ou

SHOUT OUTS:
Mike Feindel (Blackwell) – Engineer of Record for permit submission
Michael Hopkins (Blackwell) – Project Engineer (Design Phase)
Kenny Cryer (Blackwell) – Project Engineer (Construction Phase)
Matthew Kieffer (Blackwell) – Structural Designer, field review
Tim Krahn (Building Alternatives) – wall panel Specialist Engineer

IMAGE CREDITS:
Nicolas Koff