Updated Outline

PROJECT: How can heritage buildings be adapted into multiple suites using modern interior design principles?

METHOD: How are multiple suites more sustainable than one large home?
Research common issues with older homes
Look at common features of modern homes and features of heritage homes
- Any similarities, differences
- Which ones are important to each style? Would changing something compromise the style of one or the other
- Especially modern interiors and heritage exteriors
Investigate a heritage home or building in Kamloops
- Any issues (foundation, mold, insulation ,etc) that need to be identified
- Already divided into suites, how was it done?
Research solutions to apply to problems
Talk to City professional about zoning for the renovations
Draw examples of new suites, indicating where any solutions need to be applied

SPECIAL PROBLEMS:
- Does the building comply with BCBC?
- Do the problems have solutions that require minimal work? (Or would something have to be torn out and completely redone?)
- Would the rezoning be accepted by the City?

ALSO:
- Would costs involved with a renovation such as this be worth the sustainability in the future?
- Could the ideas I am researching in this paper be applied to other buildings in Kamloops? Would it be something the city benefits from?

INFORMATION SOURCES:
Please see the sidebar for academic resources and weblinks

Original Graphic

Here is my original graphic: It shows a heritage exterior in Kamloops, and an example of a modern interior.

Thesis Question

How can heritage buildings be adapted into multiple suites using modern design principles?

This is what I was thinking for my thesis question. Any suggestions or improvements?

New Web Links

Hey,

I just added some web links for sustainable and heritage homes. Maybe some might be useful for you guys doing papers on green or sustainable design?
I'm going to be posting some more resources and research very soon, so keep checking by and leaving feedback or any information/resources.

Outline

PROJECT: Converting Heritage Homes into Multiple Suites

METHOD: Research common issues with older homes
How are multiple suites more sustainable than one large home
Look at common features of modern homes and features of heritage homes
- Any similarities, differences
- Which ones are important to each style? Would changing something compromise the style of one or the other
- Especially modern interiors and heritage exteriors
Investigate a heritage home or building in Kamloops
- Any issues (foundation, mold, insulation ,etc) that need to be identified
- Compliance with BCBC
Research solutions to apply to problems
Talk to City professional about zoning for the renovation
Draw examples of new suites, indicating where any solutions need to be applied

SPECIAL PROBLEMS:
- Does the building comply with BCBC?
- Do the problems have solutions that require minimal work? (Or would something have to be torn out and completely redone?)
- Would the rezoning be accepted by the City?

ALSO:
- Would costs involved with a renovation such as this be worth the sustainability in the future?
- Could the ideas I am researching in this paper be applied to other buildings in Kamloops? Would it be something the city benefits from?

INFORMATION SOURCES:

1. Building Policy Branch (2006). British Columbia Building Code 2006. British Columbia, Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data.

2. Cathy Strongman (2008). The Sustainable Home: The Essential Guide to Eco Building, Renovation and Decoration. London, New York Merrell

3. Charles J Kibert (2008). Sustainable Construction: Green Building Designs and Delivery. 2nd Edition, Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley and Sons

4. Mike Holmes (2007). Make It Right: Inside Home Renovation with Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor. Toronto : Collin Canada

5. Erik Kvalsivik, Russell Versaci (2003). Creating a New Old House: Yesterday’s Character for Today’s Home. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press

Welcome!

The purpose of my blog is to document my research on converting heritage buildings into sustainable multiple suites, mixing modern interiors with a historic exterior.

Please feel free to post comments and suggestions for my research.

Thanks!