Hagey Harmony Homes

Abstract

The University of Waterloo, founded in 1959 in Ontario, enrolls around 40,000 students across its main and auxiliary campuses in Waterloo, Cambridge, Kitchener, and Stratford. The main campus features eight student residences, with additional housing provided at affiliated colleges. Each year, the number of students enrolled are increasing (12% increase in the past 5 years). The need for establishing a residence for visitors has never been greater. In assessing potential issues for our proposed land site, situated near the Minota Hagey Residence, we reviewed feedback from previous and current upper-year students residing there. Our findings highlight a considerable concern with vehicles speeding on Ring Road and MHR's access road. This frequent speeding results in a disturbance, mainly due to the vehicular noise which is particularly disruptive to visitors during late evening hours, a time when quiet is most needed for rest.

Design Plan

Our proposed design respects the existing topography and the natural landscape of the site. We meticulously planned our roadways to avoid disruption to critical infrastructure, ensuring that not a single fire hydrant is compromised. Furthermore, our commitment to preserving the environment is demonstrated by our minimal tree removal policy; for any tree we had to cut, we've implemented a robust replanting strategy to maintain the ecological balance. Accessibility has been a key consideration, with site curbs designed to enable “easy-in, easy-out,” accommodating emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, as well as larger vehicles required for building operations. The positioning of parking lots and the building itself was deliberately chosen to align with flatter sections of the terrain, avoiding areas with closely spaced contour lines, to minimize the impact on the land and reduce the need for extensive earthworks. This careful planning underscores our dedication to creating a project that is both environmentally considerate and operationally efficient.

Proposed Site Plan

Building Idea (SOLIDWORKS)

The architectural concept embraces a curved design, planned to respectwith the terrain's more gradual inclines. This strategic choice is instrumental in mitigating the inherent steepness of the site, yielding a noticeable benefit. Primarily, it enhances the structural integrity, ensuring stability and longevity. Concurrently, it significantly improves accessibility, providing a seamless experience for individuals navigating the space. This thoughtful integration of form and function not only respects the natural landscape but also serves the needs of utility and safety, underscoring our commitment to excellence in sustainable and user-centric design.

Final Exterior Model (Revit)

In Waterloo, Ontario, the pattern of daylight and sunshine varies from 2.5 – 10 hours depending on the month. With calculating the average sunlight received throughout the year,

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑠=(𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (m² )× 𝑆𝑢𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 (ℎ) × 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑙 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 (%))/(𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑘𝑊ℎ))

Using about a quarter of the rooftop, it concludes to about 46000 kWh, which is enough to support 6 households annually! The presence of solar panels on the roof suggests a commitment to sustainable energy practices and reducing the carbon footprint of the building.

The rooftop garden of 150 m² enriches aesthetics and air quality, while the terrace provides a shared space for relaxation and socializing.

2D Floor Plan (AutoCAD)

The floor plan illustrates a residential layout, designed for dual-family living or a multi-tenant dwelling. It is a mirror configuration where the residence is split down the middle, with each side containing a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, an additional bedroom, a shared ensuite bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a laundry room. The central area of the building is slightly curved, creating a unique architectural feature that could be aesthetically pleasing as well as reducing risks of structural integrity caused by abrupt elevation changes.

NOTE: All floor plan designs are ORIGINAL produced by the ClearOne Innovators Project Designers

Master Bedroom

The floor plan presents a master bedroom suite that is efficiently laid out within a space measuring 12 feet 6 inches by 14 feet 2 inches. The bedroom area is spacious enough to accommodate a sizable bed and essential bedroom furniture, while maintaining comfortable maneuverability. Adjacent to the bedroom, the ensuite bathroom is fully equipped with a shower, a toilet, and a vanity, providing convenience and privacy. The use of color coding on the plan indicates designated areas for possible allocation of furtnitures. Overall, this master suite is a thoughtfully designed private living space that combines comfort, functionality, and modern amenities.

Shared Ensuite

This floor plan delineates a shared residential space featuring two bedrooms flanking a central ensuite bathroom, each bedroom measuring 10 feet 10 inches by 11 feet 10 inches. Bedroom 1 and Bedroom 2 are symmetrical in layout, providing equitable living quarters for occupants. The shared ensuite, equipped with a shower, sink, and toilet, is designed for joint access, optimizing the use of space and resources. An air vent is centrally located for effective ventilation across the suite. This layout is ideal for roommates or family members who wish to maintain individual bedrooms while enjoying a common bathroom area, fostering a balance between privacy and shared living.

Living Room, Kitchen & Laundry Room

The floor plan shows an open-concept living space, spanning 29 feet 9 inches in length, which integrates a kitchen, a living room, and a laundry room, arranged for optimal functionality and flow. The kitchen is equipped with ample counter space and storage, as well as a full set of appliances, arranged to cater to efficient meal preparation and dining. Adjacent to it, the living room is laid out to support a comfortable seating arrangement, entertainment setup, and a dining or work area. Seperated by a partition, the laundry room is conveniently located yet discreetly tucked away, housing essential laundry appliances and providing additional storage. This design effectively utilizes the area to create a multifunctional space that is well-suited for modern living.

Home Gym

Hagey Harmony House southern section contains a dedicated home gym area that measures approximately 19 feet across, offering a spacious interior for various workout activities. The room is outfitted with an assortment of exercise equipment, including weight training machines, a treadmill, an exercise bike, and free weights, arranged around the perimeter to maximize the central workout space. The layout allows for a comprehensive fitness regimen within the comfort of one's own home. The gym's curved walls add a dynamic architectural element to the space, potentially enhancing the room's acoustics and providing a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from the typical angular gym environment. This design is ideal for those who prioritize their health and wellness, offering a private, open space that supports a comprehensive and consistent fitness routine.

Enterance Hallway

The floor plan includes a hallway with a stair lift installed, reflecting a thoughtful consideration for accessibility. The hallway measures 5 feet 8 inches by 40 feet 10 inches ensuring ample room for maneuvering, while the stair lift provides individuals with mobility challenges the ability to navigate between levels safely and comfortably. Such an inclusion is a testament to inclusive design, prioritizing the health and well-being of all occupants by facilitating ease of movement within the environment. This feature underscores the residence's commitment to accommodating diverse needs and promoting independence for people with disabilities.

Realistic Site Overview (Infraworks)

Grading (Civil 3D)

The diagram represents an urban tree planting technique, focusing on the health of the tree within a paved environment. It incorporates a base layer with a "-2%" grade that serves multiple functions. Firstly, it facilitates drainage, directing water away from the tree to prevent the pooling that could lead to root diseases. Secondly, it plays a role in water management, channeling surplus water into a reservoir that can be drawn upon during dry spells, ensuring the tree's hydration. Thirdly, it aids in maintaining root health by preventing the accumulation of surface water that could suffocate the roots, promoting deeper water penetration into the soil. Lastly, this design feature helps protect the infrastructure by reducing the likelihood of water freezing and expanding beneath pavements, thereby preventing potential damage. This integrated approach not only supports the vitality of the tree but also safeguards the surrounding man-made structures.

Street Furniture (OnShape)

Given that the Hagey Harmony Homes primarily hosts visitors unfamiliar with the University of Waterloo layout, it is essential to install directional signage pointing in and out the main buildings. This will enhance navigational ease for newcomers.

Our design prioritizes pedestrian safety and accessibility, with a zebra crossing, tactile paving for the visually impaired, and aesthetic landscaping. The area is well-lit, ensuring visibility, and the car is depicted stopping behind the crossing, indicating a respect for traffic rules and pedestrian space.

Parking

Our proposal takes a forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability, particularly emphasizing the promotion of electric vehicle (EV) use. By dedicating specific parking spots for EVs, we not only provide convenience for eco-conscious drivers but also actively encourage the adoption of cleaner transportation alternatives. These designated spots are strategically located near charging stations, offering a clear incentive for individuals to consider electric vehicles over traditional combustion engines. Through this effort, we aim to contribute to the creation of a greener, more sustainable future, making it easier and more attractive for the community to participate in environmental stewardship.

Bioretention System

The image shown is a schematic representation of a designed urban tree planting structure that integrates various layers to promote healthy tree growth within a paved environment. Starting from the top, the vegetation layer contains the tree and potentially low-lying plants or grass. Beneath this is the substrate layer composed of 300 mm of soil, which provides the necessary nutrients and root support for the tree. Directly underneath the substrate is the root-resistant layer, which serves to protect surrounding infrastructure from potential damage by tree roots. Below this is an excess water reservoir designed to manage surplus water, ensuring the tree's hydration needs are met. The base layer forms the foundation of the structure. The entire configuration is oriented with a -2% slope to guide excess water away, promoting efficient drainage and preventing water from accumulating around the tree base, which could lead to root rot or other water-related diseases. Our group took account of health of the tree as well as the integrity of the urban infrastructure into consideration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "Hagey Harmony Homes" project aims to create a harmonious living environment that is safe, sustainable, and integrated with its natural surroundings. The emphasis on flood resilience, environmental sustainability, and community-friendly design elements reflect a goal-oriented approach towards responsible and innovative urban development.