The Only Thing That Never Changes is Change Itself

The Only Thing That Never Changes is Change Itself

The Only Thing That Never Changes is Change Itself

Zoning regulations have evolved, as have technology and lifestyle. To better understand the impact of these changes, I started from conducting a case study of my homes, designed and built nine years ago. Below is the Functional Space Study on my house. 

  1. Basement
    Total 1005 sf (from the outside of exterior wall)
    Two-bed suite: 520 sf
    Mechanical u/s stairs: 58 sf
    Rec room: 207 sf
    Laundry: 59 sf
    Full Bath: 41 sf
  2. Main Floor
    Total: 897 sf  (from the outside of exterior wall)
    Entry: 60 sf
    Living: 168 sf
    Dining: 164 sf
    Kitchen: 166 sf
    Family: 145 sf
    Powder rm: 35 sf
    Stairs: 71 sf
    Covered front porch: 64 sf
    Deck (partially covered): 120 sf
  3. Second Floor: 914 sf (from the outside of exterior wall)
    Master bed: 174 sf
    Master ensuite: 72 sf
    Master walk-in closet: 48 sf
    Master bed total: 294 sf
    Bed 1 w/ ensuite: 184 sf
    Bed 2 w /ensuite: 196 sf
    Stairs & hallway: 122 sf
    Closet & storage: 30 sf

Current building bylaws permit a significantly larger above-grade floor area. We plan to retain a one-bedroom rental suite in the basement, accessible solely from the main street. The laundry area will be relocated to the second floor for maximum convenience. While this offers advantages, it’s important to consider the increased potential for water damage in case of an accident. As our children mature and pursue their careers, their future living arrangements are uncertain. Nevertheless, we will always maintain their rooms in this, their forever home.

Attached is a bubble diagram outlining the functional space planning. We anticipate developing a preliminary floor plan shortly.

 

Receding Glaciers and People’s Life

Receding Glaciers and People’s Life

Receding Glaciers and People’s Life

从阿拉斯加的冰川游轮回来不久,有些发热,似乎在那里遇到了 Mr. 寇韦德(虽然测试几次都是阴的,这个不重要啦)。今天,烧已退,趁记忆仍犹新写点东西留下来,老的时候可以回来翻阅一下。

我们乘坐的是 Princess Cruise,一艘不大不小、不新不旧的游轮。船上提供各式西餐、Buffet,还有 7、80 年代的音乐与各类表演。记得船上有一期《Guess The Beatles》的 Show,居然让我感觉自己也属年轻人行列了。

在成行之前看了他们的 YouTube 宣传片,心里也似有期盼:洁白无瑕的茫茫冰川、漂浮在海面的巨型冰山、拍打海面的鲸鱼、岸边觅食的阿拉斯加大灰熊,还有岸边冰崩落入大海的巨响…… 而实际上呢,下面先分享一些旅途中的照片吧。

我看到的是:消退的冰川和暴露出来的黑黑的泥土,海面上零星的浮冰,温暖的气温伴随着我带的过多的衣物,全球变暖是个不争的事实。景观与体验依然壮观无比,却不禁让我想到 receding glaciers and people’s life 在人生层面的意义。

While I won’t delve into the environmental implications of diminishing ice on people’s daily lives. Nevertheless, in other ways. The experience of witnessing a glacier in far north Alaska was a little different from what I had expected, it is still very gorgeous, and a truly unforgettable life experience. 

Considering its inevitable transformation over the years, I can’t help but wonder what the future holds? It’s likely to be vastly different, but same GORGEOUS and inspiring, right? We humans only live once, and have a finite time on Earth. Everyone will be filled with countless experiences and encounters. Should the purpose of our life be to fully appreciate these moments without regret? It’s a question worth pondering! 

I put together a YouTube video using clips from my #FujiXT5 from this trip and the beautiful song from #玫瑰的故事. It’s a reflection on life, and I hope you enjoy it.

Flower-Kissed Cottage

Flower-Kissed Cottage

Flower-Kissed Cottage

Thrilled to Announce! We recently purchased a lot before the new capital gains tax came into effect in Canada on June 25th. The seller was eager to close before that date, which hopefully translates to a good deal for us.  Now, the fun part begins – designing and building our dream home!

With the new R1-1 zoning implemented in October 2023, you can build a smaller single family house with 0.6 floor space ratio (compared with 0.7 fsr before) and a bigger laneway house with 0.25 fsr. The policy maker did this to promote more density so called “adding missing middle housing”. 

If you don’t want to build a duplex or multiplex (3 units for this lot), the only way to increase the floor space from 0.6 fsr is to utilize the density bonus by building Net Zero homes. This maximizes space by allowing for up to 19% more floor area. While it might be more expensive and time-consuming due to its innovative nature, we’re excited about the chance to explore sustainable building practices.

The property boasts beautiful flowers in both the front and back yards. Let them continue to flourish this summer.