Log ring braces continued to be inserted between the trusses in the North section of the Fire Arbour. While those inserted between the top of each taller concrete cylinder followed an arched pattern, those near the ground and at scaffolding heights were horizontal. In the South section of the Fire Arbour, all log ring braces were inserted last week and sheathing for this section started. A 1 x 6 strip of Pine was placed between each pair of trusses, similar to a band in a bas

The centre king post and bent wood trusses were erected on top of concrete column foundations using a large crane. Afterwards, log ring braces began to be inserted between and upward each truss. In the north section, long trusses with extending tips were erected on incrementally taller concrete columns and ascend into a fan pattern, while in the south section short trusses with unextended tips were erected on short, levelled concrete columns to support for the Fire Arbour’s h

Concrete cylinders arranged in a circle to be used as the foundation for the Fire Arbour's bent wood trusses were cast in place using sonotubes and the help of a large crane, while the central concrete column to be used as the foundation for the king post was cast using only a wheelbarrow and some team effort. #greenarchitecture #architecture #FirstNation #AtikamekshenAnishawbek #FireArbour

The bent wood trusses to be used in the structure of the Fire Arbour were assembled by bending and fastening top, bottom and internal wooden beams on a jig. #FireArbour #AtikamekshenAnishawbek #FirstNation #architecture #greenarchitecture

A few months ago Lapointe Architects was asked to design a new Fire Arbour for Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (formally Whitefish First Nation) located outside of Sudbury, Ontario. The result of the design is a 1,200 sq/ft spiritual structure located on community's sacred grounds off the shores of Whitefish Lake. The form is evocative of a traditional bent sapling wigwam, but instead utilizes round logs formed into arched bow trusses. A central opening allows smoke to drift out, w

Lapointe Architects is working with the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation to design 10 public housing units for construction in 2012/13. Designs have been completed for 6 different buildings which will be built in 2 different phases. The buildings types include single family dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, and a multi-unit building. Funding has been received for the first phase of construction, to begin in late 2012. Lapointe Architects looks forwards to reviewing th

The mild winter saw the completion of the framing of the Orchard House in Simcoe County. The windows are installed, the roofing has begun, and exterior timber elements have been erected. Both the interior and exterior spaces of the house have taken shape and we are excited to see completion later this summer! #OurProject #architecture #OrchardHouse #greenarchitecture

Mike Holmes' crew has been framing River House, despite all the rain this spring. Both the house and the garage are taking shape. Tarps are covering the flat roof sections to avoid water getting into the house prior to the roofing membranes being installed. Unfortunately, the tarps obscure the usual connection to the Credit River! #greenarchitecture #OurProject #architecture #RiverHouse

The Bunky on Chuckery Hill had its windows installed and cladding completed last month. The remaining site work including stair to the fire pit and the deck guards has just been completed in time for winter get-away! #greenarchitecture #architecture #Bunky #OurProject

Mike Holmes and The Holmes Group have started the construction of River House and have installed silt fencing. Tree hoarding and the pool has been covered. The deep foundations designed to resist future shore erosion are in the ground. The detached garage and the house are being built at the same time. #OurProject #architecture #RiverHouse #greenarchitecture

Construction has started on the 2900 sf Orchard House in Norfolk County. The well has been dug, and excavation and foundations have proceeded. It may be a busy fall to have this house enclosed before winter sets in. #OurProject #OrchardHouse #architecture #greenarchitecture

Lapointe Architects is pleased to see a small gem completed this summer season. At the South Bay Residence site (which also houses the Artists’ Studio) the construction of a beachside cabana has been completed by Terpstra Construction. The 96 sf outdoor building evokes the structure and character of the future home, just with a few less walls! #OurProject #greenarchitecture #architecture #SouthBay

Lapointe Architects are honoured to have clients who let them indulge in their creative vision and let them build it to boot! The “nest” loft area in the Artists’ Studio was hand built by the Lapointe team to meet safety requirements required by the building code, while providing a strong design feature within the studio space. Photo by APHUA #SouthBay #OurProject #ArtistHouse #architecture #greenarchitecture #Nest

The South Bay Residence's Artists Studio is completed and ready for move-in. The 700 sf retreat allows for family gatherings and secluded contemplation and crafting while awaiting the completion of the main Residence. Lapointe Architects look forward to building the crowning jewel in the space - a loft nicknamed the 'Nest' Photo by APHUA #OurProject #greenarchitecture #architecture #SouthBay #ArtistHouse #Nest

Construction on the 2900 sf Orchard House in Norfolk County is ready to begin. The new home is nestled in an apple orchard, overlooking a small pond on the property with apple fields extending throughout. Designed as a family home flexible enough to host events and food training sessions, the living space on the lower level opens out directly into the orchard from which the food preparations will be sourced! #greenarchitecture #architecture #OrchardHouse #OurProject