The Valkyries Multi Home Project
Name: The Valkyries
Type: Multi-Family - 4 units
Completed: 2014
Architectural Design: Leith Erikson Architecture
Interior Design:
National SAM's Award Finalist Categories
- New home award (Multi-family project)
Georgie Award Finalist Categories
- Best Multi-Family Kitchen, New
#1 New home Finalist (Multi-family project)
Interior: Creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
- Kitchen and dining areas face south for best natural day lighting and passive solar gains
- Structural beams exposed to add architectural detail and mountain feel
- Building oriented east west for passive solar optimization and to take advantage of views north and south
- Large windows optimize natural day lighting even on a typical overcast day
- Bright open kitchen with large island allows good circulation, lots of counter and storage and connection to cozy family area
- Oversized garage as a result of floodplain covenant provides flex space and ample storage for tools and toys
Functionality of floor plan
- Central stair reduces circulation space optimizing living areas and creating a sense of separation between busy kitchen area and maintaining connection to living dining room space
- Large entry with spacious storage for busy families
- Stair well creates separation between bed rooms for privacy
- Master bedroom located for best mountain views
Environmental considerations including energy efficiency
- ICF and SIP structure constructed to under 3 ACH
- High real R values promote energy efficiency, and occupant comfort
- Low or zero VOC materials used throughout
- All lighting LED and CFL
- HRV installed
- Home rated at Energuide 8?
- Durable fire resistant fibre cement siding used in a variety of applications
- All appliances energy star
Exterior:
- Architectural character, unique attributes including amenities, green space etc, curb appeal, and integration of the project into its setting
- Design from street gives impression of single family home
- Individual recessed front entry’s add to sense of privacy and single family feel
- Large 4 unit townhome fits in well with both single family and multifamily neighbours
- Each of 4 units has private fenced rear yard with access to upper deck from kitchen
- Individual balconies facing north and south
- Large landscaped common green space area at front and rear
#2 - Best Mulit-Family Kitchen, New
Environmental considerations including energy efficiency
- LED lighting throughout kitchen and sitting room
- Energy star appliances
- Gas range
- Low or zero VOC finishes and materials
- HRV installed
- Passive solar orientation for winter heat gain
Functionality of layout
- Galley kitchen design with large island provides ample counter area and generous storage options
- Design allows good circulation around work areas for parties and busy families
- Island sink allows cook to connect with guests and family
- Space saving wall mounted oven and microwave
- High output hidden hood fan for clean look and better ventilation
- Island provides seating for 4
- Extra soundproofing under laminate flooring
- Backlit backsplash ensures bright work space
Unique design elements
- Flush fridge design creates clean functional look
- Clean upper cabinets align with hidden hood fan. No grasps maintains flush appearance
- Flush island design
- Contrast white and wood design cabinets
- Easy clean frosted glass backsplash
- Back lit fridge LED lighting
- Extra deep heavy gauge German made stainless steel sink
Choice of materials
- Bright durable quartzite counters
- Slow motion closing drawers and doors
- Easy clean durable laminate flooring
- Easy maintenance stainless steel appliances
- Bright dimmable LED lighting