Muskoka Sensitivities
Whether considering the construction of a new full time home or perhaps just a summer getaway
, building in the Muskoka region offers its own set of challenges as well as its own set of rewards.
Building in Muskoka takes a bit of luck to find the land and a lot of sensitivity building on the land. Land is not easy to find which favours a most eco-friendly design and a responsible building opportunity. Muskoka has abundant wildlife in diverse plant communities. The environment of water, land and natural communities is a very rare commodity in today's world. Insensitive siting, poor quality building choices and urban style building development degrade this heritage. We are custodians of this land and must treat it with respect.
When looking for a building site, try to choose land which faces south or west. It has the best solar access. Be aware of the compass directions that harsh weather comes from. Weather impacts the longevity of the structure, and the viability of the structure to maximize energy efficiency. Structural siting and access should be careful to minimize intrusion on the land. Erosion, visual intrusion, excessive resource consumption make for poor choices. Work with the land so that access and structures fit in. They should look like they have always been there. A forest canopy left intact will provide the greatest amount of wildlife habitat potential depending on the stage of succession that the land is in and our dwelling within it.
Muskoka has been shaped as we see it today by a series of glaciers grinding down the very hard Canadian Shield. What remains is heavy rocky till filling a tremendous number of small pockets of nearly impermeable granite. Muskoka is quite wet. Water is an issue which should not be ignored. Develop a site drainage plan which promotes positive runoff away from the structure and that does not cause erosion or sediment runoff. Build your foundation with water in mind. Remember the winter of 2007/2008? Remember the record snowfall of over 26 feet? Insulate the outside of the foundation!
Try to limit the amount of power consumption needs. Consider gravity loading to your septic system. Therefore, no pump is required. Site the dwelling so that it is elevated to accommodate this. A very simple precept. Maximize the 'R' value of the building envelop. Where power is required, don't skimp on main service size or the number of outlets available. This will not strain the power system and therefore will not cause excessive resistance which would decrease the system's efficiency, therefore, use more power. Simply said, use materials and construction methodologies which require less maintenance.
Living in Muskoka takes commitment. Living in Muskoka is a privilege. Living in Muskoka is an honour.
by: Gen Wright
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