Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
This week, I had the pleasure of checking out the newest residential addition to the Niagara-on-the-Lake community — a home being built with Bone Structure technology right on the waterfront.
With this new technology comes a new way to rethink your new home. The space you want to live in is possible.
The Home
The design this specific home is nothing short of incredible. Built to be completely wheelchair accessible for the owner, the home features a main floor master suite, indoor pool, fitness room and elevator. Upstairs, you find the open concept kitchen, dining room and living room as well as a bar, office, guest bedroom and roof terrace.
One of my favourite features are the windows — and not just any windows. I’m talking about 15 foot, floor-to-ceiling windows. Because of the strength of the steel, you can have literal floor-to-ceiling windows without needing to add any weight-bearing structural elements around the glass.
The “Konsept”
Designed and built by Konsept, a St. Catharines-based custom home designer and builder, the home features BONE Structure technology. That means that instead of being built with a traditional wood frame, the Niagara-on-the-Lake home uses a lightweight, recycled steel frame, allowing for a modern, open space without needing beams or interior load-bearing walls.
It was amazing seeing this structure up close — I couldn’t believe how light the material was. And the way it all fits together is amazing. Looking at the way it all comes together reminded me of my childhood, tinkering with Lego and K’NEX. Basically, the pieces all snap together to create a state-of-the-art flexible structure.
The Construction
When it comes to the build, you’re looking at a construction site like no other. For starters, the site is immaculately clean (which the rest of the neighbourhood must love!) because all of the pieces, made with 89% recycled materials, arrive on site pre-cut and ready to go — with no waste!
And because the pieces snap together so easily, you can save up to two months when building your home. With a crew of just five men, a BONE Structure home goes up at a rate of 1000 square feet a day!
The Benefits
I could go on for days about the benefits of this new construction method, but I’ll try to be brief!
Structure
Unlike traditional wood structures that are limited with the necessity of beams and load-bearing walls, this system allows you to design and build a space measuring up to 25 feet without having to include columns, walls or intrusive beams — just wide open, modern spaces like you see in magazines.
Also, because it is made with galvanized steel, you’re looking at a sturdy and secure home that will not bend or sway. No more drywall cracks like the ones you see in a wooden structure that shifts with the seasons.
Flexibility
If you’re looking for a home that offers flexibility, this is the building system for you. First of all, you can build virtually anywhere! It can be built on a number of types of foundations in any size lot. Forget shipping container houses! This solution can fit on the same size lot with way more flexibility in design. And it’s a cleaner and easier build as well!
Then there is the ability to change your home to evolve with your lifestyle. You can add windows, change the exterior and even add, move or knock out walls without having to worry about compromising the integrity of the structure. Just think, when the kids grow up and move out, you can knock out that bedroom wall and open up the space. Or if you suddenly need an extra room, putting up a wall and adding a window is easy!
Sustainability
Because this is a steel structure, you don’t have to worry about rotting wood having to be replaced. Ever. And these places are designed to withstand the worst climatic conditions all over the world — so even if we get hit with the worst storm Niagara has ever see, you have nothing to worry about. The frame will also stand up against fire, water and pests!
Resale
Of course, when you invest in a home like this, you are probably thinking of staying here for a long time. And why wouldn’t you when you can adjust it to meet your needs no matter what your stage in life? But things happen and when it comes time to sell, you’re looking at a home that will make you money.
As such a unique space, with limited availability in the area, you’ll be able to get top dollar. Add in the flexible nature of the structure and sustainable features listed above, and you’ve got yourself a Niagara home that will be hard to resist.
Interested in checking out the architectural freedom in Niagara-on-the-Lake? There is a free open house happening until Sunday, August 9. Click here to go to BONE Structure’s website and register to see if for yourself! And once you’ve seen it, give me a shout and let me know what you think!
