Hi pp
I am just preparing my initial sketches for a private house in canada west of vancouver
I have the site data and have done my sun path/ shadow studies etc for layout (google earth rocks)
does anybody have any suggestions for roof pitch, I am thinking large eaves so you dont get it squashed in the thaw, keep the snow on there, with large box gutters and terne coated stainless steel or zinc to roof and gutters
any snowy architects got any suggestions

well...I live in Minnesota which is pretty damn similar than Canada...-12(F) -24(C) degrees few days ago....you can have flat roof too, of course it needs a good draining system.
The pitch roof the minimum slope here with shingles is 3:12 (for warranty from the manufacturer) the most part of the houses use 6:12 with typical wood trusses. ....metal roof can be any slope.

good luck

Have you talked to anyone about snow load ratings for that area?
Most Vancouver area weather is alot like Seattle. Lots of rain and milder winters than most people expect. For example they just recently approached a record of 23 days straight of rain since December 19. See link (http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/01/10/vancouver-rain060110.html).

They do get the odd large wet heavy snow fall. As far as overhangs are concerned, this is where alot of the freeze thaw and ice daming can occurs during the fluxuation in tempature from the melting point to the freezing point. Especially on the North side of the roof or in areas of shade. Correct detailing of insulation and heel heights or the incorporation of heat tape along with gutter detailing can somewaht resolve this, but in most cases it occurs anyways. Hopefully it just doesn't occur around your entrance and side walks. Also pay attention as to where your downspouts drain to. As it will often create a nice pond of ice. Hope to see some images.

You should also consider the all time records for snow loading. Although many people get out on their roofs to shovel snow when it gets that bad. Gotta love winter.

Flino:
If your from Minnesota you've got the wrong country flag :eek:

I'm from Peru but I live in Minnesota...I changed sand for snow :(

There is nothing west of Vancover. Sorry drichards ;) All kidding aside West of Vancover you have Mountains...lots of snow.... desert.... lots of heat.... and just to mess things up lots and lots of rain.How far west?

Tom
Nanaimo BC

thankyou thats good stuff
I will post you some progress
here is the location

The building on my mind with thinking with snow is the building from MVRDV in Matsudai Japan.

Thanks for your input
my initial sketches

No gutters, they will fill solid with ice.

the pitch is way too gradual... needs to be waaay steeper.

No gutters, they will fill solid with ice.

gutters are fine.

my gutters never fill with ice, unless you stop maintaining them...and let your downspouts fill with debris. Even then, all you end up with is icycles hanging from them. The gutters should be anchored and structured for this condition in this type of climate, anyway.

I would change the pitch to be greater, also. Seems very shallow...I'd be worried about freeze/thaw with resting snow melting and freezing on your roof...

congellous-
Did you determine the actual snow load for the area? Can be quite mild on the North American west coast depending on the elevation.

The increasing pitch is only a function of the structural resistance you wish to design for. Typically the steep pitch was a way to lighten the structural framing. You certainly can have a low slope if you design for it. Also, some homes are designed to retain the snow as it can be a great insulator but I think this is only in very cold climates.

I really like hipped roofs (our house is all hipped ;) ) so I'm wondering why the center clerestory element is gabled?

I like the over all feel but it does seem very conventional. Typical sequence of driveway, overbearing garage and little walkway to unassuming front entry. Client request or something else?

I agree with Wilson. Although I can’t say I mind the mix of hips and gables, the garage door appears to be the most important part of your design. Unless you are getting garage door that is very beautiful, you may want to rethink the layout a little. (or send me info on the worlds first attractive garage door)

The roof pitch is fine, as long as you use the right roofing material. Your current scheme is going to require a membrane (typically ugly when exposed) or standing seam metal roof which can be quite expensive. If you are planning on a shingled roof better stick to a pitch of 3/12 or more.

I'm flying out from the U.K on the 18 th
the client, whose family I know did'nt want my ego trip of design so I designed him something that would fit into the venacular but still be a lovely house to own and live in.
I wish it was mine thanks for your comments
it will have heated gutters for the thaw, as I have alreday had good feedback from canadian architects
and the roof pitch is fine, there will be a structural frame in steel or conc supporting the "large" eaves and timber frame infill, with local canadian stone cladding
This is probably the 10th private house I have designed and wont be the last
have a look at the rear
I'm working on the jetty next !

materials
local canadian stone, random coursed,think Peter Zumthor's spa
local timber, framing and cladding
recycled aggregate conc frame
white monolithic render
zinc vmz roofing, standing seem 100 years life and 100% recyclable

congellous-
Did you determine the actual snow load for the area? Can be quite mild on the North American west coast depending on the elevation.

The increasing pitch is only a function of the structural resistance you wish to design for. Typically the steep pitch was a way to lighten the structural framing. You certainly can have a low slope if you design for it. Also, some homes are designed to retain the snow as it can be a great insulator but I think this is only in very cold climates.

I really like hipped roofs (our house is all hipped ;) ) so I'm wondering why the center clerestory element is gabled?

I like the over all feel but it does seem very conventional. Typical sequence of driveway, overbearing garage and little walkway to unassuming front entry. Client request or something else?

Hi Wilson
I choose not to hip all the roofs because I like the definition of a gable
contrasting with a hip, and also the gable elements do not have to be drained because it will,(rain,snow) fall on the lower elements

I'm amazed I have'nt been attacked for designing a house people will want to live in ?

Hi Wilson
I choose not to hip all the roofs because I like the definition of a gable
contrasting with a hip, and also the gable elements do not have to be drained because it will,(rain,snow) fall on the lower elements

I'm amazed I have'nt been attacked for designing a house people will want to live in ?

What a piece of sh...........is that better? ;)

Just kidding congellous, I think that you have come up with a nice solution. I would like to see a plan if you could post it.

Why don't you just do some research by looking at firms that do work on the West Coast, and in and around Vancouver in particular?

For example:

http://www.patkau.ca/index1.html

Hez congellous

I can't really help you with your initial question but still I have to say:
Nice render works. I really like the easiness of the images.

Choice!

...can you post an image without the hip & gable; just a flat roof..? Think it would work...

sorry, I sound a bit conceited there
bugger off mate, I designed like 20 dude, and other buildings too dude :rock on:

Hi Congellous. Some plans to show us ?

bugger off mate, I designed like 20 dude, and other buildings too dude :rock on:

well done
lets see them

plan

view

another view

another view proper

new front
added master bedroom on first floor

detailed design submission
following site visit and client requirements

Wow, I like.

Nice work.