John Robinson, president of Robinson Residential Design from Regina, has taken on one of his most challenging projects to date.
Robinson, along with a team of tradespeople and volunteers, has built his family an earth-friendly cottage in just three days.
The build is taking place on the north shore Buffalo Pound Lake in the Valley View cottage subdivision. Construction started Wednesday and was slated to wrap up Friday.
Construction on the cottage was running non-stop between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day. Workers were eating in shifts to ensure building did not stop throughout the day.
"We have 25 to 30 tradespeople and 75 volunteers registered to help out with the construction," said John's wife, Janet Robinson, earlier this week.
The build was filmed by Zoot Pictures as a pilot for a six-episode reality show entitled Weekend Wonders. The series will feature stories of groups of friends and workers who assemble an economical, environmentally-friendly home or cottage over a short period.
Robinson came up with the idea to build the cottage in three days from working with Habitat for Humanity.
"We were used to working a five-day blitz to build a house and John wanted to see if he could build a cottage in the same style, but only in three days," said Janet.
The Robinsons were creating a distinct residence that will incorporate and showcase a range of earth-friendly home products.
"We are using (structural insulated) panels on the walls and roof construction, which will allow for the cottage to be more energy efficient and hopefully reduce energy costs," said Janet.
Janet was most excited about the rainwater harvesting system being put in place to filter any rainwater and make it useable in the toilets, showers and to wash dishes.
"This is a unique project from a number of perspectives," said John. "The build is intended to promote some of the more unique and exciting products available."
John hoped the build would be an enjoyable experience for all involved.
"We want this build to recreate the spirit of co-operation and community that was experienced years ago by homesteaders who often tackled large projects co-operatively," he said.
Many of the Robinsons' new neighbours worked on the project, including Florence Holt.
"This is what community is all about, helping out your neighbours," said Holt.
"I don't mind all the construction. It is only here for three days, and we will be back to peace and quiet. They are a great family and I will enjoy my time with them."
Robinson designed the cottage himself.
"After years of designing homes for other people he wanted to design one for his family," said Janet.
"I can't wait for this to be over and be able to sit on my deck and look at the wonderful view."
There is an open house today for the public.
Features of the Cottage
The Robinson cottage will feature many earth-friendly products including:
- geothermal heating and cooling;
- geothermal assisted water heating;
- high-energy efficient windows;
- 50-year rubber/asphalt shingles;
- a soy-based spray foam insulating the basement walls;
- compact fluorescent and LED lighting;
- reduced flow shower heads and faucets;
- decking containing a high percentage of recycled content;
- VOC-free paints and stains (volatile organic compounds are carbon-containing gases and vapours)
- carpets that have a high recycled fibre content;
- window quilts to reduce summer heat gain and winter cooling.
- Dewar
