Two different applications of RHEINZINK® were combined with unequivocal success on the design of a striking single-family home on property overlooking Lake Ontario in Canada.
For the geometrically complex roof, the project’s architect used 3,000 sq. ft. of RHEINZINK Prewreathered Single Lock Standing Seam panels. And for the 4,500 sq. ft. home’s walls, he used 500 sq. ft. of Graphite Gray RHEINZINK Diamond Tile as an accent.
Considerable challenges faced Brian Chamberlain of Chamberlain Architect Services as he sought to develop a plan for the home. First and foremost was the site—five sided and situated at the intersection of two roads. Others concerned sustainability and function. Chamberlain said it was extremely important to incorporate extensive sustainable design features and address the principles of LEED. And too, the design needed to reflect the family’s lifestyle and “provide a refuge from the workday world.”
“The result was a pentagonal floor plan, multi-level design that melded to the site,” according to Chamberlain. “It’s a sun-filled, bright and airy environment with all principal rooms facing toward the lake.”
Chamberlain initially considered other materials for the roof including copper, slate, tile and various shingle products before settling on RHEINZINK. The material’s sustainability and environmental friendliness were the deciding factors. “It’s one of the least energy-intensive materials to produce,” he said. “It has an incredibly long life cycle and it provides good reflectivity.”
Chamberlain used the RHEINZINK Diamond Tile on the curved exterior wall of the kitchen. “The tiles follow the curve nicely and the diamond shapes reflect the pentagonal influence and theme,” he said.
Using a zinc material for residential construction is quite unusual in the area. “The house gets lots of looks and comments,” the architect said. “The design is quite distinctive and definitely creates that ‘special place’ the owner wanted.”
Chamberlain’s firm is based in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Classic Roofing Systems of Barrie, Ontario handled the fabrication and installation of the RHEINZINK materials.