3Stones Design + Architecture

3stones architecture + design “We had to come up with a result that was going to be fresh, exciting and engaging for the people who were going to be using it, while also relating it to the original building,” Sean explains. The client’s objectives included a 50-to-100 year lifespan, inexpensive operation, and low maintenance. To achieve those aims, 3stones specified ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) walls to provide high insulation values. They also included carefully-placed exterior windows, clerestory windows and skylights to contribute to daylight harvesting and natural ventilation, as well as hollow-core slab floors to act as thermal heat sinks in winter and cooling agents in summer. The addition consisted of two floors, with the lower floor providing a large space for a dance studio and fitness area, along with support amenities. The main feature of the project was a two-storey high stone clad Trombe wall, which also contributed to solar passivity.