15 ~ Friday, Januery 13, 1989 - North Shore News Lirestyiesf a! MI i HEATING BILLS Adding to your house’s size doesn’t mean higher costs WHEN YOU renovate to add fiv- ing space to your home, it doesn’t mean you have to add to your heating bill too. In fact, Rob and John Cannell recently doubied the size of their ski chalet, added a solarium — and actually lowered their heating bills. By cleverly using passive solar heat, installing a high-efficiency gas furnace and insulating the foundation and walls of the new addition, the Cannell brothers lowered their bills despite the cold snowbelt location of their chalet. During construction, the foun- dation of the’ addition was thoroughly insuiated. The insula- tion helps keep the chalet warm in winter and cool in summer. The lower heating biils were a pleasant surprise for the Cannell brothers. They had two goals in mind when they started the renovation — to increase the size of the chalet so it would accom- modate two separate living areas, and to make the home much brighter. The new design added 15 feet to the upstairs living area. On the ground level it allowed Yor the ad- dition of a second living area, a new bedroom and an_ entrance area. “We also wanted to get more light into the place,”’ says Rob. “The original ceiling on the ground level was only 71% feet high, so it was quite dark. We opened up the back of the chalet with a solarium that goes from ground level through the upstairs level — about 28 feet, and extend- ed the front by eight feet at the en- trance, giving us a great double cupboard and a wonderful front deck.” In addition to the solarium, five skylights and several other large energy efficient windows were in- stalled. But ‘‘the biggest problem we had was that the solarium, and a Jot of other glass, faces north.’’ Although the windows catch enough sunshine to provide some solar heat gain, the brothers decid- ed they needed to be efficient in heating the chalet. They removed the electric baseboard heaters and installed high efficiency forced-air gas heating and a central air condi- tioning unit. Then, ‘“We knew we would have to insulate the new walis and the foundation in order to avoid heat loss,’ says Rob. The combination of the insulation, the high efficien- cy gas furnace and the solar heat gain, made the dramatic difference in heating costs. Another phase of the renovation involved extending the front door out by eight feet, to provide an en- try area. Previously, visitors had to step from the outside directly into the living room. The two separate living areas now provide a quiet area for reading and relaxing, and an area’ for entertaining in the always-busy chalet. “It’s perfect for two fami- lies with kids,’” says Rob. ‘‘Now the kids can be downstairs and the adults can be upstairs.” Both areas have fireplaces. “On the ground level, the gas- burning copper drum fireplace provides a spectacular focal point for the ioom. The chimney rises up through the solarium, then exits through the side. ‘‘A lot of people elf White wire baskets and frames for easy, good looking storage. Put them together with a hammer. Amerack Cabinet Aides Hangers & miscelianeous iterns While quantities last — CANADIAN EN CLOSET SHOPS 1093 Marine Dr. N.V. 986-4263 parr "and dining area which is located in chalets don't put in gas fireplaces, but it’s a great idea,"’ says Rob. ‘‘All I have to do is walk in, flick a switch and I have a fire.”’ But for the traditionalists, the upstairs fireplace is a reclaimed brick, wood-burning model. Both families share the kitchen three steps up from the living room on the second floor. ‘‘There’s a lot of activity around the kitchen in a chalet,’’ says Rob. ‘‘But ours is away from the flow of traffic.’” To complete the renovation, 1,000 square feet of decking on three levels was built around the chalet and down to a large double brick barbecue. Since you can see the deck and trees through the solarium windows from both inte- rior levels, it provides a feeling of space and being out of doors all the time. From start to finish, the major renovation took just over six See Renovation Page 1 A great opportunity to own fine quality home furnishings at great reductions. Our entire gallery stock is on sale. Bedroom, Dining room & occasional tables, sofas, love seats, chairs. SALE IN PROGRESS THOMASVILLE GALLERY 4240 MANOR STREET, BURNABY % Block West of Sheraton Villa inn HOURS: MON. TO SAT. 9AM to 5PM OPEN SUNDAY NOON TO 5PM :