Draft:Peter Braithwaite Studio

The Peter Braithwaite Studio, Established in 2015 and based in Nova Scotia, has dedicated itself to a specific mission to address the ecological impact of architecture. The Founder, Peter Braithwaite, set himself apart from traditional East Coast aesthetics through prefabricated designs, addressing environmentally friendly construction and cost-efficient architecture. Peter Braithwaite envisions a change from the conventional sustainability practices that rely heavily on gadgets and technological innovations. Instead, The Studio wants to achieve a clear and harmonious integration between architectural structures and the natural environment using a lot of naturally exposed material to camouflage his designs into the Eastern area. Driven by interest in understanding how urban environments sustain culture and life, supported by his years of education in biology. Braithwaite's designs, both in residential and public projects, epitomize Canadian modernity by seamlessly blending with the local environment. The Studio values contemporary spatial needs, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal. Houses are carefully integrated into the landscape, using local materials that evoke a sense of belonging for clients. Balancing views and privacy is a priority in each location. Braithwaite also intends to build sustainably with his new company, Attic Dwellings. This part of his studio will evolve into prefabricated designs and then be shipped to the building sites for Eastern urban sustainability. From Atlantic Canada, Peter Braithwaite Studio in Nova Scotia proposes projects that strongly emphasize the ecological impact of architecture and seek a harmonious integration between modernity and functionality. The Studio realizes the readily rising issues of affordable Canadian housing. It approaches this issue by proposing technological innovations of prefabrication, ultimately reducing energy emissions while staying true to a sustainable design philosophy.

Education

Born in Ontario, Peter Braithwaite embarked on a career with hands-on experience as a woodworker and cabinetmaker. He transitioned to Halifax, where he started his education with a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies and a Master of Architecture at Dalhousie University, solidifying his understanding of the intricate relationship between design and the environment. Achieving numerous academic achievements. Peter Braithwaite delved deeper into the nuances of modern architecture; he took a pivotal step in his professional development by interning under the mentorship of Omar Gandhi, a renowned architect on the East Coast contemporary architecture. This hands-on experience under Gandhi's guidance provided valuable insights and further refined Brathwaite's approach to architectural innovation and design. It taught him how to start a brand for his architecture. The diverse trajectory of his early career, from woodworking to formal education and mentorship, showcases Brathwaite's multifaceted expertise. This unique blend of practical craftsmanship and academic rigor laid the foundation for his architectural contributions. He is returning to university, having secured the Killam Doctoral Scholarship, a Nova Scotia Graduate Studies Scholarship, and a Dalhousie President's Award. These accolades will support his pursuit of an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program.

Peter Braithwaite came from a medical background. At first, he studied biology but switched paths, working as a woodworker and cabinetmaker. Later, he got into his architectural education and experience under Omar Gandhi. Gandhi was one of the first people to spark his journey of constructing the firm Peter Braithwaite Studio. Agreeably, Omar Gandhi’s teaching catered to the firm's values, production, aesthetics, and how to run a business. Braithwaite’s initial step involved an in-depth study of the site's relationship with the surrounding resources. This research laid the groundwork for suggesting a "new urban topology" that demonstrated how the campus could foster land development in the city's residential areas, aligning with its transformational goals. After studying biology and getting an astute understanding of environmental factors, he was motivated to be interested in urban sustainability, so Braithwaite returned to academia. His program focuses on investigating the relationship between architecture and biodiversity in urban environments. Braithwaite intends to continue his application of research findings directly to the projects undertaken by his studio, effectively bridging theoretical quest with practical commission in the field.

Design Principles

The studio stands with principles to build by, blending his biology and craftsmanship background and the desire to maintain affordability in his community. The practice often encounters proposed projects with modest budgets and limited resources. The team embraces the challenge of innovative design and crafting work that adds quality or 'value' without relying on expensive materials or intricate, time-consuming assemblies. The creative utilization of standard and unassuming materials strives to transform these ordinary elements into compelling sensory experiences and spatial qualities. They prioritize timeless aesthetics to counteract the quick obsolescence often associated with trends in popular culture, be it in colors, materials, or detailing. Achieving this goal necessitates a meticulous focus on fulfilling user requirements and delivering projects imbued with a lasting, timeless essence. The studio is adamant about keeping true to its concept of value, as a ratio of quality over cost is an interesting perspective. By considering the delicate Education Principle Design balance between the design quality and construction against the associated costs, the studio acknowledges the importance of delivering value to clients. It is committed to providing high-quality work while remaining mindful of economic considerations

Notable Work

Sandbox

The sandbox roots and takes all of Braithwaite's experience and design principles into account. Peter Braithwaite's sandbox design takes vernacular codes and uses local Craftsmen and materials in the eastern front. It is located on the shores of New Brunswick and was made for a local couple who worked in the excavation business. Braithwaite uses two materials to outline this simple cube building: the base of this cube is wood, the primary material made of oriental white cedar. The second material is corrugated steel, which outlines the Simple cube and makes certain areas pop, such as the entrance, which adds a windbreak and a floating staircase that morphs with the corner of the structure. The two materials add contrast in material texture and color, eventually creating a building that, as the owners age, so will the white cedar, creating new aesthetics in its future evolution. The layout spans two levels, featuring public spaces on the first floor and the second-story is sleeping quarters. The focal point of the residence is the kitchen, where a spacious island beckons the homeowners to cook and dine in a communal setting. Ultimately, this design choice serves as a means to foster and preserve the sense of community within The Sandbox. An example of the studio’s work would be the sandbox, the site presented with harsh climatic conditions, further giving insight on horizontal driving rain and dramatic southeastern wind keening on extreme weather conditions of this location along Bay of Chaleur in Bathurst, New Brunswick for the team while designing. The existing cottage showed signs of seasonal abuse with torn window screens, patched plywood floors, and windows penetrated by rain. The long stretch of beach along the shore in both directions created warming awning views, seemed appropriate to waterfront locations, and was challenging enough to pique the studio's interest. It was clear that connecting the extensive coastal landscape to domestic activities would drive this project design. The awareness of the relationship between the natural environment and the domestic activities of the dwelling was of utmost importance to the studio. The sandbox provides great opportunities for panoramic ocean views through large, glazed windows that wrap around, warming the living room with the morning light. Knowing the client's passion and enthusiasm for gathering and preparation inspired the kitchen design, which acts as the central heart of the room. They optimized the rooftop patio with elevated views by stacking the sleeping spaces on top of the living spaces. The form of the building, ‘the box,’ resulted from the decision to access the rooftop and, in turn, resulted in the rectilinear elevations of the building. The selected cladding materials and assemblies matched the local building culture and construction practices. The exterior expression of the building features eastern white cedar and weathering steel that will allow the building’s facades to age with grace and, in time, seamlessly blend within the weathered landscape.

Back-Bay Studio

The Back-Bay studio perches on Nova Scotia's eastern coast; the quaint fishing community is compared by its dramatic rocky cliff faces and picturesque rolling hillsides cascading towards the expanse of the ocean below. The exterior wall assembly optimizes interior space and integrates seamlessly with the environment. The combination of locally sourced wood slats and aluminum siding ensures durability against the harsh Notable Work Sandbox: Back-Bay Studio Atlantic climate and reflects the rich heritage of the area's building traditions. This thoughtful approach to construction enhances the studio's vision and aesthetic appeal, contributes to its sustainability on the eastern front, and acts as the home for his firm, where the studio team works on their upcoming projects.. Emphasized by its dramatic rocky cliff faces and picturesque rolling hillsides cascading towards the expanse of the ocean below. The exterior wall assembly optimizes interior space and integrates seamlessly with the environment. The combination of locally sourced wood slats and aluminum siding ensures durability against the harsh Atlantic climate and reflects the rich heritage of the area's building traditions. This thoughtful approach to construction enhances the studio's aesthetic appeal, contributes to its sustainability on the eastern front, and acts as the home for his firm, where the team works on their upcoming projects

Attic Dwellings

Attic Dwelling is a new project for Peter Braithwaite Studios that creates prefabricated structures to promote economical and efficient construction typology and help protect the region from heavy rains and large snowfall. Ready-to-build projects are offered in numerous sizes.

• The Rocky Cabin: The smallest offering, focusing on the essentials of cabin life within a 20' x 20' form that seamlessly integrates into any landscape.
• Gable Ends Cottage: A cost-effective option with a compact shape while providing 1800 sq. ft. of interior and exterior space. With three bedrooms and a loft, it accommodates larger families or guests. Pre-engineered scissor trusses minimize waste, creating a spacious living area flooded with natural light.
• Attics Model: The Attics model, characterized by its minimalistic design, encourages occupants to engage with the surrounding landscape. The ground floor features two large rooms framing views, while the loft bedroom above connects spaces uniquely. This model caters to various aesthetics with various finishing and structural options.

• B-Frame: The largest model goes beyond rural essentials. Accessible via a vertical circulation corridor, it opens to an elevated main floor with a large wrap-around deck, a total kitchen/living area, and everyday necessities. Shaped windows offer versatility for weekend getaways, family cottages, or new homes.

Peter Braithwaite Studio's practice, situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, proposes projects often facing constraints of limited budgets and optimizing resources. They embrace the challenge of designing and crafting work, exploring inventive and resourceful approaches to add quality or 'value' without relying on expensive materials or intricate, time-consuming assemblies. This endeavor is typically expressed through the creative utilization of standard and modest materials, transforming ordinary assemblies into engaging sensory experiences and spatial qualities . They prioritize investing in timeless aesthetics to prevent the Attic Dwelling premature aging of projects, steering clear of fleeting trends in popular culture. A strong commitment to low-impact and sustainable practices underscores our belief that genuine 'value' lies in creating things that withstand the test of time and don't necessitate early replacements.

Awards

• 2022 Canadian Co-op Design Office of the Year - Nominated - Dalhousie University
• 2021 Killiam Doctoral Scholarship [Killiam-D] - Dalhousie University
• 2021 Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship [NSGS-D] - Dalhousie University $10,000.00 per term for up to 4 years
• 2021 President’s Award - Dalhousie University
• 2019 Harry Kitz Fund - Dalhousie University
• 2018 Canadian Co-op Design Office of the Year Awarded by Dalhousie University
• 2013 RAIC Student Medal Highest level of academic excellence in MArch graduating class
• 2013 RAIC Honor Roll Top ten percent of MArch graduating class
• 2011 Rosetti Scholarship in Architecture
• 2010 Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship - Dalhousie University
• 2010 Graduated BEDS as Sexton Scholar - Dalhousie University School of Architecture Highest academic standing
• 2009 Year 3 Portfolio Prize - Dalhousie University School Architecture Best design portfolio for Year 3 BEDS program

Honors

• 2023 - Canadian Council for the Arts - Ronald J. Thom Award for Early Design Achievement.
• 2023 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) Canada Council, Award of Excellence, Caribou Point Studio.
• 2023 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) Canada Council, Award of Merit, Gable, Ends Cottage.
• 2023- Dwell Magazine, Most Popular Houses of 2023, Sandbox.
• 2023 - 15 Architecture Firms Defining the Future of Canadian Architecture.
• 2023 - Honoring the World’s Best Architecture and Spaces - Special Mention - The Sandbox.
• 2022 - Atlantic Wood Award - Back Bay Studio - Hybrid Building.
• 2021 - Twenty + Change and Canadian Architect - included in a selected group of twenty emerging practices in Canada.
• 2019 - Wallpaper* Magazines Architects’ Directory
• 2019 - included in a selected group of 20 of the world’s most promising practices.
• 2018 - Lieutenant Governor’s Award - Award of Merit. 2018 - Mayor’s Prize in Architecture - Elm House.
• 2018—Canada’s Best New Bars—Awarded National First Place.