Visitors impressed by new technology

Augusut 2015, Niagara Falls Review

Those who took the tour of the house in Niagara-on-the-Lake that is being built using BONE structure technology seem to like it.

However, some local residents feel it just doesn’t fit in with what currently exists in the historic town, and we will be hearing more about their specific concerns in the near future.

“This house will be here in 100 or 200 years because we are using the same materials as all the skyscrapers from around the world. It’s not like any of the wooden houses that we see today,” said Marc Bovet, who along with Michelle Tremblay, co-founded the BONE Structure firm back in 2005. They were both in Niagara-on-the-Lake and spoke to visitors who attended their open house that began on Thursday and will run until Sunday.

The new home is being constructed on waterfront property at 127 Front St., next to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club.

BONE Structure technology was inspired from a combination of LEGO and Meccano, where pieces are simply snapped together.

Bovet said he welcomes comments from residents once they have toured one of his homes because most of them are quite impressed once they see the many advantages of using this new technology. Instead of a traditional wood frame, they make use of a lightweight, recycled steel frame. This avoids any problems with mold or termites and it’s much more energy efficient.

“This community is unbelievable and this place is magical,” said Bovet, adding that if his customer doesn’t want this house in Niagara-on-the-Lake once it is finished, he would be glad to move in himself.

“This is unique and I invite you to talk to anyone here, even the senior generation who might have some type of a push back reaction, I have interacted with many of them today and they are in awe from what they have seen,” he said.

Art and Rosanne Federow from Niagara Falls were quite impressed after taking the tour Thursday morning.

“This is totally different compared to the traditional frame work,” said Rosanne, who would consider building a new home using this new technology.

“It’s new and inspiring to see those ceilings so tall, and of course this venue is even better because of the beautiful view of the lake,” she added.

Her husband, Art, a former Niagara Falls city councillor, said he liked the idea of having so much open space, which is ideal for a family room where everyone can be together and socialize.

“The way this is built, everyone can interact and be together, and this is such a beautiful view from the top. I’m sold on it,” said Art.

Cathy Cornell, who lives down the street, said she has walked past with her husband and they have watched the house going up the past few weeks and were curious to see the inside.

“It’s a very different way of building. We didn’t know what to expect, but it’s clearly a very efficient way of a building and it went up pretty fast,” said Cornell. “The way this is built it should really keep your energy cost lower and in Canada that’s quite important because those costs are always going up. This is quite impressive.”

A few people who live near the new construction say they are upset because they knew very little about the project before it was approved by town officials.

Augusut 2015, Niagara Falls Review | Read the article