I was browsing my media feed when an interesting rendering popped up of a tiered, attached garage fourplex. At first glance, it looks pretty attractive. Lots of balconies, rooftop deck outdoor living, appealing spaces, and sizeable units. Having three level townhomes to create big enough units that they function as semi detached alternatives presents a strong business case. Upon closer examination, this type of build is highly detailed, with many cladding styles, integrated screens, flat roofs, and complex concrete ground work. I’d not be comfortable building this at all, in fact, I’d run from this style of construction. Two scenarios are troublesome, first is that mid June cloudburst when massive rain falls in short period. These roofs may serve to collect water that eventually will overcome downspouts and cascade uncontrolled down the wall in a way that is highly unpredictable. The second is the winter condition when it snows, freezes, thaws, and drips everywhere, shaded north facing scuppers clog, water backs up, and lays siege to the roof membrane, slowly seeking out any weak spot. This building type requires impeccable and expensive detailing to function properly. Sure you can find those experts, but the cost of these materials and labour able to execute the envelope on this build is high. I’d prefer to be able to relax a little, under an umbrella roof that extend beyond the wall and provide top of wall protection with easy to service 3/12 pitches and minimal valleys. That means no roof deck bbq spaces, second floor balcony cantilever, flat roofs, hillside stepped footings and non vented or inaccessible roof cavities. I’m not a good enough or brave enough builder to face the high likelihood of failure.
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