The new home of Hélène Guimont, beautifully situated on the lower peninsula of the Saint Lawrence River in Rimouski Quebec, is striking blend of classic and contemporary design cues.

One of the design objectives was to bring an air of lightness to the feel of the home inside and out. The exceptional strength of steel versus traditional wood or concrete allowed for slimmer structure profiles satisfying all parties. Corrosion, the weak link of exposed steel was addressed with the use of hot-dip galvanizing, insuring that exposed columns, beams, lintels etc. were fully protected for many decades to come.

This cutting edge home is replete with technology to maximize enjoyment of the living space while minimizing its environmental impact. Another design objective was to balance this high technology with a natural sense to the home both in terms of appearance and sustainable material selection. Hot-dipping met both concerns perfectly; the 100 percent recyclability of galvanized steel and its benign composition meet the sustainability goal while the pleasing appearance of pure natural zinc aging gracefully blend perfect with the stone and wood components in a way that the artificially even colors of paint can never hope to match.

Private home construction is a massive industry and one in which steel in general and hot-dip galvanizing in particular have poor penetration. Concerns over fire hazards and protection of forests along with changing cost relationships have opened the door to greater steel intensity in private homes; This presents an opportunity for hot-dip galvanizing to become a player in this market for both structural and visual elements. Thoughtful design, meticulous quality control and committed market development are the key to our success as an industry in this undeveloped market.