This ergonomic hybrid (conventional wood/engineered timber frame) residence was built to exceed National Building Code and R-2000 (Canadian Home Builder’s Association) energy efficiency standards, complete with an engineered solar slab – passive solar energy collection with thermal mass heat storage. This is the most efficient and cost-effective sustainable residential energy collection and storage system available to the new home builder, with a payback time of 5-10 years, much better bang for the buck than solar thermovoltaic, solar hydronic, or wind generating systems, which typically take up to 30 years to pay for themselves.

The house includes built-in “plug and play” options to add on other simple and effective DIY building components for better space, energy, and cyclical water usage.

The garage with attached greenhouse features a living roof.

All building rainwater is collected and stored in a pond habitat that gravity irrigates surrounding permaculture perennial food gardens. Together, these form an engineered storm water system. Greywater is also up-cycled to feed harvested biomass wetlands.

These are some of the intentional features which are an integral part of the modern integrated sustainable homestead site grown by mindful design on a sensible budget.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Completed ahead of projected timeline and 20% under budget.
• Approx. 50+% solar heat efficiency, supplemental yearly heating requirement is only 1 cord of wood equivalent.
• “Plug and Play” add-on sustainable mechanical service design – solar and wood hot water, convective air circulation, integrated storm and grey water collection for permaculture food garden irrigation.
• Conservative cost and size  – 16’x24′ heated envelope, 760 sq.ft. heated living space – maximum utility with minimum footprint.
• Outdoor 3 season living room – 300 sq.ft. artisanal timber frame.
• Forest Stewardship Council certified local renewable wood sourcing (incl. horse-logged product).
• No glues or VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) inside building envelope.

SERVICES RENDERED
Full design-build including:

• Architectural and mechanical drawings
• Engineering design – structural timber frame, thermal mass heat storage floor slab, frost-protected shallow foundation, garage living roof
• Site and building mechanical sustainability features
• Site solar assessment
• General contracting