About this home:
This modest home, set above the Columbia River wetlands, was specifically designed and built to overcome a series of interrelated challenges:
- take in the stunning north-facing views;
- achieve net-zero-ready standard;
- keep embodied carbon as low as possible;
- and do it all on a very tight budget…
- during the historic construction materials price spike and backlog of 2020/2021.
We did it! Find out below.
Benefits and Features
Energy-Efficiency and Sustainability Benefits:
- Built to BC Energy Step Code 5 and Net Zero Ready standards, this home delivered energy-efficiency on a seriously tight budget.
- Site built, extra thick walls keep this home cool in summer and warm in winter.
- The home’s fresh air machine (aka Heat Recovery Ventilator) and air-tight construction proved their worth during the 2024 Bruce Mountain Wildfire that threatened Wilmer while billowing smoke for weeks. Inside, this home stayed safe, comfortable, and cool.
- A single air source heat-pump keeps this home at a comfortable temperature year round. During periods of extreme cold, a small supplementary wood-stove provides a boost, and some mid-winter ambiance.
- Even with an EV and all electric energy, the small rooftop solar array produces enough power to zero-out the energy demand on an annual basis.
- We lowered the carbon footprint of the home by adding 40% fly-ash to the concrete and using all wood construction.
Design Features:
- The gospel of green-building says no windows on the north side, but we just couldn’t look away from the 180-views of the Rockies and Columbia Wetlands – so we broke the rules and put in a huge window! Our Integrated Design Process identified energy solutions and savings elsewhere in the home to offset the energy loss, saving the best view in the Valley.
- Designed for age in place living, this bungalow is compact, easy to access, and has everything a person needs on one floor.
- European tilt-and-turn windows and bedroom doors provide security, energy efficiency and style.
- Custom sandblasting of the entry door provides a personal touch and privacy.
