Towards Renewable Energy in Nunavik: Strategies for housing construction

Towards Renewable Energy in Nunavik Strategies for housing construction

École d’architecture

Fort Chimo, Nunavik. Photograph by Maxime Vaillancourt-Cosse?e (2024).

Funding

Home as Territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing produc;on in Nunavik has received support and funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpora;on as part of the Northern Access Round 3: Supply Chain Solu;ons for Northern and Remote Housing that supports innova;ve solu;ons that remove barriers to increase Canada's housing supply.

Project

Home as Territory: A Blueprint for Community-driven Housing Produc<on in Nunavik aims to foster Inuit autonomy and to invent new forms of engagement between North and South when it comes to meaningful dwelling places.

The Blueprint promotes rich and open intercultural understanding and exchanges by tackling three interdependent “chan;ers” [Building Autonomy • Building Capacity • Building Houses].

Flexible and open to complex ideas, the Blueprint provides paths or i;neraries for inven;ng Stories (or Shared visions), as opportuni;es for greater empowerment.

Stories take shape from a chan;er, and are built around a selec;on of promising Mo;va;ons, Assets, and Tools, such as this booklet: Tool 2 • Towards Renewable Energy.

Chan2ers

[Building Capacity] Learning and fostering, especially among Inuit youth, the skills needed to meet contemporary challenges and support innova;on.

[Building Houses] Offering choices within a variety of housing types and tenure paUerns, as well as sustainable construc;on techniques and materials that are adapted to the Nunavik territory.

Research

Habiter le Nord québécois École d’architecture, Université Laval, Québec

Wri6en by

Vincent Morrier, É;enne Lajoie-Asselin, Yseult Lauzier-Larouche (research assistants)

Edited by

Vincent Morrier

Table of contents

Introduc*on

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1. Passive and ac*ve strategies 1.1 Energy in housing 1.2 Passive energy strategies 1.3 Passive energy in warm and cold seasons 1.4 Inspira*on from Inuit clothing 1.5 Ac*ve energy in Nunavik

4 4 5 6 8 10

2. Material strategies 2.1 Material cycles and energy 2.2 Inuit Ecological Knowledge 2.3 Circular construc*on in housing

12 12 13 14

3. Architectural precedents

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4. Pursuing an energy transi*on 4.1 Reducing the use of pollu*ng energies 4.2 Reducing heat loss during cold seasons 4.3 Reducing air condi*oning during warm season 4.4 Reducing the use of hot water 4.5 Towards renewable energy

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Introduc1on What is renewable energy?

“Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as solar or wind energy”.

Tarqu', Clean Energy Solu'ons, tarqu'.ca/clean-energy-solu'ons (2024)

This booklet illustrates a range of strategies, such as renewable energy solu*ons, bioclima*c design principles, and sustainable material cycles, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of housing produc*on and energy consump*on in Nunavik. Some of these approaches are inspired by Inuit tradi*onal knowledge, showing ways towards an energy transi*on, enhancing residents’ comfort, and autonomy. The booklet accompanies the “chan*ers” [Building Capacity • Building Houses] of the Home as Territory research project.

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing produc:on in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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Nuna (earth) • Sila (sky) • Imaq (water)

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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Climate change (like seasons)

Adaptation

requires

Energy is a leading factor Energy production

to be prepared for what is to come to be part of the solution

Energy use

Currently, energy production is based on non-renewable resources (oil, fuel, diesel). This means that resources are gone forever once used.

One should aim for energy production based on renewable resources (sun, wind, water) that naturally replenish over time.

Building

Exploitation and transformation of materials Transport

Inhabiting

Heating and cooling Household appliances and tools

Preserving Nuna

Inuit knowledge is a most important key

Using less energy and producing renewable energy would greatly reduce the ecological impact of construction on the environment.

Local knowledge inspires new solutions to act on climate change :

It would also allow Nunavik to be more autonomous with its resources and planning.

Traditional knowledge

Possible applications

Renewable energy

Bioclimatic design

Durable material cycle

Producing energy with renewable resources at the housing and village scales would lower carbon footprint.

Designing systems and shapes optimized for the local climate would save energy and increase comfort.

Limiting energy used to exploit, transform and transport materials would help reduce carbon footprint.

Towards renewable energy in Nunavik

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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1. Passive and active strategies 1.1 Energy in housing

Passive strategies Using natural renewable energies directly

Active strategies Transforming available renewable energy sources into electricity

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

Material strategies Reuse, local and low-carbon materials

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1.2 Passive strategies

Thermal gradient

Natural light

Seasonal adaptation

Sun and wind orientation

Shading system

Cross ventilation

Formal compactness

Solar heat gain

Window shutters

Openings orientation

Continuous insulation

Wind protection

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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1.3 Passive energy in warm and cold seasons Cold seasons Clear blocks towards south Roof vent South Protected entrance

North

Cold outside

Main Goal

Keep heat in

Snow insulation Windshield Natural light

Seasonal adaptation

Few windows towards the North

Solar heat gain

Warmer

Warm

Passive heating with the Sun

Openings orientation

Temperate Cold Wind protection

Protected entrance Thermal gradient

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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Warm seasons Main Goal Top vent Keep heat out

South

North

Single layer of skins towards south Multiple layers of skins towards North Entrance

Natural light

Seasonal adaptation

Shading system

Roof overhang to protect from Sun

Cross ventilation

Cross ventilation

Sun and wind orientation

Cold porch can be removed during summer

Thermal gradient

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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1.4 Inspiration from Inuit clothing Controling air-flow

wind protection

Cross ventilation

Wind protection

Continuous insulation and water/airtightness watertight seams

atayuq air layer

Continuous insulation

Seasonal adaptation

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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Seasonal adaptation : Cold porch

Cold seasons

Warm seasons

Thermal gradient Wind protection Solar heat gain

Cross ventilation Natural light

Building layers : Continuous insulation Main characteristics • • •

Air flow and water vapor flow controls are fulfilled by a single membrane: an air-vapor barrier (such as selfadhesive rubberized asphalt or polypropylene film).

This membrane is located on the exterior side of the structural frame (sheeting); it has to always be on the warmest side.

Heat flow control is usually met by a single insulating material (such as semi-rigid mineral wool panels), in one layer or more.

Practical aspects • • • • •

The air-vapor barrier is fully supported, thus protected form wear during construction and after its completion.

Its installation is easy, just like wrapping a gift box: the continuity and integrity of the membrane are ensured.

It is fully visible, easy to inspect and repair.

Since there is only one membrane, it is impossible for humidity to be trapped inside the wood structure.

This emerging practice is more efficient and durable, although (possibly) more costly.

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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1.5 Active energy in Nunavik

Sun

Wind

Water

Solar energy directly converts sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) solar panels (Tarquti).

Wind produces electricity through the rotation of blades on a turbine connected to a generator (Tarquti).

Water acts as a force that rotates turbines, which in turn drive generators to produce electricity (Tarquti).

Sun

Moon

Wind

Earth

Water Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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Sun • Earth • Wind • Water Collage by Yseult Lauzier-Larouche

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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2. Material strategies 2.1 Material cycles and energy Alternatives to the linear construction cycle

LINEAR CYCLE

South

Workforce intensive cycles create local jobs

The different construction cycles

Reuse

Repurpose

Recycle

Waste

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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2.2 Inuit Ecological Knowledge

can be returned to the land for bidegration

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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2.3 Circular construction in housing Circularity in construction refers to designing, building, and managing structures in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency by reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials, thuse reducing environmental impact. It emphasizes closed-loop systems where materials and components retain their value and are continuously repurposed.

Prioritize renovating and modifying existing builldings

Design to facilitate deconstruction, replacement, and reuse of components

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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Roof tiles Rafters Exterior covering

Furniture and plumbing fixtures

Flooring Beams

Windows and doors

Wood Structure

Reuse construction materials whenever possible

Modular construction components

Simple and reversible joints

Systems separation (see 1.4)

Common circular design strategies

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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3. Architectural precedents

01

Experimental House

02

Test house in Nuuk

03

Schiestlhaus

04

CPH Village

05

Experimental Housing

06

Haukåsen barnehage

07

Complex Nuukullak

08

Test house in Nuuk

09

Brunstorp

Kengo Kuma and Associates

Arcgency

Biosis

Vandkunsten Architects

Nøysom arkitekter

Vandkunsten Architects

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

POS

Pir2 Architects

Arrhov Frick

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01 EXPERiMENTAL HOUSE Kengo Kuma and Associates Taiki, Japan

Taiki Kuujjuaq

Transparent insulated walls and roof let a lot of light through

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

Windows on opposing sides allow for cross ventilation

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02 TEST HOUSE iN NUUK

Vandkunsten Architects Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland)

Nuuk Kuujjuaq

Passive solar heating

Double skin allows more light in while providing good insulation

Insulated core allows for thermal gradient

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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03 SCHiESTLHAUS

POS, Treberspurg & Partner Hochschwab, Austria

Hochschwab Kuujjuaq

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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04 CPH ViLLLAGE ArcgencY Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen Kuujjuaq

Material strategy : used container as structure

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

Windows on opposing sides allow for cross ventilation

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05 EXPERiMENTAL HOUSiNG Nøysom arkitekter Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim Kuujjuaq

Double skin allows for preheating + managing interior temperature more effectively

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

Windows on opposing sides allow for cross ventilation

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06 HAUKÅSEN BARNEHAGE Pir2 Architects Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim Kuujjuaq

Double facade maximizes indoor/outdoor connection while maintaining energy efficiency

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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07 COMPLEX NUUKULLAK Biosis Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland)

Nuuk Kuujjuaq

Windows on opposing sides allow for cross ventilation

Building geometry creates a microclimate (wind protection) + allows sunlight to reach all appartements

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

High compacity means more efficient heating

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08 GENERATORN HOUSiNG SEPTEMBRE, Secretary, Spridd Linköping, Sweden

Linköping Kuujjuaq

Windows on opposing sides allow for cross ventilation

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

High compacity means more efficient heating

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09 BRUNSTORP Arrhov Frick Huskvarna, Sweden

Huskvarna Kuujjuaq

High compacity means more efficient heating

Windows on opposing sides allow for cross ventilation

Double facade maximizes indoor/outdoor connection while maintaining energy efficiency

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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4. Pursuing an energy transition Due to climate change, temperature rises and is more unstable, thuse causing the following impacts on daily life :

Unstable weather

Impacts on animal migration Shorter cold season

Permafrost thaw

Impacts on the ground and infrastructure

Impacts on fishing

Air pollution can damage health

Impacts on harversts

Impacts on drinking water quality

Impacts can be reduced by adopting strategies such as : Renewable energy, bioclimatic design, durable material cycle and lower energy consumption.

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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4.1 Reducing the use of polluting energies What can we do immediately?

And tomorrow?

Reduce energy consumption

Improve energy efficiency

Develop renewable energies

Adopt ecoconcious lifestyles

Adopt devices that use less energy for the same output

Renewable energy produces less CO2 and pollution compared to nonrenewable energies

4.2 Reducing heat loss during cold seasons 20% Renewed air and leaks 30% Roof

20% walls

10% Floor 13% openings

54%

Heating and air conditionning represent 54% of the electricity demand Source: Hydro-Québec. 1996-2024.

Répartition de la consommation d’un ménage.

Adding an intermediate space, a porch specifically designed for the climate of Nunavik, could minimize heat loss when entering and exiting the house.

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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4.3 Reducing air conditioning during warm season An air conditioning system is a heat pump that extracts warm air from inside and releases it outside, which necessitates energy. It also uses refrigerants which create greenhouse gases.1 warm air release outside warm air from inside

A solution could be the use of cross ventilation instead of air conditioning during summer

1 Futura. 2012. La climatisation est-elle mauvaise pour l’environnement ?. Futura. https://www.hydroquebec.com/residentiel/espace-clients/consommation/consommationelectrique-sources.html

4.4 Reducing the use of hot water Fossil fuel has to be burnt to heat up water. Using more hot water thuse equates to more fuel oil being burnt. This leads to increased pollution and Greenhouse Gaz emissions.

Hot water is the second largest energy consumer in a house (20%). 2 A solution could be to adopt eco-friendly behaviors and use energy-efficient appliances to reduce water consumption

2 Hydro-Québec. 1996-2024. Répartition de la consommation d’un ménage. Hydro-Québec.

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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4.5 Towards renewable energy A thermal power station in each community produces electricity by burning diesel.

Diesel is a fossil fuel. It is derived from crude oil.

Diesel is transported by boat each summer from the south to each community in Nunavik.

Its implications:

However diesel is a...

Life-cycle emissions of different methods used to produce electricity:

Which contibutes to...

A solution could be to move toward renewable enregy production

Wind power

Solar power

Hydroelectricity

Source : Tarquti. Des ressources abondantes et enviables.

Home as territory: A blueprint for community-driven housing production in Nunavik Tool 2: Towards Renewable Energy © Habiter le Nord québécois 2025 • habiterlenordquebecois.org

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