SABMag 61 Fall 2018

ISSUE NUMBER 61 | FALL 2018 | PM40024961 | $6

The PASSIVE HOUSE issue

NUUTSUMUUT LELUM Big reduction in operating costs helps affordability BUILDING RESILIENCE The power of existing buildings in the low-carbon retrofit economy CONTINUING EDUCATION: High-Performance Building Enclosures in the Anthropocene

SABMag - FALL 2018

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Industry News, Products, Events

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Building Resilience: Harnessing the power of existing and historic buildings for the low-carbon retrofit economy

17 23 28

PASSIVE HOUSE PROJECTS Deep Performance Dwelling Parkdale Landing Nuutsumuut Lelum

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FALL 2018 17

CONTINUING EDUCATION ARTICLE 34 High-performance building enclosures in the Anthropocene 39

Procuring Passive House Projects: It takes an expert team and a rigorous methodology

45

VIEWPOINT ARTICLE Nuutsumuut Lelum: Passive House performance as a means to an end

23

28

ISSUE DON’T MISS NEXT WINTER 2018/19 ÚFuture of the Family Home Energy efficient, yes; and more ÚTools to Calculate Building Emissions Knowing where we are will bring

opportunities for more reductions

ÚAnnual Special Supplement: 2019 Directory of Products and Services for Sustainable Building Cover: Nuutsumuut Lelum. DYS Architecture. Bottom right: The Pape Village House, Toronto. Solares Architecture Inc. Photo: Frank Crawford.

SABMag - FALL 2018

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Dedicated to high-performance building

PASSIVE HOUSE

Member Canada Green Building Council

SABMag is a proud member and official media partner of the Canada Green Building Council.

VISIT www.sabmagazine.com PUBLISHER Don Griffith 800-520-6281, ext. 1, dgriffith@sabmagazine.com EDITOR Jim Taggart, FRAIC 604-874-0195, architext@telus.net SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Patricia Abbas 416-438-7609, pabbas@sabmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Carine De Pauw carinedp6@gmail.com SUBSCRIPTIONS/CHANGE OF ADDRESS Lyse Cadieux, lcadieux@sabmagazine.com

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The print version of SABMag uses Rolland Enviro 100 Satin, a 100% post-consumer fiber that is certified FSC and EcoLogo. It is processed chlorine-free, FSC-recycled and is manufactured using biogas energy.

Putting together this issue devoted to Passive House projects has been both informative and thought-provoking. To date, most of the buzz around Passive House has focused on its promise of 80-90% reductions in operating energy and related carbon emissions compared to basic code-compliant structures; and to the enhanced indoor environmental quality that results from temperature stabilization, the constant supply of fresh, filtered air and the reduction in noise that comes from the tightly sealed building envelope.

What becomes apparent from the research, however, is that the great majority of Passive House projects built thus far in Canada have been owner-operated rental or supportive housing facilities. For what appear to be single-digit premiums in construction cost, these buildings are future-proofing residents and owners alike against the ongoing escalation of energy prices. As Chris Beaton, Executive Director of the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre observes in his Viewpoint piece, for some low-income residents, high winter heating bills can mean the difference between making ends meet or not.

Equally importantly, the rigorous standards of design and construction required for the successful delivery of high-performance buildings, such as those built to the PH standard, demand an INTEGRATED design and delivery process in which the client, consultants and contractors are all involved. As industry capacity and momentum build around Passive House, we will surely witness a paradigm shift by which the successful delivery and life cycle performance of these buildings becomes not only a collaborative endeavour, but also a collective responsibility. photo: Roy Grogan

The prosaic virtues of life cycle affordability, reliability and durability, all critical to long-term sustainability and resilience, have at times been outdazzled by the seductive allure of green ‘bling.’ There is no better time than now to give up the self-indulgent search for novelty and replace it with a universal commitment to quality, inclusivity and affordability.

Jim Taggart, FRAIC Editor

Environmental savings for this issue:

77 Trees

275,795 litres water

4,022 kg waste

9,805 kg CO2 SABMag - FALL 2018

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NEWS SABMAG LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE SABMag has launched its new web site, https:// sabmagazine.com/, cre-

Home and Auto – The RAIC has partnered with The Personal to pro-

ating a fresh look and

vide members with preferred group rates on home and auto insur-

easier navigation to see

ance. It offers personalized coverage to fit individual needs, expert

the latest on sustain-

advice from licensed insurance advisors and 24/7 emergency assis-

able building in Canada.

tance when making a claim.

Recent blog articles are displayed right up front on the home page for easy

access,

and

the

menu bar has been simplified to find quickly information about Continuing Education articles, the Canadian Green Building Awards, the

GoodLife Fitness – RAIC members are eligible for discounts of 30 to 40 percent off GoodLife membership rates, with access to more than 250 clubs across Canada. Members also have access to the GoodLife Fitness Rewards Program with savings and special offers from over 100 popular brands.

Product Directory, the archive of back issues, and more. The most recent

Special member pricing – Members get deals on RAIC events such

SABMag monthly newsletter is also easily found, along with a conve-

as professional development programs and the annual Festival of

nient sign-up form. The SABMag web site offers a rich resource on high-

Architecture; a wide range of products such as contract seals, pub-

performance sustainable building in Canada so please visit, and often!

lications, and software, as well as services (Fairmont Hotels, Budget Rent-a-Car, Via Rail).

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RAIC OFFERS NEW MEMBER BENEFITS AND MORE CONTINUING EDUCATION Anyone who buys professional liability insurance cares about how much they are paying and whether they have the coverage they need – especially in a climate of risk and liability transfer to professionals. It’s a predicament that the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is

leadership skills.

The RAIC is the national voice of architects and architecture in Canada and a network of members that includes registered architects, interns, designers, academics, retired practitioners, students, and affiliates.

To find out how you can benefit from membership, please contact Sarah Holtman at membership@raic.org or 613-241-3600 Ext. 200.

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The program, which launched October 1, is part of the RAIC’s recently expanded benefits package. The RAIC is also offering a suite of new continuing education offerings. With membership renewal underway,

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SABMag - FALL 2018

“Cascadia Window’s team is very grateful for the fantastic acknowledgement from the CaGBC for naming our Universal Series windows and doors Product of the Year,” says Michael Blousfield, Technical

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NEWS If there is a doubt in my mind, it is not with the work, but whether a book that runs to more than 400 pages is consistent with Mackay-

BOOK REVIEW

Lyons Sweetapple Architects’ philosophy of ‘Economy as Ethic.’

The Work of Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects: Economy as Ethic

ISBN: 9780500343319, hardcover, $92.00 https://bit.ly/2HZBt8y. See

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the full review at https://sabmagazine.com/news-events-products/

what Swedish architectural historian Claes Caldenby calls an ‘Architecture of Necessity’,

EVENTS

eschewing all that is superfluous and con-

The Buildings Show

sciously choosing substance over spectacle.

November 28-30, 2018

Sensitive to the traditional hardships of

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

eking out a living in Nova Scotia, Mackay-

www.thebuildingsshow.com

Lyons observes, “The vernacular is what you

The Buildings Show provides an unforgettable experience as

make when you can’t afford to fail.”

Canada’s largest event for products, services, educational program-

This engagement with tradition roots the work of Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects firmly in its place, rendering it accessible intellectually, emotionally and economically. It can be argued that the most sustainable buildings are those that we care about, maintain properly and adapt to new uses as our circumstances evolve and change. This in turn leads to what Mackay-Lyons refers to as the ‘democratization’ of architecture. He observes, “Henry Ford contributed to the democratization of technology by making an automobile that anyone could afford. I believe the democratization of architecture is necessary to ensure its social relevance and the ultimate survival of the profession.”

The work showcased in this book is of the highest quality, the documentation comprehensive and further context provided through

ming and professional networking for the Design, Architecture, Construction, Renovation and Real Estate sectors. Get ready for some big changes in 2018 as World of Concrete Toronto Pavilion, HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo and STONEX Canada relocate and grow in the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Construct Canada and PM Expo maintain their position and expand in the South Building. The enhanced Show will provide an immersive and unique experience through larger-than-life, dynamic exhibits, thought-provoking educational discussions and innovative product showcases. Experience a new chapter for The Buildings Show from November 28 - 30, 2018.

Passive House Canada Conference - November 7-8 - Vancouver, BC https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/

essays by Mackay-Lyons, Sweetapple and renowned architectural critic

GreenBuild 2018 - November 14-16. Chicago, IL

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BUILDING RESILIENCE

Harnessing the Power of Existing and Historic Buildings for the Low-Carbon Retrofit Economy

The architectural and engineering professions, and essentially the entire industry, will need to re-define itself over the next five to ten years to accommodate a dramatic move towards what has become known as “The Retrofit Economy” and “The Low-Carbon Economy”. In order to achieve this evolution at an adequate rate, we need new ways of thinking, new tools and new attitudes about what constitutes “cool”.

One of these ways of thinking is the realization of the connections between natural and cultural conservation.

By Mark Thompson Brandt The Sir John A Macdonald Building, across from Parliament Hill, is one of the case studies in the new national guideline document, “Building Resilience: Practical Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Buildings in Canada”. The former 1930-32 Bank of Montreal Building was converted into a Hall of State for the House of Commons, including the completely ‘wired’ high-tech ballroom, which was the former banking hall. The many interventions, including a 3,100 sq. m. addition, were carefully inserted into the existing building to preserve its heritage character while making it work for the 21st century. The multi-award-winning Rehabilitation Project included a deep green retrofit that earned a 5-Globe Green Globes rating (said to approximate a LEED-Platinum rating) and the first SABMag/CaGBC Existing Building Retrofit Award in 2017. NORR Architects & Engineers in association with MTBA Associates Inc., Heritage Conservation Architects, for PSPC / HoC. Photo: DoubleSpace Photography.

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SABMag - FALL 2018

“Heritage conservation contributes to creating a sustainable built environment & resilient communities.”

6. Determine base impacts of new use [adapted or continued use].

All Federal, Provincial and Territorial jurisdictions in Canada have

8. Employ “whole building ecology” – spaces, systems, assemblies,

endorsed the above policy statement to underpin the development

in an integrated, holistic manner – develop hybrid solutions where

of “Building Resilience”, which provides pan-Canadian guidelines

appropriate.

for responsible and sustainable stewardship of built heritage and an

9. Prioritize sustainability design opportunities and strategies to

approach for preserving value of all existing built resources.

optimize performance while protecting value.

7. Map out conflicts; balance project objectives.

10. Leverage inherently sustainable features of the existing building.

Cultural and natural conservation are inter-related and integrated in providing and maintaining sustainable living, and in preserving what we value. So how can we adapt the lessons of heritage conservation more broadly to our wider existing building stock? One way is through the use of or the “Building Resilience” document, the national sustainable rehabilitation and retrofit guide, and companion document to Canadian National Conservation Standards and Guidelines. Other resources include online design tools such as: * The Association for Preservation Technology’s “OSCAR” * Sustainable Traditional Building Alliance’s “Guidance Wheel” The important need for obtaining a heightened and thorough awareness of the existing building, its evolution and its systems, concealed elements, and a broader range of characteristics and behaviour - not just a set of as-found plans – is especially emphasized. The Guidelines encourage this through preparing a checklist toward developing a value-based approach.

Section through Main Hall, Sir John A. Macdonald Building Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse, Ottawa (MTBA).

“Building Resilience” is a pan-Canadian resource that addresses all types of existing and historic buildings. [FPTCHP].

Understanding existing buildings checklist: 1. Determine value and character-defining elements 2. Values: design/cultural; environmental; economic, social 3. Assemble an integrated design and rehab construction team 4. Thoroughly investigate and document all existing conditions, past interventions, design intent and construction methods 5. Ascertain current resource consumption for baseline measurement

Detail Section through Main Hall at perimeter wall, Sir John A. Macdonald Building Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse. This illustration shows how designing hybrid systems of re-usable mechanical/electrical components with new systems, to augment them to contemporary standards or building-specific requirements, can achieve minimal intervention, saving costs and preserving value. In this case the new intervention also references the original component that’s had to be removed to suit the adapted use. (MTBA)

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Next: The low carbon economy = Restoration/ retrofit economy As Canada, and the rest of the world, drives a quest to meet carbon reduction targets, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the economic direction in general will be greatly influenced by this massive effort. The environment and the economy are intrinsically linked. In fact, many economists are now labelling the coming economic outlook as the “LowCarbon Economy”.

With existing buildings accounting for so much of the resource use and carbon generation, it is therefore apparent that the market is adapting. Rehabilitating and greening buildings is becoming a major force of economic activity in itself. Some are calling deep-green building retrofits “The Greatest New Growth Frontier”. Consider the facts for existing building rehab activity and its comparison with new buildings: • Re-investment Driven: $1T annually; $100T inventory [U.S.] • Next 10 years: 34% new; 66% rehab • Following 10 years: 10-20% new; 80-90% rehab (Storm Cunningham: The Restoration Economy: The Greatest New Growth Frontier, 2002.)

Still, other economists are dubbing this coming change, the “Restoration/Retrofit Economy”. A number of recent scientific studies and analyses are coming out in support of this prediction. One that has been foundational for this field of review was, “The Greenest Building: Quantifying the Environmental Value of Building Reuse”, by the Preservation Green Lab, an arms-length initiative of the U.S. National Trust for Historic Preservation and backed by some serious granting institutions and commercial entities.

One of its key findings is that “Building Re-use almost always yields fewer environmental impacts than new construction, when comparing buildings of similar size and functionality.”

This seems to have spawned greater acceptance of Life Cycle

This pivotal document has helped pave the way for increased interest in, and support, for Life Cycle Assessment and the business case for reusing existing buildings over new construction.

THE UNIQUE CHALLENGE OF ‘MODERN HERITAGE’

Assessment [LCA], the science of analysing all contributors to GHG generation, and other impacts of the processes

The mid-century Modern era of architecture [roughly the three decades

and material creation of building, over the entire life of a

after 1945] produced an unprecedented explosion of building construc-

built entity [often referred to as “cradle-to-cradle” analysis,

tion all over the world. This phenomenal growth occurred during an era of

which takes into account re-generative activity, beyond tradi-

inexpensive, accessible energy to build and operate these buildings. It was

tional “cradle-to-grave” analysis]. Clearly, a new approach to

also a time, post WW II, where there was a craving for the new, and a vast

addressing the built environment is evolving quickly.

need and demand to ‘change the world’ like never before. Many of these buildings perform poorly in energy expenditure and have a high degree of non-repairable and non-replaceable materials and assemblies.

“Building Re-use almost always yields fewer environmental impacts than new construction when comparing buildings of similar size and functionality.”

Therefore, we have today a very large stock of unsustainable historic modern-era buildings that are coming to the end of their natural lifecycle.

Coincidentally, we are also coming to an energy/climate crisis that will produce a sea-change in architecture away from new buildings and a huge evolution toward focusing on adapting and enhancing our massive existing building stock, including our historic resources. But, change is good for the endurance of buildings. This is true for ordinary mainstream modern buildings and even iconic modern buildings.

12

SABMag - FALL 2018

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Often during the mid-twentieth-century period, there was also movement away from natural materials that are durable and age gracefully, to technically and materially experimental building design solutions, in keeping with the technological ‘fast-forward expansion’ of the day. Truthfully, some of these ‘experiments’ simply failed. Others have diminished over time, and no longer fabricated or available for replacements. Even without the factor of the proliferation of these untested assemblies, buildings have often outlived the purposes for which they were built. This became more common through the twentieth century, as the pace of societal change moved more rapidly.

And so, buildings must change. For Modern buildings, this will mean deep green retrofits and repair/replacement of systems, materials and assemblies, including some which provide heritage value. The character and volume of rehabilitation ahead,

The Sir John A. Macdonald Building: The design of hybrid systems of re-usable mechanical/electrical components with new systems achieved minimal intervention, saved costs and preserved value.

as the Modern era building stock hits ‘heritage age’ (considered to be 40 to 50 years old in Canada) will change and grow.

CONCLUSION

There are/will be the iconic building rehabs, setting the bar for heritage preservation, and there are/will be the more ordinary,

A global attitude adjustment that strongly prioritizes sustainable reha-

‘mainstream’ stock that will also require careful and technologi-

bilitation of our existing resources, including existing and heritage build-

cally advanced wholesale rehabilitation while preserving value

ings, is required to meet critical climate change and other environmental

– not just heritage value, but economic, social, environmental or

targets. This is simply part of the new ‘low-carbon economy’, like recy-

even intangible value.

cling programs, car-sharing and similar behaviours. Mid-century modern buildings, by the sheer size of their stock, and their current state of

Doing this well means new interventions will be incorpo-

maturation, are a major target, and perhaps the single greatest impact

rated while elements of value will be preserved, re-created or

on carbon footprint reduction.

replaced in kind. There has been a marked increase in literature and web-based tools in recent years that help the designer/

There is an urgent need for their large-scale sustainable rehabilitation

practitioner achieve these goals.

and deep energy retrofit. Therefore, the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of Modern-era buildings and urban systems will very rapidly become a

Some examples include: The Association for Preservation

major focus of architectural endeavours over the next few years. This will

Technology’s Technical Committee on Sustainable Preservation

be a driving force in the move toward ‘the retrofit economy’, increasing

is developing ‘OSCAR: On-line Sustainable Conservation

the generally prescribed valuation of our existing resources.

Assistance Resource’ (www.apti.org/oscar) and The Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance’s (STBA - a collaboration of not

Preservation professionals have already developed the skills for adapta-

for profit organisations that aims to promote and deliver a more

tion and rehabilitation of existing (heritage) resources while protecting

sustainable traditional built environment in the UK) ‘Guidance

(heritage) value. Therefore, they have the opportunity, in collaboration

Wheel’ (stbauk.org) Many of these, like OSCAR, are now start-

with green-building professionals, to be leaders of this coming tidal wave

ing to include attention on buildings of the Modern era.

of broader architectural conservation work on Modern-era buildings, as well as older traditionally-constructed and historic buildings.

Note: Portions of this article were previously published in 2017 in the U.K. in the Journal for Architectural Conservation.

Mark Thompson Brandt, Senior Conservation Architect & Urbanist at MTBA Associates, Ottawa, has over 30 years’ professional experience in architecture, urbanism and conservation. MTBA has received national awards for architecture, urban design and conservation projects of all types. Brandt’s work includes leading the National Capital Commission’s

OSCAR 2.0 was released by the APT Technical Committee on Sustainable Preservation at ATP’s 50th Anniversary Conference in Buffalo/Niagara in September, 2018.

Master Plan for a prime 44-acre site on the Ottawa River; the East Block of Parliament Rehabilitation [with A449/DFS] and the $99M Macdonald Building Rehabilitation on Parliament Hill [with NORR].

Mark is co-author with MTBA’s Chris Warden, of the national design guide “Building Resilience: Practical Guidelines for the Sustainable Rehabilitation of Buildings in Canada”.

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SABMag - FALL 2018

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©2017 Huber Engineered Woods LLC. ZIP System, the accompanying ZIP System logo and design are trademarks of Huber Engineered Woods LLC. Huber Engineered Woods’ ZIP System® products are covered by various patents. Please see ZIPSystem.com/patents for details. HUB 81853 REV 10/18

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PASSIVE HOUSE PROJECT

DEEP PERFORMANCE DWELLING

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80% cut in energy demand marks a winning design

1. South facade of the Deep Performance Dwelling

By Ben Wareing

The Deep Performance Dwelling [DPD] is a model of sustainable and affordable urban living designed and built by TeamMTL – a collaboration between McGill and Concordia Universities with several private and public-sector partners. Students and faculty of Architecture, Engineering, Design and Computation Arts, and Management, collaborated for two-and-a-half years on this extraordinary endeavor. As a fully integrated, system-built, Passive House construction, the DPD radically addresses the climatic, socio-cultural, and affordable housing context of Montreal and beyond.

Over half of the world's population now live in cities and this trend is projected to increase to 80% by 2050. Cities are the stage upon which our collective future finds full expression as simultaneously the main site of contestation and opportunity to create alternative and sustainable ways of living. The creation and cultivation of a dense, efficient, affordable, and vibrant urban milieu is of critical importance. “Deep-performance” implies an advanced architecture that embodies qualitative and quantitative notions of performance, asserting culture as foundational to the social, environmental, economic, and technological.

The DPD combines the efficiency, density, and flexibility of the Montreal row house with the functionality and cultural significance of the Fond de cour backyard house. The three-dimensional architectural promenade with varying degrees of nested public to private spaces further reflects these cultural values. The central courtyards of each home are open on either side, allowing for shared space between residents in a row house scenario. The street entrances are closely aligned, and a shared backstreet and accessible entrance porch promotes sociability and chance encounter, fostering a cohesive community.

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The flexible configuration reflected in its plan addresses the social dynamics and variety of the contemporary fam-

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ily. The need for flexibility and adaptability over time for live-work-play, inter-generational, and sharing economy

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scenarios is a primary motivation for the architecture of the DPD, reflected in the two autonomous volumes sepa-

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rated by the core mechanical room on the first floor and 13

second level courtyard above.

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The envelope is composed of mineral wool batt insulation, ZIP sheathing as the air and vapour barrier, and an exteri-

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or smart membrane that is airtight and water resistant but vapour open, providing for superior hygrothermal performance. A layered structure of engineered wood miti11

gates thermal bridging and high-performance doors and

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windows allow for controlled solar gain, daylighting, and natural ventilation while maintaining the integrity of the envelope. A highly-efficient Energy Recovery Ventilation

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(ERV) system with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)

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filter continually distributes clean, fresh air throughout 6

the house, ensuring a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. The form and orientation of the building

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is carefully designed for thermal performance and to

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minimize exposed surface area, with sheltered exterior environments adding depth and nuance.

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Exploded axonometric 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Captions

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Simulated partywall - East South facing facade Simulated partywall - West North facing facade Living room Kitchen / dining Mechanical room

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Accessible bathroom Kitchenette Studio Courtyard Stairs Master bedroom Laundry room

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Washroom Bedroom / flexible space Studio loft BIPV/T BIPV Skylight

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Floor plans 1 Accessible stairs 2 Studio loft 3 Courtyard 4 Flexible space 5 Winder stair and bridge 6 Laundry 7 Bathroom 8 Master bedroom 9 Studio 10 Kitchenette 11 Accessible washroom 12 Mechanical 13 Corridor 14 Kitchen / dining 15 Living room

2 and 3. Envelope assembly.

Prefabrication by Ecocor in Searsont, Maine. 4. North facade of the DPD (rear studio end). Fenster Tek was proud to have been chosen by the Deep Performance Dwelling group as the supplier of the Larch series of Fusionline Gaulhofer windows and door systems from Austria.

Building section

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Thermal Envelope Composition Roof Assembly (Interior to exterior) • 5/8” Plywood panelling ceiling finish • 2X6 Rafter, 24” O.C., with 5.5” mineral wool insulation • 5/8" ZIP System Sheathing and Tape (air and vapour barrier) • Intello Plus membrane • 3/4” ZIP System Sheathing and Tape • Tapered rigid insulation (12” TO 2.3” thick) Wall Assembly (Interior to exterior) • 5/8” Plywood panelling interior finish • 3/4” OSB panel • 2X4 Structural stud wall, 24” O.C., with 3.5” mineral wool insulation • 1/2" ZIP System Sheathing and Tape (air and vapour barrier) • 12” Open-web I-joist, 24” O.C., with 11.5” mineral wool insulation • Mento Plus membrane • 1X3 Vertical strapping • 1X3 Horizontal strapping • 1/2” Charred eastern white cedar cladding Floor Assembly (Interior to exterior) • 3/8” Engineered wood flooring • 3/4” Advantech subfloor (air and vapour barrier) • 16” I-loist, 24” O.C., with 15.5” mineral wool insulation ZIP System® sheathing and tape for building enclosures offers structural durability combined with moisture and air protection, in an easy-to-install system. ZIPRevolution.com 5 6

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The fabric-first approach of the DPD reduces energy demand by 70-80%. The Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal [BIPV/T] system over the two roof surfaces recovers heat for space heating in winter and provides all the energy required for the home to operate at Net-Zero Energy throughout the course of a year. The integration of passive and active systems, feedback loops, and other architectural aspects speaks to the integrative and holistic approach to sustainability consistently asserted. Primarily constructed of Quebec wood products, it is a low to zero carbon construction.

Sixty-seven high-performance prefabricated panels make up the walls, floors, and roof of the home.

Factory-built construction has several advantages: considerable time, cost, waste and energy savings; ease of on-site construction; construction precision and quality control essential to Passive House construction; and the ability to transport globally. The economy of scale possible with offsite fabrication contributes significantly to the affordability of the home in cost projections for multiple units.

One of the DPD’s most innovative active features concerns its grid-friendly energy production and storage system. With the team’s primary partners, Hydro Quebec, the house is designed to be “smart grid” capable adding another critical dimension to its resilience in case of power outages but, more importantly, considers how the home can be part of larger civic assets and assist in peak shaving and possibly create micro-grid sharing economies for neighbourhoods.

The DPD won first place in the Architecture, Market Appeal, and Communications competitions at this year’s Solar Decathlon in China, and third place in Engineering and Innovation.

PROJECT CREDITS Professors: Michael Jemtrud - Faculty Project Lead Bruno Lee - Faculty Engineering Lead Michael Montanaro - Faculty Media Lead

Student Leads: Ben Wareing - Architecture Lead Alex Gareau - Project Manager Rémi Dumoulin - Engineering Lead Sophie Jemtrud - Communications Lead Jiawei Lin - Market Appeal Lead

Nima Navab - Media Lead Thierry Syriani - Interior Lead Nick Brown - Construction Lead Photos - Images courtesy of TeamMTL

5. TeamMTL group photo, with some absentees.

6. Elevated courtyard of the DPD. 7. The interior is partly finished with Canadian hardwood plywood.

Jeld-Wen manufactured the interior doors and the glazed door beyond.

8. Living room of the DPD with winder stair and kitchen behind.

Controls were provided by Johnson Controls.

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Proud window supplier for the award-winning Deep Performance Dwelling Passive House, … and more projects like it!

Visit the new SABMAG website, a great resource on high-performance building. And while you’re there, sign up to receive the monthly SABMag newsletter.

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PASSIVE HOUSE PROJECT

PARKDALE LANDING Adaptive re use of derelict building a new asset for social good

Parkdale Landing in Hamilton, ON is a three-storey, 4,300m2 adaptive reuse project located in the city’s east end. It is developed and operated by Indwell, a Christian charity that creates affordable housing communities for people seeking health, wellness and belonging.

By Graham Cubitt and Emma Cubitt

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The mixed-use project includes 55 bachelor and two one-

The existing building, which had been used as a rooming house and

bedroom apartments (all with kitchen and bathroom) together

banquet hall, was primarily a steel- frame structure with concrete

with a variety of related commercial uses: a restaurant and

masonry walls. Engineering investigations identified several poorly

commercial kitchen that together form a community food hub;

constructed additions, as well as remnants of a farmhouse dating

a pharmacy, a convenience store, and administrative offices for

from the 1860s. In addition, there was contaminated soil that had to

Indwell staff.

be removed from the site. In the end, approximately 30% of the existing building needed to be dismantled and replaced with a new steel frame structure and precast hollow core concrete floors.

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Although the Passive House approach was new to all members of the

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project team, led by Invizij Architects, it was embraced by everyone as a valuable learning experience. As an owner/operator, Indwell

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understood the practical benefits of lower maintenance and operating costs, while recognizing potential problems associated with the steep

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learning curve. The municipality also supported the project from a policy perspective, recognizing that low energy buildings contribute

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positively to its own greenhouse gas reduction goals.

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Kitchen Restaurant multi-use Stairs Leasable retail Meeting room

Lobby Vestibule Bathroom Storage Elevator

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Office Units Common room Elevator lobby Laundry room

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2. The derelict building before conversion to affordable rental accommodation, and retail space.

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PROJECT CREDITS Owner/Developer Indwell Architect & Prime Consultant Invizij Architects Passive House Consultant Peel Passive House Mechanical & Electrical Engineer CK Engineering Structural Engineer Kalos Engineering Environmental Engineer: Peto MacCallum Construction Manager Schilthuis Construction Airtightness Contractor Fourth Pig Green & Natural Construction

Building section Foam stop over galv. angle and P/T wood blocking secured to fiberglass angle around window Sprayfoam applied in three lifts

Flashing

‘Cascadia Clips’ secured to structure, install horz. hat channels

Air-sealing face tape over AVB transition membrane to front of window frame

Continuous AVB membrane

Cont. sealant at window perimeter (Ext.)

Triple-glazed window

Cont. sealant at window perimeter (int.)

Return AVB membrane into rough opening 100x100mm fibreglass angle around window perimeter, secured to structure Polyurethane foam sealing tape on window frame perimeter

Plan: Window Jamb Detail

3.Passive House performance requirements for renovations and adaptive re-use projects can be relaxed in order to conserve embodied carbon of the existing construction. On this basis, Parkdale Landing was permitted 1.0 air changes per hour, rather than the 0.6 required for new buildings. It actually achieved 0.31 ac/hr by wrapping the entire building in an air/vapour barrier, and installing exterior insulation. The project uses a highly efficient FTXL™ Fire Tube Boiler by Lochinvar and requires only a 6.2 sq.ft. footprint.

The Passive House methodology does provide some relaxations when dealing with performance requirements for renovations and adaptive re-use projects. Given the emphasis now being placed on the retention of existing buildings to conserve embodied carbon, these relaxations are important.

On this basis, Parkdale Landing was permitted 1.0 air changes per hour under the EnerPHit protocol, rather than the 0.6 required for new buildings. We achieved 0.31 ac/hr by wrapping the entire building in an air/vapour barrier, and installing exterior insulation.

An existing building has other physical constraints, having both a fixed orientation and window openings that may be too small on some elevations and too large on others. In response, we enlarged a number of windows and used solar shading where appropriate to control heat gain.

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The exterior insulation also meant that we had to push the window frames outboard of the existing structure to ensure that the plane of the glass would correspond with the insulation. This was done using fibreglass angles attached to the structural wall.

These requirements clearly transform the aesthetic character of an existing building, but in the case of Parkdale Landing, this was a gain rather than a loss. The new HardiePanel, corrugated metal siding and aluminum sun shades replace stained and spalling concrete masonry and stucco, creating a contemporary industrial aesthetic that is both robust and durable. The Passive House building envelope allowed the high efficiency HRV (heat recovery ventilator) to be sized for handling all residential heating and cooling directly through the ventilation system.

Ultimately from a Passive House perspective, the most challenging aspect of this project was the mixed-use nature of the program, which required high ventilation rates for commercial kitchen equipment and high electrical loads for walk-in coolers. While we were able to meet the performance requirements for space heating and cooling, we could not meet the requirements for primary energy.

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Given the lack of familiarity of local contractors with the Passive House approach, we were concerned that tender prices might be inflated to cover uncertainty and minimize risk. We therefore decided to allocate $2.5 million of the $9.7 million construction budget as a time and materials allowance. This enabled familiar components of the work to be bid at a fixed price, while the unfamiliar ones (including such things as taping, sealing and testing) to be undertaken on a cost-plus basis.

As it turned out, there was a cost overrun of 15% on the time and materials estimate, but when applied to the project as a whole, this represented less than a 4% premium. This figure is well within the normal contingency for a traditionally constructed building, especially a complex renovation. Applying the lessons learned to our other current projects, we believe that a Passive House building can be realized at the same cost per square foot as a highquality building of traditional construction.

In the end, the Passive House strategies proved easier to implement than we expected with air tightness and thermal bridging being the two most significant factors to reconsider in design and construction. The end results have exceeded our expectations and we welcomed our first residents at Parkdale Landing on schedule in September.

Graham Cubitt is Director of Projects and Development at Indwell. Emma Cubitt, M.Arch., OAA, MRAIC, LEEDÂŽAP is Associate at Invizij Architects Inc. 4. Some windows were enlarged and fitted with solar shading.

5. One of the 55 bachelor units. The average construction cost of a bachelor unit & supporting staff and amenity spaces was approximately $135,000/unit, including the Passive House upgrades, and was constructed within 4% of the budget.

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CATEGORY SPONSORS

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Visit http://sab.ydsinc.ca/awards/ winners2018 for complete details.

For details on sponsoring the Canadian Green Building Awards contact dgriffith@sabmagazine.com.

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AWARDS

winning projects G IN

ARCHITECTURAL

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NATIONAL SPONSORS NATIONAL SPONSORS

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The Awards presentation of the 2018 Canadian Green Building Awards, the annual program of Sustainable Architecture & Building [SABMag], took place in Toronto on June 4, 2018 where the winning firms were recognized. We especially thank our sponsors who make the Awards possible.

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The winners of the 2018 Canadian Green Building Awards

1 Normand Deschênes [left] of National Sponsor Masonite Architectural presents the Institutional [Small] Award for the Centre de découverte to Daniel Smith of Smith Vigeant Architectes.

2 Rebecca Mallinson [third left] of Category Sponsor Enbridge presents the Commercial/ Industrial [Large] Award for the One York Tower to [l to r] : Phil Bastow of The Mitchell Partnership Inc., Alan Murphy of Green Reason, and John Gillanders, Dermot Sweeny, David Copeland, and Peter Kurkjia, all of Sweeny &Co Architects Inc. 3 Normand Deschênes [centre] of National Sponsor Masonite Architectural presents the Commercial/Industrial [Small] Award for the UBC Campus Energy Centre to Charles Marshall [left] and Raul Dominquez of DIALOG. 4 Normand Deschênes [second left] of National Sponsor Masonite Architectural presents the Commercial/Industrial [Small] Award for the Ecology Action Centre Headquarters to [l to r] : Jordan Willett of Solterre Design, Maggy Burns of the Ecology Action Centre [Managing Director Emeritus], Emma Norton of the Ecology Action Centre, and Patrick Jardine of Tekton Design + Build.

5 Bob Prince [centre] of Invizij Architects Inc. receives the Existing Building Upgrade Award for the Harvey Woods Lofts from Category Sponsor Inline Fiberglass represented by Gary Mackin [left] and Victor Kowalczyk.

6 SABMag publisher Don Griffith [second left], representing National Sponsor the Canadian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute, presents the Institutional [Large] Award for the Langara College Science & Technology Building to [l to r] Wes Wilson, Tomer Diamant, Mahsa Majidian, and Aidan Mitchelmore of Teeple Architects.

7 L to r: Andrew Arifuzzaman of the University of Toronto Scarborough, and Nigel Tai and John Featherstone, both of Diamond Schmitt Architects, receive the Institutional [Large] Award from SABMag publisher Don Griffith, representing National Sponsor the Canadian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute.

Unable to attend were: DIALOG, winner of the Commercial/Industrial [Small] Award for the UBC Campus Energy Centre; and Landform Architecture, winner of the Institutional [Small] Award for the Okanagan Child Care Centre.

Photos: Vuk Dragojevic.

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PASSIVE HOUSE PROJECT

NUUTSUMUUT LELUM Big reduction in operating costs helps affordability

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The 25-unit Nuutsumuut Lelum development provides affordable housing for members of the Indigenous community in Nanaimo, BC, including homes for youth, singles, and families with up to five members. In addition, special consideration has been given to provide homes for Elders to strengthen the inter-generational relationships that are important in a family-based community.

By David Simpson and Darcy Imada

The site is adjacent to an arterial road, providing high visibility for the city’s Indigenous community for the first time. In response to the configuration and orientation of the site, the ground-oriented residences are sited in a linear pattern that defines pedestrian circulation and outdoor space. A fundamental objective of the client community was that the built form and landscape create the opportunity for the residents to interact. Accordingly, the entry to the development is central on the site so residents and visitors enter at the heart of the community – the indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. This entry is identified by an 11-metre high totem pole and ceremonial entrance.

The linear building massing along Bowen Road conforms to the City guideline for a two-storey street wall with residential windows providing eyes on the street. The undulating roofs slope down to the north to maximize sun access to the outdoor spaces and, in the case of the buildings on the north side of the site, to the south-facing windows.

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1. The entry, identified by an 11-metre high totem pole and ceremonial entrance, is central on the site so residents and visitors enter at the heart of the community.

2. The ground-oriented residences are sited in a linear pattern that defines pedestrian circulation and outdoor space.

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The architecture draws inspiration from the topography, the proximity to the natural environment of the adjacent river and park, and references to historical and contemporary West Coast architecture. The basic shed roof and ridge roof forms, characteristic of West Coast timber construction, are juxtaposed to create an informal massing that steps and curves with the topography as the site falls toward the river.

This vernacular character is supported through careful use of materials and colours. The buildings are clad with natural cedar, with detail elements referencing both traditional West Coast indigenous buildings and Modern architecture. Vertical elements identify the individual homes and add interest to the streetscape.

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PROJECT CREDITS Owner/Developer Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Architect DYS Architecture General Contractor Saywell Contracting Ltd. Structural Engineer Herold Engineering Ltd. Mechanical Engineer Designed Air Systems Electrical Engineer RB Engineering Ltd. Code Consultant Jensen Hughes Consulting Envelope Consultant RDH Building Science Inc. Surveyor Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Civil Engineer Herold Engineering Ltd. Landscape Architect Victoria Drakeford Funding and Development Manager Walter Hoogland Passive House Consultant Mark Ashby Architecture Geotechnical Engineer Lewkowich Engineering Assoc.

Pre-finished metal cap flashing on high temp membrane on sloped plywood Carry SBS membrane over parapet and lap on S.A. air/vapour/moisture barrier membrane

Carry air/vapour barrier up to overlap SBS membrane min 4"

Cedar-clad parapet assembly - 8" horizontal cedar shiplap siding - 2x4 treated wood stud on flat - 8" rigid insulation S.A. - Air/vapour/moisture barrier membrane - Plywood sheathing - 2x4 treated wood studs - 3.5" mineral fibre insulation - Plywood sheathing per structural - 2 Ply SBS roofing membrane Pre-striped A/V/M barrier membrane for air continuity

The development has been designed and constructed to Passive House standards, dramatically reducing energy demand, increasing interior comfort, and providing a very

Painted aluminum sun screen

quiet indoor environment – particularly important for the houses adjacent to Bowen Road. The orientation of the buildings and the low slope of the roofs enable all suites to receive

Triple-glazed vinyl window system

Support angle brackets bolted to window jambs

full winter sun as a heat source. Louvred sun shades on the south-elevation control summer heat gain.

3. and 4. A fundamental objective was that the buildings and landscape create the opportunity for the residents to interact.

5. The exterior walls are finished with a rainscreen system of horizontal western red cedar. Windows and doors are triple glazed, and the unit entry porches are freestanding with lateral attachment to the exterior of the building to minimize thermal bridging.

6. The orientation of the buildings and the low slope of the roofs let all suites receive warm winter sun. Louvred sun shades on the south-elevation control summer heat gain.

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The buildings are of standard wood-frame construction, protected by a continuous impermeable air, vapour, and moisture membrane adhered to the exterior of the plywood sheathing.

The frame walls and roof structures are uninsulated to enable all service to be kept within the envelope, thereby minimizing penetrations.

The building envelope is covered with a continuous layer of exterior insulation. The roof assembly includes 250mm of polyiso insulation, the wall assemblies have 200mm of foil-faced XPS insulation, and all concrete foundations and floor slabs are encased in 200mm of high-density XPS insulation. The exterior walls are finished with a rainscreen system of horizontal western red cedar cladding.

7. Building to Passive House standards has dramatically reduced energy demand, increased interior comfort, and provided a very quiet indoor environment. The windows are EuroLine's triple-glazed 4700-series ThermoPlus PHC windows.

8. The shed roof and ridge roof forms, characteristic of West Coast timber construction, are juxtaposed to create an informal massing that steps and curves with the topography of the site.

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Windows and doors are triple glazed in vinyl frames, and the unit entry porches are freestanding with lateral attachment to the exterior of the building to minimize thermal bridging. Each unit has its own heat recovery ventilation system and domestic hot water heat pump.

Many residents of Nuutsumuut Lelum have endured substandard housing conditions for years and completion of this project provides them with much-needed stability and security of tenure.

David Simpson, Principal and Darcy Imada Dipl. Tech are with DYS Architecture in Vancouver.

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The Heights, 388 Skeena Street in Vancouver, B.C., is currently Canada’s largest Passive House building

PHC Canada’s first Passive House certified window Manufactured in Delta, BC, and used extensively in single family and multi family Passive House projects throughout the Pacific Northwest Recent projects include: • Nuutsumuut Lelum, Nanaimo • The Heights, Vancouver • Okanagan College Daycare, Penticton

To find out more, call or visit us

1.800.337.8604

www.euroline-windows.com SABMag - FALL 2018

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High-Performance Building Enclosures in the Anthropocene Read this article and take the quiz at: http://sabmagazine-education.com In the past century, builders used giant resources of energy and new chemical-based materials to conquer the vagaries of nature through power and mechanical engineering. An unintended consequence of these methods is that, today, our buildings contribute approximately 40% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. In the Anthropocene, human carbon emissions are driving global warming. Because of this, we can no longer default to past industry norms.

SABMag continuing education courses for LEED AP credential maintenance 1

In the early 21st Century, we find ourselves in a race against time. By 2050, we need to reduce carbon emissions by 80-90% globally to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. The decisions we make today will determine our success in 2050. Our goalposts have shifted, and our buildings need to become a part of the solution, not perpetuate the problem.

By Erika Mayer, 475 High Performance Building Supply These principles and actions include: What Defines a High-Performance Enclosure Today?

PRINCIPLE 1: LOWER EMBODIED CARBON

Fortunately, the tools we can use to mitigate climate change will also

The harvesting and manufacturing of building materials alone

promote the health, comfort and safety of occupants, provide new

is responsible for approximately 10-20% of all human-made

opportunities for aesthetic and environmental delight, and equip us to

greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on a building’s efficiency,

achieve a new advanced high performance.

the embodied carbon of construction materials can account for between 20 and 100% of the building’s total lifetime emis-

High performance today is not about making buildings less bad, but

sions. And even when a building is moderately energy efficient,

about making life better. High performance is not about complex tech-

embodied carbon can easily exceed the total operations emis-

nological systems that compensates for poor design, but about the

sions for 25 years - severely limiting the potential near term

the building fabric itself, the architecture. To accomplish this, we don’t

positive impact.

need to reinvent architecture, just acknowledge relevant foundational

Action:

principles which are immediately actionable.

• Use fewer construction materials and ensure that the materials used have low embodied energy to significantly reduce shortterm emissions.

1 - TeamMTL’s collaborative entry of McGill + Concordia Universities in 2018 Solar Decathlon, using high performance membranes and cellulose insulation in prefabricated panels developed by Ecocor. Credit: Ecocor.

• Utilize less processed and more natural materials. Using more timber based construction, that is harvested with sustainable forestry will reduce the use of steel and concrete structures and foam insulations.

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• Use existing structures whenever possible. Because the structure of

PRINCIPLE 5: SMART VAPOUR, AIR AND THERMAL CONTROL

a building can account for as much as 50% of total embodied emis-

Vapour, air and thermal control are inherent to the basic

sions, retrofits are a huge opportunity to create a high-performance

function of an enclosure: providing shelter. A high level of

building with a very small upfront carbon cost.

thermal control, with thermal bridge free detailing will ensure thermal comfort. Durable, smart vapour and air control help

PRINCIPLE 2: MORE CARBON SEQUESTRATION

optimize the building’s energy efficiency, provide comfortable

A building should become a storage container of carbon. By utiliz-

and healthy interior environments, and ensure the long-term

ing materials, like wood, that absorb atmospheric carbon over their

durability of the construction. These control layers, systemati-

growing life, we can lock-away that carbon in the building structure

cally addressed, should reach for Passive House levels of energy

itself and provide greater long-term emissions security for genera-

efficiency and predictability.

tions to come.

Action:

Action:

• Smart vapour control ensures that highly insulated assemblies,

• Use more wood and harvested carbon-based materials such as

which tend to stay wetter, longer - have maximum drying poten-

hemp, straw, CLT, wood fiber insulation, and cellulose. This depends

tial over the course of seasons. In cold climates, this typically

on good forestry practices that support greater biodiversity and eco-

means providing a vapour-open layer outboard of the insulation,

system health to be a sustainable solution.

and a vapour-variable layer inboard of the insulation, preventing wetting of assembly in winter and allowing drying inward in

PRINCIPLE: MORE NATURAL MATERIALS

the summer. Wood, wool and cellulose insulations help buffer

Natural materials typically require minimal processing and therefore

moisture levels.

have significantly lower embodied carbon. They are a healthier choice

• Airtightness maximizes the effectiveness of the insulation

for indoor air quality, as they often help buffer humidity levels and,

and optimize occupant comfort. The insulation should be sur-

when properly selected, have no VOCs.

rounded in airtightness. This is done with a continuous inboard

Action:

air barrier, which doubles as a smart vapour retarder, and a con-

• Source more natural materials such as wood fibre, wool and cellu-

tinuous, vapour open air barrier outboard of the insulation. We

lose insulations, timber structures and lime plaster finishes.

can achieve “wind tightness”, sufficient to protect the insulation from the outside, with tongue-and-groove wood fiberboard

PRINCIPLE 3: LOWER TOXICITY

insulation.

Human-made, bioaccumulative, and persistent toxic chemicals are

• Thermal control is fundamental to comfort and energy effi-

now found the world over - even in the most remote locations. By

ciency. It must be continuous, connecting at joints, junctures

reducing toxic chemicals in building materials we can help protect

and penetrations. Where the insulation is discontinuous, thermal

the health of the biosphere as well as the health of construction

bridges result, causing discomfort, inefficiency, condensation,

workers and building occupants. We don’t want to chemically sensi-

and ultimately moisture damages.

tize people and the indoor environments need to be safe for people already chemically sensitive. The enclosure should not just not make

PRINCIPLE 6: 100+ YEAR DURABILITY

us sick, but help make us healthier.

To maximize the building’s climate mitigation effectiveness,

Action:

it should be functional for generations. Having to replace or

• Use the precautionary principle to avoid poisoning our environment,

rebuild portions of the enclosure can add significant additional

buildings and occupants.

embodied emissions over the building’s lifetime. To ensure dura-

• Avoid materials that can produce toxic VOCs like uncured spray

bility, we not only need to achieve a high level of vapour, air and

foam and other off-gassing materials.

thermal control, but need to use reliable components that are

• Choose, more natural, no VOC materials, like wood or wool, which

put together correctly are repairable and protected from dam-

can also remove contaminants from the indoor air.

ages for the life of the building.

Action:

PRINCIPLE 4: MORE NATURAL MATERIALS

• This can be accomplished by using materials that have been

Natural materials typically require minimal processing and therefore

laboratory tested for 100+ year durability - particularly the

have significantly lower embodied carbon. They are a healthier choice

adhesive connections that come under long-term stresses.

for indoor air quality, as they often help buffer humidity levels and,

Materials like spray foam that will degrade and lose their effec-

when properly selected, have no VOCs.

tiveness do not belong in a high performance enclosure.

Action:

• Blower door test the enclosure for airtightness. By pressuriz-

• Source more natural materials such as wood fiber, wool and cellu-

ing and depressurizing the building, leaks can be identified and

lose insulations, timber structures and lime plaster finishes.

repaired, making the building more tight after each test.

• Protect the vapour, air and thermal control layers with a service cavity inboard, and a back-vented rainscreen outboard.

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2 2 -Wool insulation in process of installation. Credit: Havelock Wool.

PRINCIPLE 7: INTEGRATION OF ENCLO-

240mm gutex thermosafe each panel attached with 2x12 fasteners

2x6 140mm stud structure and service cavity with with mineral wool insulation

SURES INTO WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN An architectural design fulfills a dizzying array of objectives, and a high-performance enclosure is just one. To fully leverage the enclosure system to support

1/2" gypsum board

WBR 40mm gutex multitherm each panel attached to 240mm gutex with 2x4 fasteners

7/16" OSB 11mm

the overall building goals, it must be fully integrated into the whole building design.

vide beauty, delight and utility, Passive

- 1/4" vertical strapping, 16"O.C. aligned with 2x6 stud - 14" fasteners spaced 12" vertically

House energy efficiency, and a positive

Hardie panel

Action: • The design should be ambitious - pro-

energy and carbon emissions balance.

ABV Proclima Intesana membrane taped with Tescon Vana

2x10 window box

Cladding

5/8" gypsum board and head jamb

New Habits: A Smart Enclosure The more we realize these principles, the smarter the enclosure becomes. The enclosure is a complete system, a system whose intelligence is built into the structural fabric. Smart qualities are not about tech gadgets that require rebooting, repairs and worse. The smarts should passively reside in the architecture.

Drip edge Hardie panel trim caulk all seams 1/2" rough opening filled with Tremco spray foam

Proclima contega SL Install on window frame before being set in rough opening Install frame with installation clips

To make a high-performance enclosure today, we don’t need to reinvent the way we build. We need to focus on the fundamental principles to update typical details, standard specifications and traditional means and methods. In our continuous paths of improvement, it's just a course correction to integrate these new habits.

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Detail of the Radiance Co-Housing Project in Saskatoon, an example of a smart enclosure system

3 4

A smart enclosure system acknowledges its profound relationship with both the outside environment and the occupants within. By combining the basics of natural principles with highly selective material and manufacturing innovation, smart enclosures work in greater harmony with nature, not in greater opposition.

Conclusion High performance today means that we build like our future depends on it. Architects have tremendous power to mitigate climate change - to not only do less bad, but to fix systems and make a better, more beautiful future.

A new architecture is not required. A revolution in building capabilities is not required. What’s required are smarter, more intentional choices that improve the environment. A smart enclosure system is a framework that makes those smart choices easier.

Erika Mayer is with 475 High Performance Building Supply; erika@foursevenfive.ca References: Buildings and Climate Change: Summary for Decision-Makers, UNEP, 2013 The New Carbon Architecture: Building to Cool the Climate, Bruce King, 2017 The Perfect Wall, BSI-001, Joseph Lstiburek, 2010 The Upcycle, William McDonough & Michael Braungart, 2013 Essential Building Science, Jacob Deva Racusin, 2017 Foam Fails (blog post series), www.foursevenfive.ca, 2012 Active For More Comfort: Passive House, Wolfgang Feist, 2014

3. The Radiance Co-Housing Project in Saskatoon, wrapped in both smart vapour retarding airtight membranes, and wood fiberboard insulation, credit: Radiance Co-Housing.

4. Wool insulation in process of installation. Credit: Havelock Wool.

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THE PASSIVE HOUSE STANDARD IS THE PATH FORWARD. BE READY.

Alta Lake Passive House (top), BC Passive House Ltd. Factory (bottom left), and North Park Passive House (bottom right).

Whether you’re a designer, architect, planner, builder, policy maker or curious homeowner, we have a course to meet your needs. Let us take you there.

As the nation’s leading provider in Passive House design and building education, we value quality. Our course material reflects the most up-to-date advancements of the international Passive House Standard and is delivered by Passive House experts 1.778.265.2744 www.passivehousecanada.com 38

SABMag - FALL 2018

immersed everyday in Canadian Passive House building projects. Since 2015, we have trained nearly 4,000 industry professionals across Canada and partnered with governments across the globe to advance the future of high performance buildings.

PROCURING PASSIVE HOUSE PROJECTS It takes an expert team and a rigorous methodology The increasing emphasis on carbon reduction in buildings has created a new imperative for the adoption of the ultra low energy Passive House standard. With all new government and publicly-funded projects required to meet Zero Carbon Targets by 2030 and all existing buildings by 2050, High Performance (HP) buildings generally, and Passive House (PH) buildings in particular have a vital role to play.

These publicly-funded projects are often procured through traditionally formulated processes, that are not always well-suited for PH projects. Rather, a successful project begins with a complementary procurement process, as the high-level performance targets of PH buildings need rigour in design and construction. Therefore, they require the ideal team and a specific process for implementation.

Jonathan Kearns, Deborah A. Byrne and Charlotte J. Leck The Passive House Salus Clementine Housing project in Ottawa. CSV Architects. Photo: Gordon King Photography.

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AIR TIGHTNESS & HIGH R-VALUE INSULATION PARAPET CAP PARAPET CAVITY TEMP. WEATHER SEAL BEFORE INSTALLATION OF ROOF IINSULATION

ROOFING ASSEMBLY Reff 48 1. ROOFING MEMBRANE 2. POLYISO-INSULATION 3. CEMENT BOARD 4. ROOF CONCRETE SLAB 5. SUSPENDED CEILING INTERIOR

STEEL STUD FRAMING CLOSE CELL FOAM INSULATION EPS IN PARAPET CAVITY

1.

MINERAL WOOL INSULATION

2.

3.

SEAL

4.

EXTERIOR

PRECAST SANDWICH PANEL Reff 41 EXTERIOR CONCRETE PANEL (FINISH COLOUR AND TEXTURE -WEATHER BARRIER AND RAIN SCREEN) POLYISO INSULATION

STEEL STUD FRAMING GYPSUM BOARD INTERIOR

INTERIOR CONCRETE PANEL (AIR TIGHT LAYER) CONTINUOUS AIR TIGHT SEAL

CEMENT BOARD

WINDOW ROUGH OPENING FOAM INSULATION EXTERIOR GLAZED PROTECTION

TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOW

WINDOW CERTIFIED PASSIVE HOUSE ALUM FRAME TRIPLE GLAZING IGU OPERABLE WINDOW

INTEGRATED WINDOW BLIND PANEL WINDOW SILL

SILL INSULATION BEHIND FRAME SILL

EXTERIOR

PRECAST SANDWICH PANEL Reff 41 EXTERIOR CONCRETE PANEL (FINISH COLOUR AND TEXTURE -WEATHER BARRIER AND RAIN SCREEN) POLYISO INSULATION INTERIOR CONCRETE PANEL (AIR TIGHT LAYER)

CONTINUOUS AIR TIGHT SEAL

EXTERIOR

PRECAST SANDWICH PANEL Reff 41 EXTERIOR CONCRETE PANEL (FINISH COLOUR AND TEXTURE -WEATHER BARRIER AND RAIN SCREEN) POLYISO INSULATION INTERIOR CONCRETE PANEL (AIR TIGHT LAYER) MINERAL WOOL SLAB EDGE INSULATION (THERMAL BRIDGE FREE) WEATHER SEAL

SEAL

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STEEL STUD FRAMING GYPSUM BOARD INTERIOR

THERMAL BRIDGE FREE

INTERIOR

CEMENT BOARD

STEEL STUD FRAMING GYPSUM BOARD

ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION

EXHAUST AIR

OUTSIDE FRESH AIR

AIR / AIR HEAT EXCHANGER

FRESH SUPPLY AIR OPTIMIZED SITE ORIENTATION

THERMAL BRIDGE FREE EXHAUST AIR

AIR TIGHT THERMAL ENVELOPE

VRF UNIT

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Passive House uses building science and biophysics to

SHORTCOMINGS OF TRADITIONAL PROCUREMENT METHODS

assess what the building envelope must provide to achieve

Traditional procurement methods give the highest weighting to the archi-

high levels of occupant comfort and energy efficiency. There

tect/prime consultant with the most experience of the building type under

are seven main performance requirements to successfully

consideration, together with the lowest price. Similarly, the industry pre-

meet the Passive House standard and these are modelled

fers to hire the general contractor using CCDC 2 Stipulated Sum 2008.

using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP). The

Reference: http://www.ccdc.org/document/ccdc2/.

PHPP assesses the overall building performance for heating, cooling and total energy demand. For over 25 years, moni-

The problems with this approach are:

toring of buildings designed to the PH standard in Europe

1. Experience: The ability of the Prime Consultant is scored only on experi-

has consistently shown that this performance standard has

ence related to building type and not on professionalism or years of exper-

been maintained over time.

tise. “Relevant experience” typically means a building of a similar type and scope built within the last 5 years, ignoring the fact that buildings perform-

With these high-performance targets, there is a require-

ing to this level don’t currently exist. This means the architect with the most

ment for an integrated approach to design, in which the

valuable HP building expertise will not get the appropriate credit.

general contractor or construction manager is involved

2. Consultant Fees: Passive House Projects are currently more expensive,

from the outset.

running at a premium of 5-10%. The experienced PH architect will price accordingly, quoting a higher fee than the architect who doesn’t fully

THE IDEAL TEAM

understand the scope of PH. Again, the architect with the most relevant

Under ideal circumstances, all those involved in a PH project

experience will score low.

would be experts, each with vast experience in PH and an

3. Sustainability: The Scoring Matrix ignores the fact that the HP building

understanding of their role within the team. These would

scope, whether it be PH or another building standard, is a fundamental

include:

basis of design. It drives the engineering, which informs the architecture

1. A PH specialist architect-led design team.

and should be scored as such. PH or HP should always be a core component

2. Expert trades directed under a PH-expert construction

of the scope, never a “nice to have” add-on – this simply won’t work.

manager.

4. Experience with the Team: The prime consultant for an HPB/PH will

3. A client who understands the standard and the rigour

want to hire the engineering team that understands the intricacies of this

and commits to the design process (front end engineering

type of project. Again, scoring focuses on typology and the relationships

design – FEED) and construction methodology.

with the prime. For PH projects, the prime consultant must be allowed to

4. Multiple suppliers that can offer materials and equipment

hire the best team for the project, which may not be the team that they

that are Passive House compliant.

have worked with many times before.

5. Budget: High Performance buildings are exactly that, performing much

Unfortunately, the industry does not yet have the capacity

better than those simply built to code. Therefore, the types of materials and

to match this ideal, but those with the requisite experience

construction methods used must be among the best available in the mar-

can provide guidance for those not yet engaged in this

ket. This will ensure the building is durable and resilient with an extended

market. The long-term success of a Passive House project

life cycle. A knowledgeable prime consultant, concerned the budget is too

does not rest solely on the performance of the building

low, may withdraw from the procurement process, rather than take on an

after substantial completion, but also includes the effective

underfunded project.

implementation of all stages of the design and construction.

6. Schedule: The schedule also needs to reflect the PH scope. The design

Integrated design leads to fewer “unknowns” during con-

schedule is extended to reduce the number of on-site changes and the

struction, supports the rigour required on site, and reduces

construction schedule will increase to accommodate additional quality

the risk of cost overruns.

assurance and quality control protocols.

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If the Prime Consultant has to schedule the project as part

9. Project Delivery Methodology: In the traditional procurement process,

of a procurement submission, their longer schedule will

often, the client is unwilling or unable to permit a change to the project

likely score low.

delivery methodology.

7. Design Competition: If the procurement process

They may not accept that FEED is required, they may not permit the change

requires a design competition, the scoring for the aes-

to the schedule and they may not permit or consider an alternative approach

thetic quality of the design is weighted high. The PH or

to the construction or an alternative construction contract type. This may

HPB requirements therefore become secondary to the

cause the better teams to withdraw, as they feel they cannot influence the

architecture. As noted above, if the PH requirements are

process enough in the best interest of the client and the project. Quite often

not fully integrated from the outset and properly evaluated

the client is unwavering because of funding they have received that man-

during the procurement process, the emphasis on aesthet-

dates schedule, design phasing, budget and contract type.

ics may ultimately compromise performance and increase capital cost.

If the better architectural/engineering team makes it through the conven-

8. HP Building Scope: When clients are spending millions,

tional process they are missing one other very important partner: the builder.

they may include a ‘shopping list’ of high-performance

Currently, the industry in North America is in transition. There are different

metrics as potential bonus points in the scoring matrix.

actual and perceived levels of PH understanding in the industry. Therefore,

However, if the HPB scope is not clear, the sustainability

at this time, a Construction Management (CM) Project Delivery is the optimal

assessment may be compromised. Not all HP standards

builder to the Ideal Team. Construction Management allows the teams to

are created equal. In particular, PH is a functional perfor-

be formed to suit each project. In this method of delivery, to ensure project

mance-based standard which provides energy efficiencies

quality and completeness, a Passive House knowledgeable design team with

of 90% less than conventional buildings, it provides com-

at least one Passive House certified member and a Passive House certified

fort, health and wellness, building resiliency and durability.

construction manager should be mandated.

On the contrary, for example, LEED focuses on the project scope and doesn’t have a mandated focus on improv-

Once established, the construction manager can review and comment on

ing energy performance. It looks instead to an optional

constructability during design development. Having the CM as a part of the

checklist that includes location, site, water efficiency,

design team creates efficiencies in design, costing, detailing, scheduling,

energy and atmosphere, materials and indoor air quality.

logistics and constructability. The CM can then choose the right trades for

At this time carbon reduction is necessary to fight climate

the project, as they understand the design and construction requirements.

change and it has become a fundamental project require-

The CM should hire trades with experience constructing to rigorous HP build-

ment for institutional and owner operator projects. HP

ing requirements or ensure Passive House Tradesperson courses are taken

building standards that mandate energy performance are

upon contract award. It is likely that the CM will work on a management fee

key to addressing the carbon reduction targets. Therefore,

initially rather than a percentage of construction costs.

to be successful, during the procurement process, there needs to be a level playing field for the proponents sub-

As traditionally the builder is hired using a stipulated sum contract the client

mitting on a procurement for Prime Consultant. Scoring a

may be more comfortable using a Construction Management Contract that

Prime Consultant and their team based on a multitude of

permits a fixed cost contract. The CCDC5B permits the revision of the initial

optional HP building scopes is not in the best interest of

CM contract arrangement to a fixed fee contract.

the building or the Client. The scope of work needs to be clearly defined to get the right team for the job.

Executing a successful PH project begins with the procurement process, acquiring an expert team, and following a rigorous methodology for implementation.

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43

Design-Build has also proven successful under certain cir-

CHOOSING A PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOR YOUR PASSIVE HOUSE

cumstances. As per the recommendations above the DB team

PROJECT

needs to be procured based on their combined expertise

Passive House is a rigorous standard formed by proven science-based

in HPB. This will support the efficiencies in design that is

formulas to achieve high performance energy efficiency in buildings.

expected of a PH project.

Having a full team with an understanding of Passive House is key to a successful project. Simply having a Passive House sub-consultant can-

THE IDEAL PROCESS

not satisfy the project demands associated with Passive House projects.

What sets HP buildings apart is that they are highly engineered. Therefore, in order to ensure their successful delivery,

Passive House project success is more easily and economically obtained

we recommend the following process:

when the team shares a mutual interdisciplinary knowledge of Passive

1. The scope of the project is clearly defined by the client,

House, has flexibility and good communication, and is focused on coor-

keeping in mind the intricacies of a HP building and the need

dinating all aspects of the project at the drawing table. In the integrated

for the HP requirements to be intrinsically linked to the archi-

design process no consultant should be treated as a “sub” to the Prime

tecture from the beginning.

consultant. All consultants influence the overall performance and success

2. Establish a budget that accurately reflects the scope of

of the project. The procurement process needs to reflect that.

the project.

3. Establish a schedule that reflects the unique nature of a HP

CONCLUSION: LOOKING FORWARD: PASSIVE HOUSE AND THE

building, i.e. more time allocated to the design of the building.

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

4. Choose a delivery methodology that suits the project

Passive House certified building components are becoming more readily

performance requirements i.e. a design process that permits

available. As a result, the pricing is approaching the market value. These

FEED and construction by a CM who can be a valued member

products are becoming more sophisticated allowing for greater instal-

of the design team.

lation efficiency and quality. Pre-manufactured modular building com-

5. Create a scoring matrix that is focused on the project out-

ponents are also in the process of being developed and refined. These

put and not on the lowest cost or most seasoned architect.

products may be the solution to on-site construction quality control

6. Score the proponents evenly on their overall expertise as

issues achieving faster, more predictable and higher quality results. As

it relates to the major project requirements including design

more of these solutions become available and are tested for consistency,

experience, integrated project delivery approach and high-

less reliance will be put on the builders and building-engineers and more

performance experience and qualifications.

significance will be on the architect’s design and supplier’s guarantee.

With the need for FEED, architecture and an integrated project

In the face of climate change, it is vital that we reduce our carbon foot-

delivery, typical procurement and scoring strategies do not sup-

print to ensure a livable future. We need to build better buildings—and

port the successful delivery of projects to the rigorous Passive

systems—that require much lower energy consumption. Over the past 25

House standard, yet these approaches continue to be pursued.

years, projects built to the Passive House Standard have contributed the most to our aspiration to build an environmentally-conscious architecture

A contributing factor is that many public owners are not

that can be achieved economically.

structured to account for life cycle costing in procuring infrastructure. Instead their focus has been solely on capital cost

Most importantly, our experience and research demonstrates that, to

with little or no consideration given to modest investments in

execute a successful PH project we must, as an industry, begin with the

the design and capital cost that will yield high returns over

procurement process, acquiring an expert team and a rigorous methodol-

the life of the asset through economies and efficiencies in

ogy for implementation.

maintenance and operation.

Jonathan Kearns, Architect, B.Arch., OAA, AIBC, AAA, MAA, AANB, FRAIC, RIBA, FRIAI, Principal. Deborah A. Byrne, Chartered Engineer, CEng, BEng (Hons), MIEI, CPHD, LEED AP BD + C, Director of Passive House Design Services. Charlotte J. Leck, B.Arch., M.Arch (Candidate)

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VIEWPOINT

NUUTSUMUUT LELUM: PASSIVE HOUSE PERFORMANCE AS A MEANS TO AN END

By Chris Beaton, Executive Director, Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Nanaimo is a city of approximately 100,000 residents, of whom about 6,500 are Indigenous. Located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, the area has long been a hub for trade, and the local Snuneymuxw First nation has always welcomed others to its territory. Today’s Indigenous population is therefore quite diverse, and includes Snuneymuxw, Snaw Naw As, Stzuminus, and 2,000 members of the Mid Island Metis Nation. The non-profit Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre (NAC) runs programs that are open to all.

2

1

3

The vision of the NAC is to support the realization of a 100% high school graduation

To help address this situation, again in partnership

rate for Aboriginal students in the Nanaimo Ladysmith district. Of course, we recog-

with government agencies and other community

nize that we cannot achieve this goal alone, and actively seek partnerships with other

organizations, the NAC undertook the creation

like-minded organizations.

of Nuutsumuut Lelum, a 25-unit rental housing complex for Indigenous families, youth and Elders,

In 2014 this approach led to the creation of the Nisaika Kum'tuks Learning Centre, a

anchored by a communal space for gatherings,

community-based education program for students from kindergarten to grade 3, with

celebrations and other activities.

a particular focus on collaborative and experiential learning. As students have progressed through the program, it has expanded to include grades 4-7. In 2016, another

A project like this provides our youth with that

partnership saw the opening of the Tsawalk Learning Centre, a flexible program for

safe and affordable home and that sense of com-

students aged 12-19, that supports them in achieving whatever courses and credits

munity, so when they arrive at their classroom in

they require to complete their high school diploma.

the morning they can focus on the tasks at hand.

Some people may now view our organization as

Despite these successes, the NAC recognizes that the solution to improved gradua-

a housing provider, but that is absolutely not our

tion rates does not lie solely within the schools themselves. In a typical school year,

intention.

students spend about 20% of their time in the classroom, whereas 80% is spent at home, in the community, with family and with friends. When those children arrive in the classroom in the morning knowing that their family is about to be evicted again this month or that they are living in unsafe housing; or that they will be couch-surfing this evening, we cannot realistically expect them to focus on the learning opportunities presented to them.

1.Passive House certification was a means to an end in that the resulting huge reduction in energy consumption makes monthly energy bills much more affordable.

2.The Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre serves the local and quite diverse Indigenous population.

3. Chris Beaton, Executive Director, Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre.

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45

Rather, we see this project as an essential step in the realization of our ultimate goal of educational success. The pursuit of Passive House certification for Nuutsumuut Lelum was also a means to an end. Not only does a Passive house structure reduce energy consumption by a minimum of 85% compared to traditional construction, but it also reduces the expenses for tenants. While the basic rent for the sub-standard accommodation many Indigenous families endure may seem affordable at $300 to $500 per month, the cost of hydro may add as much as $300 per month in winter. Suddenly life becomes less affordable.

The Passive House approach enables us to address some of those additional living expenses. The simple mechanical systems mean that operating costs are greatly reduced, a critically important consideration for a non-profit operator.

There is also the benefit of improved air quality and noise reduction. All our tenants, in fact all the residents of our city, deserve that.

4 5

6

This project is also important from the point of view of capacity building. BC

With a 36-foot high totem pole, carved by Noel

Housing supported our Passive House objectives but wanted us to bring togeth-

Brown marking the entrance and installations by

er the most experienced team we could find. We soon discovered that no-one in

Metis artist Kelty Chamberlain on both end walls,

our area had undertaken a Passive House project before. Instead of experience,

Nuutsumuut Lelum announces the presence of the

we looked for people who shared our passion and vision for the project. The

city’s Indigenous community to 35,000 commut-

unwavering commitment and enthusiasm of that team has carried us through to

ers each day. We see the Centre as an act of both

completion, and now we can apply this new-found capacity and experience to

affirmation and reconciliation – one that will support

our next project.

educational success, together with greater integra-

4, 5 and 6.The 25-unit rental housing complex for Indigenous families, youth and Elders, anchored by a communal space for gatherings, celebrations and other activities, provides safe, affordable housing which is fundamental to improving high school graduation rates.

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tion and participation of Indigenous people within the broader Nanaimo community.

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