Last month, we hosted our 6th High Performance Design Meets Boots on the Ground event and again, it was well received by architects and builders. Passive Buildings Canada webcasted the three speakers. If you missed it, the presentations will be posted on PBC’s website.
The first two speakers were builders and Certified Passive House Designers who gave a first person account of their near Passive Houses. Builder, Ed Marion gave a comprehensive breakdown of his Oakville home’s annual energy cost. He went so far as to compare two different potable water heating systems: conventional electric tank vs. an air source heat pump water tank. Hot on Ed’s heels was Graham Fisher who presented the foundation details of his Creemore home; he shared simple solutions for easy detailing. Both homes are testament to the fact that you can heat and cool a house in Ontario with air source heat pumps and back-up electricity.
Shervin Akahvi closed the talks with WUFI Passive, a new generations of energy simulation software that includes high resolutions and data packed features that predict and help avoid dead air spots in the house. WUFI Passive also predicts surface temperatures of interior surfaces to improve the thermal comfort of the occupants. The level of detail is impressive! For example, for those who crave more humidity in winter time for healthier skin or to safeguard wood stringed instruments, WUFI Passive can help them avoid condensation. This feature-rich software will be an invaluable tool for compliance with the upcoming SB-12 in 2017!
The evening ended with a new and popular feature! A panel discussion of two architects (Terrell Wong with Christine Lolley) and two builders (Christopher Phillips and Steve Dennison), led by architect and former framer Daniel Hall dug into the age-old question (and barrier) of costs associated with creating a high performance home. The quote of the night went to Terrell who said that the difference between good building design and green building is nothing. We would add that there’s no difference in materials – just the effort and quantity!