New net-zero 600 sq. ft. super-insulated office, showroom and storage space designed for environmental sustainability, low maintenance and low operating costs. Located in Ganges village to reduce travel and related GHG emissions. Designed and built by Green City Builders for their expanding business.
Design
The layout includes meeting space and workstations, washroom and an outdoor storage room. The design accommodates conversion to residential use, contingent on rezoning, if a future owner did not need an office building.
Construction
Double frame 2×4 construction to eliminate thermal bridging. Beams are local, cut and milled on-island.
Insulation and air tightness
High levels of insulation and air tightness are achieved with the double frame construction: R-40 walls, R-12 floors and R 54 roof (R-48 ceiling plus R-6 green roof).
Windows
Milgard fiberglass frame triple-glazed windows were selected for their high performance and durability.
Mechanical system
Space heating is in-slab radiant hydronic; the heat source is a small electric hot water tank, supplemented by passive solar heating of the slab. A heat recovery ventilator keeps air fresh without losing heat.
Solar electric system
A grid-tied 3.9 kW roof-mounted PV system, together with the high insulation levels and energy-efficient LED lighting, should meet the building’s annual electricity needs, making the building net zero in terms of energy consumption.
Living roof and gardens
Sharing the roof space with the PV system is a living roof, planted with sedum. A smaller demonstration of a living roof can be seen on the old chicken house. Living roofs, or green roofs, provide additional insulation, slow down and reduce storm-water runoff from roofs, and provide habitat for pollinators. The bermed gardens beside the main house were created from fertile top soil removed from the office building site at the start of construction.
Interior finishes
Floors are polished concrete, walls Venetian plaster and recycled fir, kitchen counter is marble from Vancouver Island.
For more information:
Builder
Green City Builders, Sam FitzZaland
(250) 537-6296
www.greencitybuilders.ca
