Bedford Road House - Passive House Multi-Unit Residential
All photos by Stand Architecture
Location
Blewett BC
Attribution
Lukas Armstrong, Design + Consulting
Role
Lead Designer
Energy Performance
Code
Value
$720,000
Size
3600 sqft
Completion
2013
Bedford Road House is a certified Passive House triplex, and was the first certified Multi-Family project in Canada.
Lukas designed the inter-generational home with his family after winning a “Super Efficient New Construction” grant from the Province. He then went on to build the project with his brother Max, owner of Local Design | Build. The project demonstrates how to build a high efficiency multi residential building with a minimum construction premium over conventional construction. The Bedford House was subsequently awarded the 2015 NAPHN Design Award at the North American Passive House Conference.
The project explores a number of other sustainable design principles such as low embodied carbon, energy production, water catchment, and durable and healthy materials.
The triplex sits on 1.5 Acres in Blewett BC, surrounded by a permaculture inspired garden, is an example of building community and growing food, two of the most critical strategies to prepare for climate change.
The project is a study in rustic modernism, combining low cost wood based materials and finishes with modern planning strategies. The envelope incorporates corrugated steel siding for durability and fire resistance, while the covered deck walls are clad in fir plywood and timber soffit to add warmth. The railings are built with dimensional lumber and polycarbonate panels.
The architectural form has a a quiet streamlined face to the south and incorporates overhangs calculated to allow maximum heat gain in the winter, and appropriate shading in the summer. The north face breaks open with expansive covered decks that face the view, and offer shaded areas for outdoor living.
The wall and roof assemblies are low embodied carbon designs using wood studs and trusses and blown in cellulose. The Roof is R100, and the walls are R60.
Heat is supplied by a central boiler that supplied hydronic wall mount panels in each suite. Air exchanged is accomplished using Heat recovery Ventilators in each suite. These units allow 100% fresh air exchange with an 80% efficiency. All air passes through both carbon filters and MERV 13 filters, which removes all pollen and smoke particles, keeping the air quality in the home high, even during a smokey summer.
The energy costs for one suite in the triplex is approximately $30/month, including heat, hot water, air exchange and all plug loads.
Lukas continues to live there with his Wife and son, sharing the building with his Mom, as well as his Brother and his partner.
