The Confluence - One of Canada's first public buildings to combine the technologies of Passive House and Mass Timber. Photo Credit: Matt Bolt Photography

The Dawson Creek (DC),  Community Hub is driven by the desire to reduce DC’s Operational Carbon through the installation of solar panels on public buildings. DC receives significant sun through the year, making solar energy viable. DC also needs a new public gathering place. 

The Community Hub is envisioned as a 600 sqm unconditioned space. The roof would be translucent solar panels, turning the majority of the space into a four season shelter similar to a solarium. A small amount of floor area would be conditioned to protect the wet areas from frost during the winter.

The space could then support a variety of public activities and amenities, including the farmers market, live shows, weather protected play space for childcare, private rental, civic events, etc.

The building aspired to be Net Carbon Positive, using low embodied carbon construction materials and producing significantly more energy that it uses.

Bedford Road House is a certified Passive House triplex, and was the first certified Multi-Family project in Canada. The project demonstrates how to build a high efficiency multi residential building with a minimum construction premium over conventional construction. The Bedford Road House was awarded the 2015 NAPHN Design Award at the North American Passive House Conference.