Cordova Bay Net Zero Home

Article by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Leanna Rathkelly.

This contemporary home is the first to qualify under the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program, meaning it contributes as much electricity to the grid as it consumes in a year. With solar photovoltaic panels that feed energy into the grid year round, and design/construction features that maximize efficiency, the house offers comfort and superior air quality with no hydro costs.

“The Net Zero model offers the flexibility to tailor the design to maximize views and optimize the use of property without compromise,” says Dave Mackenzie, who runs Falcon Heights alongside his wife, Joelle Bienvenue. To counteract energy loss without sacrificing ocean views, Mackenzie installed triple pane windows and doors, as well as a thermal break of insulation through the framing material. Curved structural glulam beams support the barrel roof, which create much of the home’s architectural appeal, and also provide the perfect angle for the solar panels to catch the southern exposure. Additional solar thermal panels preheat the home’s domestic water, while a state-of-the-art air-to-water heat pump provides radiant in-floor heating and moderate cooling.

Privacy from close neighbours and a limited lot size were also key considerations with this narrow, sloped property. The home features a three-storey, terraced design with an interior elevator for easy access to the walk-out basement. Covered and uncovered decks and patios allow the owners to choose the most comfortable outdoor living spaces according to the season, weather and time of day. The glass and steel covered breezeway between the detached garage and house provides rain protection and privacy while enhancing the home’s curb appeal. For easy care maintenance, Mackenzie installed cedar siding on lower elevations, and a combination of aluminium composite panels and stucco in the hard-to-reach areas.

To achieve a Net Zero Energy status, a home must be designed and built with careful consideration of materials, site orientation, air quality, ease of maintenance, climate and the homeowners’ needs. This home achieves that balance with impeccable style and comfort, paving the way as sustainable homes become more prevalent.