Archetech - Page 104
Showcase of Excellence in Green
Building at the Reford Gardens
During the tourist season, from June to
September, visitors to the Reford Gardens
have access to a program that is centred
on the theme “To build is to choose”,
illustrating the benefits of green building.
From October to May, the ERE 132 Eco
Home is available for rent for short stays,
business meetings or creative residencies
for artists. The house is suitable for
disabled guests and can accommodate
up to six people in three bedrooms.
Principles of Green Building
Many factors influence the cost of a
home’s construction or renovation:
square footage, materials, insulation
levels, mechanical systems, landscaping,
etc. Beyond the cost of materials, take
into account the recurring costs - energy
and maintenance - before making your
choices. Here are a few that have been
made by the architects:
Absence of a basement: The basement
is a space that has a very high
environmental impact because it
significantly increases the amount of
cement necessary for construction. A
ton of Portland cement produces nearly
a ton of greenhouse gases (GHG). A
basement can also present many risks
and inconveniences: humidity, flooding,
mold, lack of light.