HEATING , VENTILATION & INSULATION
SUSTAINABILITY
We ’ ve pursued sustainability on several fronts with this project .
One key approach is habitat preservation . The home was constructed on an already cleared hilltop site , overlooking 100 acres of forests , meadows , and wetlands . This not only avoids cutting down trees to build the house , but it makes the homeowners the custodians of extensive existing natural habitats that will shelter birds and other wildlife .
The second main approach to sustainability is to reduce the home ’ s carbon footprint by maximizing its lifespan , primarily through the use of highly durable materials , robust construction methods , attractive custom craftsmanship , and beautiful yet practical design . Hopefully , the practical yet simple beauty of the home will ensure that it will be cherished for many years to come , even if it is sold . A few details that support this intention include exposed steel fittings fabricated by local tradespeople and custom-made panels for walls and ceilings by local woodworkers ( some of which echo the slate tiles used on the exterior ). If the home is ever remodelled or even demolished , many of these materials are worthy of being reused .
The other half of the lifespan equation is the use of durable materials that will preserve the envelope with minimal to no maintenance . Canadian slate and sustainably harvested Canadian white oak were the main materials used . ( The fact that they are also local reduces the carbon footprint of transportation as well .)
The home also uses several techniques to reduce energy consumption . The roof is very well insulated , and the glass walls are triple-pane , which vastly reduces the energy loss . The deep overhang of the roof also reduces passive solar gain in summer . The home is heated and cooled using a geothermal heat pump . Because it is powered by electricity , a heat pump has a much lower carbon footprint than the most popular heating method of natural gas , a fossil fuel ( Ontario ’ s electrical grid is currently at about 90 % GHG-free ). Geothermal heat pumps can not only operate at much lower temperatures than air-source heat pumps but also use less electricity . The fixtures and septic system are high-efficiency , ensuring responsible use of water .
Forest Retreat fulfills the client ’ s mandate by honouring their emotional connection to the land through visual and material harmonization with the surrounding landscape .
kariouk . com / project / forest-retreat /
TECHNICAL SHEET
Siding : Diamond Steel Roofing Marmoleum : Forbo Flooring Systems Laminate : Abet Laminati Windows : Elite Fireplace : Stûv Photo credit : Scott Norsworthy
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