Modern Passive House Goes Net-Zero in West Vancouver

When it came to building a new home for his family, then, Dean not only "wanted to show my community that you can build a beautiful energy-efficient home that doesn't have to cost that much more than a standard home," he says. He also wanted a healthy, comfortable, net-zero, modern home. Moreover, he hoped to set a new precedent for Passive House projects around the globe. 

In collaboration with BattersbyHowat Architects, and general contractor, Naikoon, Dean created a 4,000-square-foot Passive House with solar power in West Vancouver. "We went for PHI certification because it was the most rigorous and is gaining momentum in Canada (through Passive House Canada) and with the BC Government," he adds. The provincial government has set the formidable goal of making all new homes Net-Zero ready 2032.

The three-level modern home sits on the southern slope of the mountains along English Bay. It is positioned to take full advantage of solar heat gain during the winter through floor-to-ceiling glass. In summer, terraces on each level help block direct sun. In combination with Passive House principles, the house also has a solar photovoltaic array to achieve Net Zero Energy Home certifications and Passive House Plus. Passive House Plus is the second level, in Passive House Certification and requires that the home can't consume more than 45 kWh of renewable primary energy and must generate at least 60 kWh/(m²a) of energy in relation to the building's footprint.  

A 12-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system with 35 panels powers the all-electric home. A Tesla Powerwall provides back-up power and charges the family's electric vehicle. The home has a high-efficiency wood-burning stove with heat exchangers and dampers that provide comfort and heat without using gas or electricity. 

How Did Certifications Affect Construction Costs?

Construction costs to meet Passive House and Net-Zero Energy requirements were negligible. It added up to less than 5 percent more than the cost to build a custom home on the Northshore of Vancouver that meets the current BC Building Code. During the first six months that the family occupied the house, electricity costs averaged less than $50 per month (with charging the electric car included). Over the last year, the panels generated 12,440 kWh of electricity. 

In the kitchen, a recirculating range hood with carbon filters maintains balanced airflow and doesn't require make-up air. The kitchen cabinetry was custom-built from white oak and topped with Caesarstone counters. The home has engineered hardwood floors.

Living in Passive House 

The benefits of living in a Passive House are many, Dean says. From the lovely quiet - "We can't even hear the trains passing along nearby tracks" - to fresh filtered air that reduces allergies and hay fever. It maintains the perfect temperature and humidity levels year-round. Moreover, he adds, "This home is really fun to live in." 

The home has become something of a media sensation and educational tool, with numerous newspapers and magazines about the home and a video series for the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Dean says he's also happy to tour media, university students, tradespeople, and the public through the house.