Energy Conscious Reno

This project is probably one of the most satisfying energy-conscious renovations we have ever done. Early on in the process we did an energy audit on the existing building to discover it was losing 17.9 air changes per hour, was scoring 29 on the EnerGuide rating system and was creating in excess of 11 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The final EnerGuide score went down to 7, the air leakage was reduced to 4.3 air changes per hour and we eliminated the 11 excess tonnes of CO2 in the process. Pretty amazing for a century home that was costing a small ransom to heat and cool. The main component in our success was an ICF insulated wall system from the foundation all the way up a full three stories to the roof. This essentially wrapped around two exterior walls, suddenly making those leaking areas become interior partitions within the newly expanded envelope. R2000 construction principles and close attention to detail added a century feel to the new space including a wrap-around barrel vaulted porch, screen area and replicated second story stairs, copying the trim exactly. All windows were replaced in the home and the most offensive remaining walls were insulated with an air sealing polyurethane foam technique, a favourite of ours for tricky insulation spaces that would otherwise be hard to air seal.

Other Projects