IEA ndash SHC Task 37 Advanced Housing Renovation with Solar amp Conservation

OWNERPrivate

PROJECT TEAMLorraine Gauthier President The Now House Project IncDavid Fujiwara Architect

PROJECT SUMMARYRetrofit to house single contractCMHC EQuilibrium Housing Initiative Funded by CMHC RBC BankReduction of primary energy 80

SPECIAL FEATURESExternal foam insulation171 m2 solar PV (173 kWh m2 yr)48 m2 solar thermal (131 kWh m2 yr)

Single Detached Now HouseTM Toronto Canada

Before

General statistics for Now House

SECTION

GROUND FLOOR

BACKGROUND

Now HouseTM is a retrofit project for an existing1 12 storey (2 bedroom) standard house from1946 known as the War Vet Homes There areapproximately 200000 of these units dispersedthroughout Canadian cities (1940- 1950rsquos) Ifdeep emission reductions can be obtained fromupgrades to this housing type these retrofitswould provide a strong measurable gain for aCO2 management strategy

The renovations met the Net Zero EnergyHealthy House (NZEHH) standards set out in ahome design competition conducted by CanadaMortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)Now HouseTM is one of twelve winning teamsfrom that competition and the only retrofitproject These demonstration homes arelocated across Canada (2007-2008) as part ofCMHCs EQuilibrium Sustainable HousingDemonstration Initiative

SUMMARY OF THE RENOVATION

bullExternal insulation to all elevations (RSI 58 R-33)bullRoof insulation flat (RSI 88 R-50) sloped (RSI 56 R-32)bull New insulation to basement walls (RSI 44 R-25) + floorbull Solar thermal system provides hot water for heating and domestic hot water PV solar panels bullHeat Recovery Ventilator (55 Ls)bullGrey water heat recoverybullUpgraded windows (RSI 1 R-57)

Now House project

Heated volume 382 m3

Heated floor area 139 m2

Ceiling area 63 m3

Footprint area 58 m3

External wall area 127 m2

South glazing to floor ratio 8Window area total 148 m2

Air tightness target 15ACH 50 Pa

Cross section through portion of house

CONSTRUCTIONRoof sloped U-value 0178 W(msup2∙K)(from exterior to interior)

Existing metal roof 02 mmAir gap 25 mmExisting wood plank deck 25mmIcynene between roof rafters (RSI 211) 75mmBlue SM Polystyrene (RSI 352) 100 mmGypsum Board 13 mmTotal 250 mm

Main wall U-value 0172 W(msup2∙K)(interior to exterior)Plastered gypsum board 13 mmExisting 100x50 wood studs 100 mmBlown celulose insulation 100mmPlywood sheathing 19 mmSM Polystyrene insulation 50mmRigid polylsocyanate insulation 50 mmTyvec +vynil sidding + air space 25mmTotal 357 mm

Basement walls U-value 0436 W(msup2∙K)(from interior to extrior)Plastered gypsum board 13 mmRigid polylsocyanate 50 mmCast-in-situ concrete foundation 200 mmTotal 263 mm

Graphic layout of Solar Systems

THE CHANGING CHARACTER OF NOW HOUSE

The photographs on the left illustrate the changing character of the house during the project from the original presentation to a mid-construction signage for promoting the transition as a flagship for local community action and then as a finished project An important consideration was the retention of the existing character so that it remained a component of the existing post-war housing stock

The pictures on the right show the evolution of the rear garden facade The top photograph illustrates the removal of the existing roof for the application of the close-celled spray foam onto the sloped ceilings of the upstairs rooms

The central photograph shows the plastic sheet installed as a vapour retardant before the siding is replaced (and protecting roof insulation before the metal roof finish is installed) The bottom view is of the solar panels both PV (on the right) and evacuated solar tube thermal collectors

Photograph1 Existing house (before) 4 Insulating rear roof2 During construction 5 Vapour membrane to exterior3 Finished project 6 Solar equipment at rear of home

1

63

5

4

2

SPRAY FOAM DETAILING

The approach to insulating the house was to keep all insulation processes on the exterior walls of the home This meant that the owner could occupy the house during the retrofit Insulation to the main floor was applied following the construction of wing panels that were fixed to the original internal wd sheathing They are constructed of 40 x 40mm wood slats so as to reduce cold bridging and are placed vertically to provide a framework for applying the spray foam

The photograph on upper left illustrates the depth of the close-celled foam while the bottom photograph shows the base of the cantilevered wing wall which is not connected to the Celfort 200 rigid foam system used on the exterior basement walls

The upper right photograph shows the process of applying the foam between the wing panels while the bottom photograph shows the front facade as set up before the foam is applied

EXTERNAL BASEMENT INSULATION

Provision of full height external insulation around basement walls allowed a tanking membrane to be applied to reduce dampness penetration and facilitated the laying of proper drains at the base of footings Extruded polystyrene was selected as a moisture resistant rigid foam insulation installed as 2 layers (62mm U = 046 RSI 217 R-125) (see pink panels) and protected by a vertical drainage layer (black) and stucco finish above ground (bottom right photo) Photographs show the installation process starting with bitumen membrane on the concrete walls the metal strip fixing system and drainage membrane

NOW HOUSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Now House was the only retrofit project of12 EQuilibrium demonstration homes selectedby CMHC to be built across Canada (2007) topromote five key principles that guide the designand construction of sustainable housing andcommunities Health Energy ResourcesEnvironment and Affordability Each project hadto communicate and educate the public andseek to achieve market acceptance ofEQuilibriumtrade houses and sustainablecommunities The Now House engaged thelocal neighbourhood and general public througha series of public events during the designplanning and construction phases of the project

Summary of U-values W(msup2K) ANNUAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Solar electricity 173 kWhm2

Solar heating (space and water) 131 kWhm2

Shower drain water heat recovery 89 kWhm2

Total on-site production 393 kWhm2

Space heating 231 kWhm2

Domestic water heating 356 kWhm2

Applianceslighting 368 kWhm2

Mechanical ventilation 15 kWhm2

Total energy consumption 969 kWhm2

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Space + water heating+ ventilationBefore 1919 kWhmsup2After 382 kWhmsup2Reduction 80Canadian Rating ecoENERGY for Houses 94

INFORMATION SOURCESLorraine Gauthier lorraineworkworthdoingcomhttpwwwnowhouseprojectcomworkDemoMainphpEQuilibrium Housing CMHC Web Sitehttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhoindexcfmhttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhonohoindexcfmBrochure authorsLorraine Gauthier (The Now House Project Inc)Paul Parker and Shane ONeill (U of Waterloo)

Before After

Attic ceiling 043 018

Walls 043 017

Basement walls 10 044

Windows 25 095

BUILDING SERVICES

Purchased energy was reduced byenlarging the south-facing window (forwinter solar gain) upgrading the existingEnergyStarreg (92 effic45kW) forced-air gas furnace with a new high-efficiency fan motor and supplementarysolar radiant heating in the basementfloor

The 26 kWp grid-connected solar PVsystem generates 2400 kWhyr It wassized to reduce the net energy cost tozero through the Ontario ldquoStandardOfferrdquo contract ($042kWh is receivedfor solar electricity supplied to the gridwhile grid electricity is purchased at$011kWh)

Regular natural gas domestic hot water tanks(DHW) have an efficiency range of 55-60 TheNow House employs a compact wall-hung highefficiency boiler which improves efficiency toabove 90 This gas boiler provides heat onlywhen necessary (to the solar storage tank) as aback up to the solar thermal system

Two sets of solar evacuated tubes produce 1823kWh annually (131 kWhm2 of heated floor area)and are supported by a greywater heat recoverysystem The solar thermal system provides hotwater for domestic use and home heating It isconnected to a 454-litre storage tank

Before

General statistics for Now House

SECTION

GROUND FLOOR

BACKGROUND

Now HouseTM is a retrofit project for an existing1 12 storey (2 bedroom) standard house from1946 known as the War Vet Homes There areapproximately 200000 of these units dispersedthroughout Canadian cities (1940- 1950rsquos) Ifdeep emission reductions can be obtained fromupgrades to this housing type these retrofitswould provide a strong measurable gain for aCO2 management strategy

The renovations met the Net Zero EnergyHealthy House (NZEHH) standards set out in ahome design competition conducted by CanadaMortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)Now HouseTM is one of twelve winning teamsfrom that competition and the only retrofitproject These demonstration homes arelocated across Canada (2007-2008) as part ofCMHCs EQuilibrium Sustainable HousingDemonstration Initiative

SUMMARY OF THE RENOVATION

bullExternal insulation to all elevations (RSI 58 R-33)bullRoof insulation flat (RSI 88 R-50) sloped (RSI 56 R-32)bull New insulation to basement walls (RSI 44 R-25) + floorbull Solar thermal system provides hot water for heating and domestic hot water PV solar panels bullHeat Recovery Ventilator (55 Ls)bullGrey water heat recoverybullUpgraded windows (RSI 1 R-57)

Now House project

Heated volume 382 m3

Heated floor area 139 m2

Ceiling area 63 m3

Footprint area 58 m3

External wall area 127 m2

South glazing to floor ratio 8Window area total 148 m2

Air tightness target 15ACH 50 Pa

Cross section through portion of house

CONSTRUCTIONRoof sloped U-value 0178 W(msup2∙K)(from exterior to interior)

Existing metal roof 02 mmAir gap 25 mmExisting wood plank deck 25mmIcynene between roof rafters (RSI 211) 75mmBlue SM Polystyrene (RSI 352) 100 mmGypsum Board 13 mmTotal 250 mm

Main wall U-value 0172 W(msup2∙K)(interior to exterior)Plastered gypsum board 13 mmExisting 100x50 wood studs 100 mmBlown celulose insulation 100mmPlywood sheathing 19 mmSM Polystyrene insulation 50mmRigid polylsocyanate insulation 50 mmTyvec +vynil sidding + air space 25mmTotal 357 mm

Basement walls U-value 0436 W(msup2∙K)(from interior to extrior)Plastered gypsum board 13 mmRigid polylsocyanate 50 mmCast-in-situ concrete foundation 200 mmTotal 263 mm

Graphic layout of Solar Systems

THE CHANGING CHARACTER OF NOW HOUSE

The photographs on the left illustrate the changing character of the house during the project from the original presentation to a mid-construction signage for promoting the transition as a flagship for local community action and then as a finished project An important consideration was the retention of the existing character so that it remained a component of the existing post-war housing stock

The pictures on the right show the evolution of the rear garden facade The top photograph illustrates the removal of the existing roof for the application of the close-celled spray foam onto the sloped ceilings of the upstairs rooms

The central photograph shows the plastic sheet installed as a vapour retardant before the siding is replaced (and protecting roof insulation before the metal roof finish is installed) The bottom view is of the solar panels both PV (on the right) and evacuated solar tube thermal collectors

Photograph1 Existing house (before) 4 Insulating rear roof2 During construction 5 Vapour membrane to exterior3 Finished project 6 Solar equipment at rear of home

1

63

5

4

2

SPRAY FOAM DETAILING

The approach to insulating the house was to keep all insulation processes on the exterior walls of the home This meant that the owner could occupy the house during the retrofit Insulation to the main floor was applied following the construction of wing panels that were fixed to the original internal wd sheathing They are constructed of 40 x 40mm wood slats so as to reduce cold bridging and are placed vertically to provide a framework for applying the spray foam

The photograph on upper left illustrates the depth of the close-celled foam while the bottom photograph shows the base of the cantilevered wing wall which is not connected to the Celfort 200 rigid foam system used on the exterior basement walls

The upper right photograph shows the process of applying the foam between the wing panels while the bottom photograph shows the front facade as set up before the foam is applied

EXTERNAL BASEMENT INSULATION

Provision of full height external insulation around basement walls allowed a tanking membrane to be applied to reduce dampness penetration and facilitated the laying of proper drains at the base of footings Extruded polystyrene was selected as a moisture resistant rigid foam insulation installed as 2 layers (62mm U = 046 RSI 217 R-125) (see pink panels) and protected by a vertical drainage layer (black) and stucco finish above ground (bottom right photo) Photographs show the installation process starting with bitumen membrane on the concrete walls the metal strip fixing system and drainage membrane

NOW HOUSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Now House was the only retrofit project of12 EQuilibrium demonstration homes selectedby CMHC to be built across Canada (2007) topromote five key principles that guide the designand construction of sustainable housing andcommunities Health Energy ResourcesEnvironment and Affordability Each project hadto communicate and educate the public andseek to achieve market acceptance ofEQuilibriumtrade houses and sustainablecommunities The Now House engaged thelocal neighbourhood and general public througha series of public events during the designplanning and construction phases of the project

Summary of U-values W(msup2K) ANNUAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Solar electricity 173 kWhm2

Solar heating (space and water) 131 kWhm2

Shower drain water heat recovery 89 kWhm2

Total on-site production 393 kWhm2

Space heating 231 kWhm2

Domestic water heating 356 kWhm2

Applianceslighting 368 kWhm2

Mechanical ventilation 15 kWhm2

Total energy consumption 969 kWhm2

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Space + water heating+ ventilationBefore 1919 kWhmsup2After 382 kWhmsup2Reduction 80Canadian Rating ecoENERGY for Houses 94

INFORMATION SOURCESLorraine Gauthier lorraineworkworthdoingcomhttpwwwnowhouseprojectcomworkDemoMainphpEQuilibrium Housing CMHC Web Sitehttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhoindexcfmhttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhonohoindexcfmBrochure authorsLorraine Gauthier (The Now House Project Inc)Paul Parker and Shane ONeill (U of Waterloo)

Before After

Attic ceiling 043 018

Walls 043 017

Basement walls 10 044

Windows 25 095

BUILDING SERVICES

Purchased energy was reduced byenlarging the south-facing window (forwinter solar gain) upgrading the existingEnergyStarreg (92 effic45kW) forced-air gas furnace with a new high-efficiency fan motor and supplementarysolar radiant heating in the basementfloor

The 26 kWp grid-connected solar PVsystem generates 2400 kWhyr It wassized to reduce the net energy cost tozero through the Ontario ldquoStandardOfferrdquo contract ($042kWh is receivedfor solar electricity supplied to the gridwhile grid electricity is purchased at$011kWh)

Regular natural gas domestic hot water tanks(DHW) have an efficiency range of 55-60 TheNow House employs a compact wall-hung highefficiency boiler which improves efficiency toabove 90 This gas boiler provides heat onlywhen necessary (to the solar storage tank) as aback up to the solar thermal system

Two sets of solar evacuated tubes produce 1823kWh annually (131 kWhm2 of heated floor area)and are supported by a greywater heat recoverysystem The solar thermal system provides hotwater for domestic use and home heating It isconnected to a 454-litre storage tank

Cross section through portion of house

CONSTRUCTIONRoof sloped U-value 0178 W(msup2∙K)(from exterior to interior)

Existing metal roof 02 mmAir gap 25 mmExisting wood plank deck 25mmIcynene between roof rafters (RSI 211) 75mmBlue SM Polystyrene (RSI 352) 100 mmGypsum Board 13 mmTotal 250 mm

Main wall U-value 0172 W(msup2∙K)(interior to exterior)Plastered gypsum board 13 mmExisting 100x50 wood studs 100 mmBlown celulose insulation 100mmPlywood sheathing 19 mmSM Polystyrene insulation 50mmRigid polylsocyanate insulation 50 mmTyvec +vynil sidding + air space 25mmTotal 357 mm

Basement walls U-value 0436 W(msup2∙K)(from interior to extrior)Plastered gypsum board 13 mmRigid polylsocyanate 50 mmCast-in-situ concrete foundation 200 mmTotal 263 mm

Graphic layout of Solar Systems

THE CHANGING CHARACTER OF NOW HOUSE

The photographs on the left illustrate the changing character of the house during the project from the original presentation to a mid-construction signage for promoting the transition as a flagship for local community action and then as a finished project An important consideration was the retention of the existing character so that it remained a component of the existing post-war housing stock

The pictures on the right show the evolution of the rear garden facade The top photograph illustrates the removal of the existing roof for the application of the close-celled spray foam onto the sloped ceilings of the upstairs rooms

The central photograph shows the plastic sheet installed as a vapour retardant before the siding is replaced (and protecting roof insulation before the metal roof finish is installed) The bottom view is of the solar panels both PV (on the right) and evacuated solar tube thermal collectors

Photograph1 Existing house (before) 4 Insulating rear roof2 During construction 5 Vapour membrane to exterior3 Finished project 6 Solar equipment at rear of home

1

63

5

4

2

SPRAY FOAM DETAILING

The approach to insulating the house was to keep all insulation processes on the exterior walls of the home This meant that the owner could occupy the house during the retrofit Insulation to the main floor was applied following the construction of wing panels that were fixed to the original internal wd sheathing They are constructed of 40 x 40mm wood slats so as to reduce cold bridging and are placed vertically to provide a framework for applying the spray foam

The photograph on upper left illustrates the depth of the close-celled foam while the bottom photograph shows the base of the cantilevered wing wall which is not connected to the Celfort 200 rigid foam system used on the exterior basement walls

The upper right photograph shows the process of applying the foam between the wing panels while the bottom photograph shows the front facade as set up before the foam is applied

EXTERNAL BASEMENT INSULATION

Provision of full height external insulation around basement walls allowed a tanking membrane to be applied to reduce dampness penetration and facilitated the laying of proper drains at the base of footings Extruded polystyrene was selected as a moisture resistant rigid foam insulation installed as 2 layers (62mm U = 046 RSI 217 R-125) (see pink panels) and protected by a vertical drainage layer (black) and stucco finish above ground (bottom right photo) Photographs show the installation process starting with bitumen membrane on the concrete walls the metal strip fixing system and drainage membrane

NOW HOUSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Now House was the only retrofit project of12 EQuilibrium demonstration homes selectedby CMHC to be built across Canada (2007) topromote five key principles that guide the designand construction of sustainable housing andcommunities Health Energy ResourcesEnvironment and Affordability Each project hadto communicate and educate the public andseek to achieve market acceptance ofEQuilibriumtrade houses and sustainablecommunities The Now House engaged thelocal neighbourhood and general public througha series of public events during the designplanning and construction phases of the project

Summary of U-values W(msup2K) ANNUAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Solar electricity 173 kWhm2

Solar heating (space and water) 131 kWhm2

Shower drain water heat recovery 89 kWhm2

Total on-site production 393 kWhm2

Space heating 231 kWhm2

Domestic water heating 356 kWhm2

Applianceslighting 368 kWhm2

Mechanical ventilation 15 kWhm2

Total energy consumption 969 kWhm2

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Space + water heating+ ventilationBefore 1919 kWhmsup2After 382 kWhmsup2Reduction 80Canadian Rating ecoENERGY for Houses 94

INFORMATION SOURCESLorraine Gauthier lorraineworkworthdoingcomhttpwwwnowhouseprojectcomworkDemoMainphpEQuilibrium Housing CMHC Web Sitehttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhoindexcfmhttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhonohoindexcfmBrochure authorsLorraine Gauthier (The Now House Project Inc)Paul Parker and Shane ONeill (U of Waterloo)

Before After

Attic ceiling 043 018

Walls 043 017

Basement walls 10 044

Windows 25 095

BUILDING SERVICES

Purchased energy was reduced byenlarging the south-facing window (forwinter solar gain) upgrading the existingEnergyStarreg (92 effic45kW) forced-air gas furnace with a new high-efficiency fan motor and supplementarysolar radiant heating in the basementfloor

The 26 kWp grid-connected solar PVsystem generates 2400 kWhyr It wassized to reduce the net energy cost tozero through the Ontario ldquoStandardOfferrdquo contract ($042kWh is receivedfor solar electricity supplied to the gridwhile grid electricity is purchased at$011kWh)

Regular natural gas domestic hot water tanks(DHW) have an efficiency range of 55-60 TheNow House employs a compact wall-hung highefficiency boiler which improves efficiency toabove 90 This gas boiler provides heat onlywhen necessary (to the solar storage tank) as aback up to the solar thermal system

Two sets of solar evacuated tubes produce 1823kWh annually (131 kWhm2 of heated floor area)and are supported by a greywater heat recoverysystem The solar thermal system provides hotwater for domestic use and home heating It isconnected to a 454-litre storage tank

THE CHANGING CHARACTER OF NOW HOUSE

The photographs on the left illustrate the changing character of the house during the project from the original presentation to a mid-construction signage for promoting the transition as a flagship for local community action and then as a finished project An important consideration was the retention of the existing character so that it remained a component of the existing post-war housing stock

The pictures on the right show the evolution of the rear garden facade The top photograph illustrates the removal of the existing roof for the application of the close-celled spray foam onto the sloped ceilings of the upstairs rooms

The central photograph shows the plastic sheet installed as a vapour retardant before the siding is replaced (and protecting roof insulation before the metal roof finish is installed) The bottom view is of the solar panels both PV (on the right) and evacuated solar tube thermal collectors

Photograph1 Existing house (before) 4 Insulating rear roof2 During construction 5 Vapour membrane to exterior3 Finished project 6 Solar equipment at rear of home

1

63

5

4

2

SPRAY FOAM DETAILING

The approach to insulating the house was to keep all insulation processes on the exterior walls of the home This meant that the owner could occupy the house during the retrofit Insulation to the main floor was applied following the construction of wing panels that were fixed to the original internal wd sheathing They are constructed of 40 x 40mm wood slats so as to reduce cold bridging and are placed vertically to provide a framework for applying the spray foam

The photograph on upper left illustrates the depth of the close-celled foam while the bottom photograph shows the base of the cantilevered wing wall which is not connected to the Celfort 200 rigid foam system used on the exterior basement walls

The upper right photograph shows the process of applying the foam between the wing panels while the bottom photograph shows the front facade as set up before the foam is applied

EXTERNAL BASEMENT INSULATION

Provision of full height external insulation around basement walls allowed a tanking membrane to be applied to reduce dampness penetration and facilitated the laying of proper drains at the base of footings Extruded polystyrene was selected as a moisture resistant rigid foam insulation installed as 2 layers (62mm U = 046 RSI 217 R-125) (see pink panels) and protected by a vertical drainage layer (black) and stucco finish above ground (bottom right photo) Photographs show the installation process starting with bitumen membrane on the concrete walls the metal strip fixing system and drainage membrane

NOW HOUSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Now House was the only retrofit project of12 EQuilibrium demonstration homes selectedby CMHC to be built across Canada (2007) topromote five key principles that guide the designand construction of sustainable housing andcommunities Health Energy ResourcesEnvironment and Affordability Each project hadto communicate and educate the public andseek to achieve market acceptance ofEQuilibriumtrade houses and sustainablecommunities The Now House engaged thelocal neighbourhood and general public througha series of public events during the designplanning and construction phases of the project

Summary of U-values W(msup2K) ANNUAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Solar electricity 173 kWhm2

Solar heating (space and water) 131 kWhm2

Shower drain water heat recovery 89 kWhm2

Total on-site production 393 kWhm2

Space heating 231 kWhm2

Domestic water heating 356 kWhm2

Applianceslighting 368 kWhm2

Mechanical ventilation 15 kWhm2

Total energy consumption 969 kWhm2

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Space + water heating+ ventilationBefore 1919 kWhmsup2After 382 kWhmsup2Reduction 80Canadian Rating ecoENERGY for Houses 94

INFORMATION SOURCESLorraine Gauthier lorraineworkworthdoingcomhttpwwwnowhouseprojectcomworkDemoMainphpEQuilibrium Housing CMHC Web Sitehttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhoindexcfmhttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhonohoindexcfmBrochure authorsLorraine Gauthier (The Now House Project Inc)Paul Parker and Shane ONeill (U of Waterloo)

Before After

Attic ceiling 043 018

Walls 043 017

Basement walls 10 044

Windows 25 095

BUILDING SERVICES

Purchased energy was reduced byenlarging the south-facing window (forwinter solar gain) upgrading the existingEnergyStarreg (92 effic45kW) forced-air gas furnace with a new high-efficiency fan motor and supplementarysolar radiant heating in the basementfloor

The 26 kWp grid-connected solar PVsystem generates 2400 kWhyr It wassized to reduce the net energy cost tozero through the Ontario ldquoStandardOfferrdquo contract ($042kWh is receivedfor solar electricity supplied to the gridwhile grid electricity is purchased at$011kWh)

Regular natural gas domestic hot water tanks(DHW) have an efficiency range of 55-60 TheNow House employs a compact wall-hung highefficiency boiler which improves efficiency toabove 90 This gas boiler provides heat onlywhen necessary (to the solar storage tank) as aback up to the solar thermal system

Two sets of solar evacuated tubes produce 1823kWh annually (131 kWhm2 of heated floor area)and are supported by a greywater heat recoverysystem The solar thermal system provides hotwater for domestic use and home heating It isconnected to a 454-litre storage tank

SPRAY FOAM DETAILING

The approach to insulating the house was to keep all insulation processes on the exterior walls of the home This meant that the owner could occupy the house during the retrofit Insulation to the main floor was applied following the construction of wing panels that were fixed to the original internal wd sheathing They are constructed of 40 x 40mm wood slats so as to reduce cold bridging and are placed vertically to provide a framework for applying the spray foam

The photograph on upper left illustrates the depth of the close-celled foam while the bottom photograph shows the base of the cantilevered wing wall which is not connected to the Celfort 200 rigid foam system used on the exterior basement walls

The upper right photograph shows the process of applying the foam between the wing panels while the bottom photograph shows the front facade as set up before the foam is applied

EXTERNAL BASEMENT INSULATION

Provision of full height external insulation around basement walls allowed a tanking membrane to be applied to reduce dampness penetration and facilitated the laying of proper drains at the base of footings Extruded polystyrene was selected as a moisture resistant rigid foam insulation installed as 2 layers (62mm U = 046 RSI 217 R-125) (see pink panels) and protected by a vertical drainage layer (black) and stucco finish above ground (bottom right photo) Photographs show the installation process starting with bitumen membrane on the concrete walls the metal strip fixing system and drainage membrane

NOW HOUSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Now House was the only retrofit project of12 EQuilibrium demonstration homes selectedby CMHC to be built across Canada (2007) topromote five key principles that guide the designand construction of sustainable housing andcommunities Health Energy ResourcesEnvironment and Affordability Each project hadto communicate and educate the public andseek to achieve market acceptance ofEQuilibriumtrade houses and sustainablecommunities The Now House engaged thelocal neighbourhood and general public througha series of public events during the designplanning and construction phases of the project

Summary of U-values W(msup2K) ANNUAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Solar electricity 173 kWhm2

Solar heating (space and water) 131 kWhm2

Shower drain water heat recovery 89 kWhm2

Total on-site production 393 kWhm2

Space heating 231 kWhm2

Domestic water heating 356 kWhm2

Applianceslighting 368 kWhm2

Mechanical ventilation 15 kWhm2

Total energy consumption 969 kWhm2

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Space + water heating+ ventilationBefore 1919 kWhmsup2After 382 kWhmsup2Reduction 80Canadian Rating ecoENERGY for Houses 94

INFORMATION SOURCESLorraine Gauthier lorraineworkworthdoingcomhttpwwwnowhouseprojectcomworkDemoMainphpEQuilibrium Housing CMHC Web Sitehttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhoindexcfmhttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhonohoindexcfmBrochure authorsLorraine Gauthier (The Now House Project Inc)Paul Parker and Shane ONeill (U of Waterloo)

Before After

Attic ceiling 043 018

Walls 043 017

Basement walls 10 044

Windows 25 095

BUILDING SERVICES

Purchased energy was reduced byenlarging the south-facing window (forwinter solar gain) upgrading the existingEnergyStarreg (92 effic45kW) forced-air gas furnace with a new high-efficiency fan motor and supplementarysolar radiant heating in the basementfloor

The 26 kWp grid-connected solar PVsystem generates 2400 kWhyr It wassized to reduce the net energy cost tozero through the Ontario ldquoStandardOfferrdquo contract ($042kWh is receivedfor solar electricity supplied to the gridwhile grid electricity is purchased at$011kWh)

Regular natural gas domestic hot water tanks(DHW) have an efficiency range of 55-60 TheNow House employs a compact wall-hung highefficiency boiler which improves efficiency toabove 90 This gas boiler provides heat onlywhen necessary (to the solar storage tank) as aback up to the solar thermal system

Two sets of solar evacuated tubes produce 1823kWh annually (131 kWhm2 of heated floor area)and are supported by a greywater heat recoverysystem The solar thermal system provides hotwater for domestic use and home heating It isconnected to a 454-litre storage tank

EXTERNAL BASEMENT INSULATION

Provision of full height external insulation around basement walls allowed a tanking membrane to be applied to reduce dampness penetration and facilitated the laying of proper drains at the base of footings Extruded polystyrene was selected as a moisture resistant rigid foam insulation installed as 2 layers (62mm U = 046 RSI 217 R-125) (see pink panels) and protected by a vertical drainage layer (black) and stucco finish above ground (bottom right photo) Photographs show the installation process starting with bitumen membrane on the concrete walls the metal strip fixing system and drainage membrane

NOW HOUSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Now House was the only retrofit project of12 EQuilibrium demonstration homes selectedby CMHC to be built across Canada (2007) topromote five key principles that guide the designand construction of sustainable housing andcommunities Health Energy ResourcesEnvironment and Affordability Each project hadto communicate and educate the public andseek to achieve market acceptance ofEQuilibriumtrade houses and sustainablecommunities The Now House engaged thelocal neighbourhood and general public througha series of public events during the designplanning and construction phases of the project

Summary of U-values W(msup2K) ANNUAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Solar electricity 173 kWhm2

Solar heating (space and water) 131 kWhm2

Shower drain water heat recovery 89 kWhm2

Total on-site production 393 kWhm2

Space heating 231 kWhm2

Domestic water heating 356 kWhm2

Applianceslighting 368 kWhm2

Mechanical ventilation 15 kWhm2

Total energy consumption 969 kWhm2

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Space + water heating+ ventilationBefore 1919 kWhmsup2After 382 kWhmsup2Reduction 80Canadian Rating ecoENERGY for Houses 94

INFORMATION SOURCESLorraine Gauthier lorraineworkworthdoingcomhttpwwwnowhouseprojectcomworkDemoMainphpEQuilibrium Housing CMHC Web Sitehttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhoindexcfmhttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhonohoindexcfmBrochure authorsLorraine Gauthier (The Now House Project Inc)Paul Parker and Shane ONeill (U of Waterloo)

Before After

Attic ceiling 043 018

Walls 043 017

Basement walls 10 044

Windows 25 095

BUILDING SERVICES

Purchased energy was reduced byenlarging the south-facing window (forwinter solar gain) upgrading the existingEnergyStarreg (92 effic45kW) forced-air gas furnace with a new high-efficiency fan motor and supplementarysolar radiant heating in the basementfloor

The 26 kWp grid-connected solar PVsystem generates 2400 kWhyr It wassized to reduce the net energy cost tozero through the Ontario ldquoStandardOfferrdquo contract ($042kWh is receivedfor solar electricity supplied to the gridwhile grid electricity is purchased at$011kWh)

Regular natural gas domestic hot water tanks(DHW) have an efficiency range of 55-60 TheNow House employs a compact wall-hung highefficiency boiler which improves efficiency toabove 90 This gas boiler provides heat onlywhen necessary (to the solar storage tank) as aback up to the solar thermal system

Two sets of solar evacuated tubes produce 1823kWh annually (131 kWhm2 of heated floor area)and are supported by a greywater heat recoverysystem The solar thermal system provides hotwater for domestic use and home heating It isconnected to a 454-litre storage tank

NOW HOUSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Now House was the only retrofit project of12 EQuilibrium demonstration homes selectedby CMHC to be built across Canada (2007) topromote five key principles that guide the designand construction of sustainable housing andcommunities Health Energy ResourcesEnvironment and Affordability Each project hadto communicate and educate the public andseek to achieve market acceptance ofEQuilibriumtrade houses and sustainablecommunities The Now House engaged thelocal neighbourhood and general public througha series of public events during the designplanning and construction phases of the project

Summary of U-values W(msup2K) ANNUAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Solar electricity 173 kWhm2

Solar heating (space and water) 131 kWhm2

Shower drain water heat recovery 89 kWhm2

Total on-site production 393 kWhm2

Space heating 231 kWhm2

Domestic water heating 356 kWhm2

Applianceslighting 368 kWhm2

Mechanical ventilation 15 kWhm2

Total energy consumption 969 kWhm2

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Space + water heating+ ventilationBefore 1919 kWhmsup2After 382 kWhmsup2Reduction 80Canadian Rating ecoENERGY for Houses 94

INFORMATION SOURCESLorraine Gauthier lorraineworkworthdoingcomhttpwwwnowhouseprojectcomworkDemoMainphpEQuilibrium Housing CMHC Web Sitehttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhoindexcfmhttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhonohoindexcfmBrochure authorsLorraine Gauthier (The Now House Project Inc)Paul Parker and Shane ONeill (U of Waterloo)

Before After

Attic ceiling 043 018

Walls 043 017

Basement walls 10 044

Windows 25 095

BUILDING SERVICES

Purchased energy was reduced byenlarging the south-facing window (forwinter solar gain) upgrading the existingEnergyStarreg (92 effic45kW) forced-air gas furnace with a new high-efficiency fan motor and supplementarysolar radiant heating in the basementfloor

The 26 kWp grid-connected solar PVsystem generates 2400 kWhyr It wassized to reduce the net energy cost tozero through the Ontario ldquoStandardOfferrdquo contract ($042kWh is receivedfor solar electricity supplied to the gridwhile grid electricity is purchased at$011kWh)

Regular natural gas domestic hot water tanks(DHW) have an efficiency range of 55-60 TheNow House employs a compact wall-hung highefficiency boiler which improves efficiency toabove 90 This gas boiler provides heat onlywhen necessary (to the solar storage tank) as aback up to the solar thermal system

Two sets of solar evacuated tubes produce 1823kWh annually (131 kWhm2 of heated floor area)and are supported by a greywater heat recoverysystem The solar thermal system provides hotwater for domestic use and home heating It isconnected to a 454-litre storage tank

Summary of U-values W(msup2K) ANNUAL RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Solar electricity 173 kWhm2

Solar heating (space and water) 131 kWhm2

Shower drain water heat recovery 89 kWhm2

Total on-site production 393 kWhm2

Space heating 231 kWhm2

Domestic water heating 356 kWhm2

Applianceslighting 368 kWhm2

Mechanical ventilation 15 kWhm2

Total energy consumption 969 kWhm2

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Space + water heating+ ventilationBefore 1919 kWhmsup2After 382 kWhmsup2Reduction 80Canadian Rating ecoENERGY for Houses 94

INFORMATION SOURCESLorraine Gauthier lorraineworkworthdoingcomhttpwwwnowhouseprojectcomworkDemoMainphpEQuilibrium Housing CMHC Web Sitehttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhoindexcfmhttpwwwcmhc-schlgccaeninprsueqhonohoindexcfmBrochure authorsLorraine Gauthier (The Now House Project Inc)Paul Parker and Shane ONeill (U of Waterloo)

Before After

Attic ceiling 043 018

Walls 043 017

Basement walls 10 044

Windows 25 095

BUILDING SERVICES

Purchased energy was reduced byenlarging the south-facing window (forwinter solar gain) upgrading the existingEnergyStarreg (92 effic45kW) forced-air gas furnace with a new high-efficiency fan motor and supplementarysolar radiant heating in the basementfloor

The 26 kWp grid-connected solar PVsystem generates 2400 kWhyr It wassized to reduce the net energy cost tozero through the Ontario ldquoStandardOfferrdquo contract ($042kWh is receivedfor solar electricity supplied to the gridwhile grid electricity is purchased at$011kWh)

Regular natural gas domestic hot water tanks(DHW) have an efficiency range of 55-60 TheNow House employs a compact wall-hung highefficiency boiler which improves efficiency toabove 90 This gas boiler provides heat onlywhen necessary (to the solar storage tank) as aback up to the solar thermal system

Two sets of solar evacuated tubes produce 1823kWh annually (131 kWhm2 of heated floor area)and are supported by a greywater heat recoverysystem The solar thermal system provides hotwater for domestic use and home heating It isconnected to a 454-litre storage tank