This build was featured in a 2023 RDCK case study on how efficient a home can be. You can view the study Here. 
 

This high-performance Step 5 home in Nelson was designed to prioritize energy efficiency, durability, indoor comfort, and modern living. The 1,990 sq. ft. two-storey home includes 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with an open-concept main floor featuring a spacious kitchen and living area oriented to maximize natural light and views. The second-floor primary bedroom includes an ensuite bathroom and access to an outdoor deck, while covered outdoor spaces and roof overhangs help improve comfort throughout the year.

Built using insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, the home combines reinforced concrete walls with integrated insulation to create a highly airtight and energy-efficient building envelope. Additional features include triple-pane Low-E argon-filled windows, a heavily insulated roof system, corrugated metal siding, and a reinforced insulated concrete slab foundation with radiant in-floor heating and cooling.

Mechanical systems include an air-to-water heat pump, energy recovery ventilator (ERV) with a ground-source loop for pre-conditioning fresh air, and a rooftop 7.7 kW solar photovoltaic array connected through net metering. The home exceeds Step 5 performance targets with low energy demand, reduced mechanical energy use, and high airtightness performance, while using approximately 58% less energy than a standard reference home

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