Saltspring Island

The design parameters of this two story, two bedroom, 2 bath, view home focus on low environmental impact, incorporating energy efficient systems, low maintenance exterior, and cost effective construction.

Heat loss is minimized with a well insulated exterior wall using R2000 technology and wood frame windows with high performance, heat mirror SC75 glass (R value 6.25)

The exterior wall cavity has R22 blown cellulose insulation and an R8 batt installed over the vapour barrier in 2 x 3 wall strapping. All electrical TV and computer wiring runs through this strapping allowing these systems to be installed without penetrating the exterior vapour barrier.

The ceilings in the home are all insulated with R60 batt insulation installed in two opposing layers to reduce the possibility of air penetration between truss members.

The main heat source for the home is a centrally located wood burning fireplace assembled on site supplied by Norbert Senth The features of this unit include a retained heat bake oven, domestic hot water heat coil and a heated bench/hearth with a contra flow design. This unit produces low smoke emissions due to a non restricted rapid burn which radiates heat for several hours after the fire goes out.

The exterior of the home is finished in a low maintenance stucco complete with a rain guard application and full peel and stick application to all openings. This system allows any water that penetrates the exterior cladding to drain freely through a vented air space. This prevents the possibility of water damage to the home (prevents Leakey Condo Syndrome).

To maintain the inside air quality of the home, all rooms are vented with a Lennox HRV system.

To assist in domestic hot water production during the summer, there is a Taylor Munroe batch solar water heater installed on the roof.
These systems, along with the client’s choice of environmentally concise furnishings, have resulted in a home that will be economical to heat and inexpensive to maintain well into the future.