Toronto-based design and development company baukultur/ca recently completed the construction of two new build contemporary, highly sustainable homes.
Strictly modern in its design, the building complements the existing neighbourhood, yet provides two-family homes on an infill lot and footprint which would be conventionally occupied by a sole single-family house.
The building, with two four-level residences, is heading the way amongst the few but an increasing number of houses in Toronto designed to minimise the carbon footprint. Its specific use of materials and finishes reduces future maintenance, as well as supports future residences’ wellbeing.
Located on a tree-lined residential street in one of Toronto’s popular downtown neighbourhoods, just steps to public transport and the lively main road, zero79 combines several attributes that may very well lead the future of Toronto city living and construction. Providing modern design with clean lines, the project utilises gentle intensification, off-site construction, all the while nurturing sustainable and healthy city living.
80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emission
Expansive efforts were taken to create a highly energy-efficient building. The result is two homes which will emit 80 per cent fewer greenhouse gases and use 60 per cent less energy than if the homes were constructed simply to building code standards. To achieve this, the homes incorporate a multitude of energy-efficient features, the most important of which are the heavily insulated walls and roofs equipped with a thick layer of continuous exterior insulation, well-insulated triple-pane windows providing lots of natural daylight, heat reflective roofs, a highly effective heating, cooling and energy recovery system, LED lighting with smart control, not to mention an airtight building envelope.
Apart from energy-efficiency, baukultur/ca also focused on providing better indoor air quality and a healthy living environment within each home. This was achieved through the thoughtful and meticulous planning of building assemblies in conjunction with the selection of either VOC-free or low VOC sustainable interior materials and one of the most efficient Energy Recovery Systems (ERV). The ERV provides the homes consistently with fresh filtered air while recovering energy from the exhausted stale air. The homes are not connected to the city’s gas grid and function solely on electrical power. With the elimination of open flames and the possible sources of carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes within the house, this approach is commendable in its advancement of healthy residential living and, moreover, provides the most cost-efficient and resource-saving solution to heat and cool these highly energy-efficient homes in the future.
The homes will be the first in Toronto to be certified with the Platinum Plaques by Built Green Canada, a third-party certifier that focuses on much more than mere energy efficiency but rather looks at the buildings from a holistic standpoint: the house as a system – which encompasses the preservation of natural resources, reduction of pollution, ventilation and air quality, and the enhancement of home durability.
The architect has created two-family homes which harmonise with the neighbouring context. Their bright appearance, with large windows and details from thermally modified wood, respectfully explores the existing building structures, shapes and materials in the surrounding area, yet the design finds ways to reinvent the existing with its own aesthetics to create a common language and understanding while developing a new sculptural presence for the homes.
The walls are cladded in precise, white and dark grey composite panels whereas the sidewalls and sloping roofs are covered in metal shingles providing rhythm to the otherwise closed surfaces.
The choice of interior finishes is bright and clean. The predominant colour is white. White walls and ceilings, white oak floors and white trim, with the occasional accents of the same materials used on the exterior and black or wooden detailing, enhance the sophisticated modern look and create a bridge between the interior and exterior.
Photography by Michael Peart
