North Vancouver, BC
2014
LEED Platinum
Built Green Canada – Platinum
R-2000 Standard
EnerGuide 91
The project was an experiment into what happens when you pair the latest energy performance technology with ancient construction methods, like rammed earth walls.
Dating back to 9th–7th millennium BC, rammed earth walls are known for their excellent thermal mass. Built by compressing layers of damp earth, sand, gravel, clay, and stabilizer, they absorb heat during the day and release it at night, evening out temperature variations to reduce the need for air con and heating.
When finished, then mayor, Darrell Mussatto, called Midori Uchi the ‘greenest home in North Vancouver’.
Perhaps what makes this project so special is that most of the features and tech that helped Midori Uchi achieve Net Zero can be retrofitted onto just about any house. It didn’t cost any more to build than an equivalent modern home built to code—about $300/sq. ft (at the time of construction). And the entire project was completed in only 18 months, with construction taking just 12 months.
Design: Kerschbaumer Design
Interiors: Amanda Evans
Photography: Ema Peter Photography
