Fung Roberts Passive House

Project Description

This Passive House Plus combines a heritage façade and modern architecture with a high level of energy efficiency. The owners have lived in the original 1912 Craftsman bungalow since 1992 and wanted to preserve its heritage history while upgrading performance and functionality. The new house functions as a modern home while retaining its historical character however all of the structure and systems have been rebuilt to Passive House standards.

Michael Green of MGA Architecture, combined the front porch of the original house with a dramatic design for the south half of the building. The new element of the house is a simple modern volume that complements the form and character of the existing bungalow. A dramatic cantilever roof provides a large covered balcony that wraps the master bedroom. This volume is clad with yakisugi gendai, charred cypress siding by Nakamoto Forestry.

The heritage front porch was preserved and north windows and front door refurbished. A high-performance envelope was built behind the porch with Passive House Institute certified components including triple glazed Optiwin windows and lift-slide doors by Freisinger. Schenker external shutters were installed outside the south and west facing windows for privacy and to manage solar energy gains during spring and fall.

Mechanical systems include a high efficiency Zehnder HRV and a Sanden air to water heat pump that supplies domestic hot water and hydronic radiators. The house has 8.5 kW of photoelectric panels to generate renewable energy and a Tesla Powerwall2 for emergency backup.

Half of the main floor interior has board and batten walls with craftsman features to match the original house. Old growth fir from the heritage structure was salvaged to create custom millwork, furniture and a chandelier that complement the open plan interior.

The home also highlights Vancouver creative artists, doubling as a gallery for paintings by artists and featuring works of local artisans who created custom elements such as indoor and outdoor furniture and light fixtures. The owners and their guests enjoy the benefits of excellent air quality, comfort and soundproofing in an elegant open plan space that pays homage to the home’s Craftsman beginnings.

Thermal Envelope

Mechanical System