Mary St. Duplex

Project Description

These urban infill duplex units are the next step in market Passive House development in Victoria and are being developed in conjunction with an adjacent duplex at 406/408 Wilson St. Each of the 1,500 sq. ft. units offer 3 bedrooms plus 2 1/2 baths. The 2′ x 4″ platform framing is conventional and built over an unheated crawl space. The exterior plywood sheathing forms the vapour & air barrier on the walls with 7″ of mineral wood attached to the exterior for a continuous insulation layer. The ceiling and floor insulation is mineral wool bats.

As the building is oriented north-south, the north unit receives winter sunlight through clerestory windows providing 12′ vaulted ceilings in two bedrooms and over the staircase, enabling light to cascade through to the main floor. The building is all electric with electric resistance space heating, primarily from heated bathroom and entry floor tiles. Hot water is provided by a heat pump hot water tank, which operates on electric resistance during the heating season to avoid cooling the residence. During the warmer months the heat pump provides some cooling to the residence. Each unit is supplied with it’s own HRV located in the walk in closet of the master bedroom.