The BCIT Passive House video series

The final Episode of the BCIT Passive House video Sseries is live which is why we decided to share this blog with all the episodes linked and a full list of experts, sponsors and contributors who have been involved in awesome project!

What is the BCIT Passive House video series about?

In collaboration with an incredible client and BattersbyHowat Architecture, Inc., we have built a home in West Vancouver that meets the highest Energy Standards of any of our projects yet – Our West Bay Passive House!

This ultra modern Home is not only beautiful but also Passive House certified with an 0 GJ/ year Energuide rating, which, among other things, means that it produces more Energy than it uses!

BCIT’s School of Construction and the Environment documented the entire process, and – together with West Coast Innovations Lab and Approach Media, created a short video series that tracked our progress from concept to execution. The videos will now be used in BCIT classrooms to educate about Net Zero and Passive House building, and inspire the next generation of tradespeople to build with efficiency in mind.

The Episodes have also been shared online via the BCIT website and YouTube, as a free resource for any home builders who want to learn more about Net Zero Energy, Passive House, and getting as efficient as possible while building.

Episode1: The Passive House standard

Kick-off of BCIT’s Passive House Video Series with an introduction to the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ of the Passive House Standard.

Experts in this Video:

  • Joe Geluch, President, Naikoon Contracting Ltd.
  • Alexandre Hebert, Manager, BCIT Zero Energy Building Learning Centre
  • Bettina Balcaen, Architect, Battersby Howat Architecture Inc.

Episode 2: Design

In this episode, we kick off the construction of the Radcliffe Passive House Project by reviewing the principles of Passive House Design, and learning about some of the project’s unique design challenges.

Experts in this video:

  • Joe Geluch, President, Naikoon Contracting Ltd.
  • Home Owners Janet Allan and James Dean, CEO, Core Energy Recovery Solutions
  • Andrew Chad, Partner, Aspect Structural Engineers
  • Bettina Balcaen, Architect, Battersby Howat Architecture Inc.

Episode 3: Footings and foundations

In Episode 3, we take a closer look at how the principles of Passive House impact the design and construction of the footing and foundation elements of the Radcliffe House.

Experts in this video:

  • Simon Wong , Project Manager, Naikoon Contracting
  • Shawn Barr , Construction Manager, Naikoon Contracting
  • Adam Gerber Project Engineer, Aspect Structural Engineers
  • Bettina Balcaen, Architect, Battersby Howat Architecture Inc.

Episode 4: Framing

In Episode 4, we take a closer look at the framing of the Radcliffe House, and learn how locally-sourced cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels are combined with 3D modelling to build to the Passive House Standard. Episode 4 presents the unique framing technique usedusing locally sourced cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, and how 3D modelling of the entire framing technique was used to ensure the principles of Passive House are maintained.

Sponsored by Aspect Structural Engineers and Cut my Timber

Experts in this video:

  • Simon Wong , Project Manager, Naikoon Contracting
  • Stephan Schneider, Cut my Timber
  • Bettina Balcaen, Architect, Battersby Howat Architecture Inc.

Episode 5: Insulation and barrier

In this next installment of the BCIT Passive House Video Series, we take a closer look at the principles and practices behind creating an air-tight, highly insulated building envelope.

Sponsored by ROCKWOOL

Experts in this video:

  • Simon Wong , Project Manager, Naikoon Contracting
  • Pierre Andre Santin, Instructor at BCIT
  • Emilia Coghill, Rockwool North America
  • Shawn Barr , Construction Manager, Naikoon Contracting

Episode 6: Windows

A long-standing notion that Passive Homes require small windows to reduce heat loss is completely dispelled in this next episode of our video series. Learn about design tips for passive solar heat gain, and watch as crews complete the window installation for a bright and modern look and feel.

Sponsored by SIGA North America

Experts in this video:

  • James Bates, Owner, JTB Installations
  • Simon Wong , Project Manager, Naikoon Contracting
  • Bettina Balcaen, Architect, Battersby Howat Architecture Inc.
  • Shawn Barr , Construction Manager, Naikoon Contracting

Episode 7: Heat recovery

In this episode we take a closer look at the principles and application of Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR), and how these simple yet highly effective technologies are instrumental in boosting overall building energy efficiency and occupant comfort for the passive house.

Sponsored by Small Planet Supply

Experts in this video:

  • Albert Rooks, CEO Small Planet Supply
  • Stuart Hood, Managing Principal, Integral Group
  • Duncan Rowe, the HVAC operations Manager, Paris Plumbing and Heating
  • Nick Burgees, Paris Plumbing and Heating
  • Solveig Rey, Sales Manager, Core Energy Recovery Solutions

Episode 8. Airtightness testing

In this episode, building envelope performance is validated through the blower door test. The first test is performed at mid-construction, while the final blower door test is performed prior to occupancy to receive Passive House certification.

Sponsored by E3 Eco Group

Experts in this video:

  • Ryan Keogh, Mechanical Engineer, E3 Eco Group
  • Emma Conway, certified Energy Advisor, E3 Eco Group
  • Loreena Dobson, field Technician, E3 Eco Group

Episode 9: Reveal and wrap-up

In our final episode of the series, we take a tour of the finished home, and reflect with the entire team on the challenges and opportunities of building to the passive house standard.

Experts in this video:

  • Joe Geluch, President, Naikoon Contracting Ltd.
  • Bettina Balcaen, Architect, Battersby Howat Architecture Inc.
  • Marcel Studer, Passive House Consultant, Econ Group Ltd.
  • Adam Gerber Project Engineer, Aspect Structural Engineers
  • Home Owner James Dean, CEO, Core Energy Recovery Solutions