Design Philosophy
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
WHAT WE DO DIFFERENT
Our approach applies building science principles into intelligent building enclosure designs with simple constructability to produce a high-performance house that takes care of you, not the other way around. This requires a deep understanding of how a building functions as a system to impact energy efficiency, durability, comfort and indoor air quality.
Achieved with a super-insulated, thermal bridge free, and airtight building enclosure designed to eliminate or significantly downsize active (mechanical) heating systems. Providing robust and resilient assemblies to manage moisture and not trap it with non-breathable (vapour impermeable) materials. This design concept can be compared to the well established outdoor clothing industry with jackets and pants that are waterproof, windproof and extremely breathable. Thanks to reliable moisture management, sweat is able to diffuse through the fabric making it comfortable to wear. Sound building enclosure design can similarly moderate these conditions if made breathable and airtight. Better moisture control, healthier indoor air, structural longevity, and lower operating (utility) costs are all benefits that can be directly related to Akira Living’s design approach.
Akira Living integrates materials that maximize efficiency and serve multiple purposes. For example, plywood or OSB wall sheathing is mandatory to provide lateral support to the wall framing, but also functions a durable vapour retarder, and air barrier (with taped joints) that can endure strong wind loads with no displacement or failure. The materials that comprise the building enclosure were selected and verified to meet the following evaluation criteria:
- Market availability
- Constructability
- Durability
- Moisture Management
- Cost vs. Energy Performance
- Building Code Acceptance
- Resource Efficient
- Healthy (do not include or emit harmful substances)
- Maintenance Free
We do not design to barely meet minimum Building Code Standards, Akira Living design to exceed Building Code Standards to create a healthy living environment.