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.

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COMFORTABLE

Discomfort is felt when your body radiates heat to colder surfaces around you. This does not happen in a Passive House. Super-insulated building enclosure including high performance windows ensures comfortable interior conditions with no cold surfaces on the walls, floor, or roof. No temperature swings or drafts. The constant interior temperatures provide a new level of comfort – once you experience it you won’t go back.
BETTER INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system delivering constant fresh filtrated air resulting in better indoor air quality, free of mold and lower levels of carbon dioxide, creating a healthy space to live.
SOUNDPROOF
Super-insulated and airtight building enclosure eliminates nearly all street noise when all windows and doors are closed. So you can get back to Netflix in peace and quiet.
DURABLE
Super-insulated and airtight building enclosure that’s thermal bridge free with controlled ventilation prevents condensation from forming on interior surfaces. A structure free of condensation damage will ensure an extraordinary service life.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Passive House buildings consume 75% to 90% less heating energy than conventional homes. Save money on your monthly expenses by reducing your energy consumption.
Request to purchase the HIRO Detail Package in AutoCAD
Thank You. We will contact you as soon as possible.