FULL EXTERIOR RENOVATION

Whole-Building Energy Modelling

Akira Living has extensive experience in computer generated energy modelling with the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) and DesignPH software.  The software renders a 3D model of the house, which is useful during the design stage to get a digital tour and make revisions if required.  The energy model outputs data on where the house is losing heat energy and why.  The energy model is useful for optimizing heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system sizing and evaluating the cost effectiveness of various design choices (orientation of the house, window locations, amount of insulation in the walls, etc).  And most importantly, the energy model provides an accurate estimate on how the real house will perform if built to the same specification.  The energy model outputs data on monthly energy consumption to predict future operating (utility) costs.  Design choices directly affect energy consumption to heat or cool the house, which increases or decreases utility costs.  Essentially, we can put a value on a seemingly small or large change that will help a client make an intelligent design choice, that’s Akira Living.

A building enclosure tailored to suit the project’s specific climate is just as important during the summer months to maintain cool indoor conditions and reduce the occurrence of overheating.  The energy model can predict the occurrence of overheating in every house to make intelligent choices early in the design stage.  An airtight super-insulated building enclosure works more efficiently than installing active systems such as air conditioning units.  It is similar to a good quality camping cooler designed to reduce ice melt, which also depends on an airtight super-insulated enclosure.  Would you buy a poorly insulated camping cooler if you knew the constant expense of adding more ice?  This is an example of active system cooling that will end up costing more to use.  A cooling system is usually not necessary to maintain cool indoor conditions in a Passive House.

Schematic Design Stage Energy Model

This energy model is the best opportunity to evaluate and optimize the renovation design to make informed decisions.  Objective is to determine if still on path to meet the project goal.

Design Development

This service builds onto the Schematic Design Stage Energy Model.  At this stage we will dive deeper into developing construction assemblies, building enclosure details, and specifying what doors and windows may be installed.  Objective is to determine if your project can be an EnerPHit Certified Retrofit.

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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.