Passive Solar Home + Solar Panels + EV – PS, SE
Margaret and Eric Tsuz-King live in a passive solar home, that has solar photovoltaic panels on the roof and drive a plug-in hybrid. Power couple? We think so! …
The Terra Berma Project – Sustainable Off Grid Living- BE, GT, SE
Along the tip of the Kingston Peninsula, the Terra Berma Project is a sustainable living project that demonstrates off-grid living doesn’t need mean compromising comfort. Constructed over 5 years using primarily using recycled tires and cob (a natural building material made from subsoil, water, some kind of fibrous organic material), the home was built out from the side of a hill using rammed earth techniques. The combination of building materials and lack of exposed walls means that the house is very well insulated. Ceiling insulation comes from a green roof, on the top of the split-story. The hill faces south …
Air to Air Heat Pump in Knowlesville- PS
This 2-bedroom bungalow in Knowlesville, NB, is heated and cooled by a 350 W (1200 BTU/h) air-to-air heat pump. The move from wood to 2 heat pump units has greatly improved the efficiency of the home plus adding cooling capacity for the summer. Both heat pumps are manufactured by Fujitsu. The system is well sized for the house. She found that the installation was done quickly and professionally. Her heating, cooling and electricity needs are being met for approximately $1599/year, less than when she had the wood stove. …
Passive Solar in Heath Steele- PS
This is a retirement home on the North West Miramichi that the couple spent decades designing and refining. The building is …
Cultural and Sport Centre in Cormier Village (Eco-Park) Phase 10- GT, SE, PS
The Ecoparc includes a 3.6 hectare (9 acre) Acadian forest woodlot along the Kouchibouguac (Kagibougouet) River. In partnership with Vision H2O and with the assistance of a Roland Chiasson, a biologist and naturalist, educational trails have been established. Plans call for a minimum 0.8-hectare (2-acre) sustainable landscaped and demonstration area. Included will be an organic vegetable garden, native plant and shrubs, sustainable water management demonstration to mention a few of our plans. This project has been 2 years in the planning. The residents in Cormier Village have been consulted in depth as well as many consultants in energy efficient construction and representatives of …
Off-Grid Passive Home in Baie-Verte- PS
Nestled on top of Uniacke Hill near Baie Verte, there is a unique off-grid passive solar home. Located on an old country road, it is surrounded by open fields that allow a rolling wind to cool the home in the summertime. It is a passive solar home because almost all of the windows are located on the southern facing side of the home, which allows for passive solar light and heat gain. Passive solar homes require significantly less energy because they harness heat through the windows on the sunniest side of the home. …
Passive Solar in Knowlesville- BE, PE
This family lived off-grid for a number of years, relying on batteries and a generator for their electricity, and learning how to conserve it. It was found that this was fairly high-maintenance and, as the home owner aged, it was decided to get grid electricity to help meet some of the lighting, appliance, and computer/internet needs. …
Passive Solar Home with Masonry Heater in French Lake- BE, PS
This passive solar, 232 m2 (2500 sq. ft.) home is located on a scenic, south facing slope. It is located on 2.0 hectares (5 acres) of waterfront property, facing the Saint John River and a lake. The home has lots of natural light, with each room receiving direct natural light at some point in the year. Though it gets too hot in the late summer at times, which is why they have added curtains to some of the south facing windows, they find it very comfortable the rest of the year. They have put their bedroom in the basement, which is comfortable year round. They …
Passive Solar Home with Geothermal Heat Pump in Kingston Peninsula- PS, GT
The owners wanted to build a home that would have low long-term costs, be comfortable, and modern. They decided to build a passive solar home because it met these criteria. They find the home to be very comfortable, and are happy with their choice. They also chose very energy efficient appliances, and used recycled or very durable materials where they could. For instance, they used HardiePlank siding on their building exterior, as it is very durable and shouldn’t have to be replaced as long as the owners occupy the building. …
Passive Solar on the family farm in Glassville- BE, PS
This newer home was built next to their family farm, and is set into a south-facing hill. The owners took advantage of this feature to include passive solar design elements, such as large windows on the south side of the home, and with large overhangs to provide shade during the summer. The north wall of the basement is buried by the hill, and the south-facing walk-out basement leads into the yard. The family finds this home very comfortable and efficient. …
