It’s being billed as the house of tomorrow.
There are many homes being built in Kelowna right now but one stands out from the rest.
It’s very small and far from elegant but what make this home different is that once complete it will be self-sufficient.
“This house is loaded as far as technology and advanced green options,” says builder Deren Sentesy.
There are countless green aspects that make the home unique including super thick insulation, a composting toilet and grey water recycling.
The home is also built with non-toxic building materials.
Once complete, the home will boast net zero water use and net zero energy.
“We have designed the roof to hold enough solar panels to provide electricity for a whole year. The roof will have enough water collected off the roof in a year to feed needs of occupants. The energy use and consumption has been reduced dramatically,” says Sentesy.
The house will have its own treatment system to purify the roof water.
Adding to the small footprint, the house is being built on a lot with an existing house.
- Three B.C. men fined, banned from hunting after killing pregnant deer
- B.C. child-killer’s attempt to keep new identity secret draws widespread outrage
- Inquest hears B.C. hostage was lying on her captor before fatal shooting
- ‘We’ve had to make a 180’: What Oregonians say they got wrong with decriminalization
The owners say the project came about from a personal need to help a family member.
“The project started because we need a home for my brother in law who is an adult with special needs for him to live in,” says Joanna Lige.
The construction budget is $140,000, not much especially when you consider the savings down the road.
“A small space is a cool opportunity to use some of these techniques versus a giant home. It also means the cost of running the home will be less or nothing depending on how many solar panels we get, that kind of thing,” says Lige.
With so many green bells and whistles, it’s hoped the home can become the first in the city to be self-sufficient and off the grid.
“We are required to hook up to city water and sewer and electrical grid yes but will we use that whole infrastructure? Let’s keep your fingers and hope we can be winding back the electrical bill l and not using water from the city. That t is the goal. We want to be off the grid, connected but off,” says Sentesy.
On top off sustainability, projects like this one could provide more affordable housing in a city that’s been billed as one of the most expensive in the country.
|
“this is happening in many places around the world now, “ says Sentesy.
If all goes according to plan-the home will be ready for occupancy before Christmas. Klaudia Van Emmerik Global News Kelowna
The home has met all the requirements of the Cascadia green building council.
The standards are even more rigorous than LEED regulations which help builders be environmentally responsible.
Comments