LEED Gold SIP Multifamily Vancouver BC

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Project Information

Project Type: Residential, Multifamily
Manufacturer: Insulspan
Builder: Anthem Properties
Design Professional: Insulspan
Year Built: 2019

Performance

High Performance: Yes
HERS/EUI Index Score:
ACH50 - Blower Test Results: 0.82
kBtu/sq.ft./year:
CO2 lbs./sq.ft./year:

Awards/Certifications: LEED Platinum, Silver

Anthem Properties decided to build a LEED Gold Certified multi-family residential complex, they knew they had to earn as many points (60-79) as possible. For that reason, they chose to build with SIPs because they could earn more points and achieve a more airtight structure.

As the project progressed, the crews got into a rhythm and pretty soon they were one step ahead because they knew what was coming next. The relatively short learning curve and the speed of the construction were very important parts of the build. Anthem knew they wanted to achieve the LEED Gold Certification and they knew the energy efficiency of Insulspan SIPs would get them there. 

The buildings are located on a hill so there had to be special engineering considerations, but the most impressive design elements are the roof system, minimal air leakage, and large window openings. For example, it is both innovative and impressive to achieve such an airtight structure with minimum leakage and an overall ACH of .82 while still incorporating large windows throughout the buildings. It is through this attention to design that the architects and builders knew they could achieve LEED Gold Certification, BC Energy Step Code 4 which is the highest level that can be achieved for a multifamily project.

Carrington View Building A was developed as a net-zero ready building and targets the top step of the BC Energy Step Code. The building incorporates a SIP wall system for improved waste management as well as zero-carbon mechanical systems and on-site solar power generation.

Incorporating SIPs into this building project was an integral part of creating a tight building envelope which is necessary in a net-zero ready building. SIPs also decreased the amount of waste created on the job site.

Every design element of this building was first considered through the prism of "how does it help this project meet the target of net-zero ready?" Only after the team determined the element's usefulness in meeting the project's target was it implemented. That is how design elements like under slab insulation, high efficiency lighting, and the particular windows were selected.

Documents

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Insulspan SIPs

Delta, BC

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