Unique Passive Solar

Custom Features

• Passive solar design leverages mass storing capabilities and insulative qualities of SIREWALLS
• Thick SIREWALLS create an acoustical barrier from the busy road
• Kitchen cabinets are made from locally milled & kiln-dried broad leaf maple
• Rot proof, insect proof, fire resistant, earthquake safe, no dry rot
• Durable recycled rubber tire shingles for curving rooftop
• Integrated indoor/outdoor living spaces
• Ground level gutters create a visual crisp roof edge plus rainwater falls from 4-foot overhangs is captured for the landscape water system
• Southfacing soffits are tilted up at the angle of the winter solstice sun at noon, minimizing winter soffit shading

Technical Details

• Conserving energy, radiant floor heating is combined with over 100 tons of thermal mass from insulated (R33) rammed earth, R56 roof, and R20 floors
• Controlling humidity within a few percentage points is achieved through the humidity flywheel effect of rammed earth
• Second storey light-tunnel supplies natural light to the north side of the home, balancing the light from the south
• Radiant tubing, run through an interior rammed earth wall, creates a “radiant wall”

Awards & Recognition

• 2002 CARE People’s Choice Award
• 2003 Best Home Builder in BC Small Volume Silver
• 2003 Georgie Award Best Environmental Consideration and Energy Efficiency
• 2003 Georgie Award Best Single Detached Home 2,000 – 2,999 sq.ft.
• 2003 CARE Award for Environmental Achievement
• 2003 CARE People’s Choice Award
• 2003 Silver CARE Award: Best Single Family Detached Custom Home 1,800 – 2,999 sq.ft.

Location: Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Designer / Builder: Terra Firma Builders