Active House. Photo courtesy of VELUX.
The very first certified Active House in the world has been unveiled in Toronto.
More than just bricks and mortar, Active House is a modern design phenomenon – a fully integrated residential home created to deliver energy efficiency, low environmental impact and optimized climate control and ventilation via active systems designed to produce a home of comfort and well-being.
The project was designed by Toronto-based architecture firm superkül. Building Knowledge Canada Inc., Brockport Home Systems Ltd., Danish Technical Institute and VELUX A/S Building Industry (which in addition to being a manufacturer, operates a program to encourage research in daylighting) also contributed.
Great Gulf built the house with a mission to emphasize the lifestyle benefits of the Active House method (comfort, energy, environment, sustainability and lifestyle), and position it as a building philosophy of the future. The method creates a healthier and more comfortable life, contributes positively to the energy balance of the building and has a positive impact on the environment. Active House. Photo courtesy of VELUX.
The light-filled double-height C-shaped courtyard forms an architectural ?anchor? for the entire home. When the windows are open, the home?s overall design facilitates cross-breezes and natural ventilation to minimize the use of air conditioning. The ground-floor living room, dining area and kitchen are laid out as an op...