Net Zero Laneway House - Exterior

Built: 2012

Vancouver's first Net-Zero Solar Laneway House was built as an infill on an existing residential lot. The passive solar house is 1020 square feet and features 1' thick walls. The project was built using prefab Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), has 95% LED lighting, a 500 gallon in-ground rainwater tank, drain-water heat recovery, a heat recovery ventilator, an air-source heat pump (for space heating and hot water), and an array of 12 solar panels on the roof. The solar energy system generates extra power in the summer - which is sold back onto the grid - and it draws on that stored power in the winter. The 18′ multi-fold doors on the living/dining space create a wide open indoor-outdoor connection while the door's southern orientation provides passive solar heating.