ERA Architects refurbished the Ken Soble Tower in Hamilton, Ontario, to create the largest residential building in the world to achieve Passivhaus EnterPHit certification. The architects used European Passivhaus standards to redesign the building with energy efficiency.
The retrofitted building boasts 18 stories and was constructed in 1967. It was originally a postwar social housing building. Now, the building has updated cladding to ensure thermal performance and airtightness. ERA used R38 over-cladding on top of the existing concrete to minimize changes to the envelope. In addition, the architectural firm used Canadian-made, fiberglass-framed, Passivhaus-certified windows to maximize the effectiveness of the mechanical systems. The building also utilizes a five-stage cooling system, encompassing ceiling fans, interior shades, and centralized ventilation.
Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings
Ken Soble Tower Achieved Passivhaus EnerPHit Certification
Trend Themes
1. Passivhaus Enterphit Certification - Passivhaus EnterPHit certification is becoming more significant as environmental concerns continue to rise. Innovations to improve building energy efficiency provide significant profitability opportunities.
2. Thermal Performance and Airtightness - Future building designs will focus on thermal performance and airtightness to improve energy efficiency. There are significant opportunities for disruptive innovation to develop cost-effective ways to reduce energy use.
3. Five-stage Cooling System - Building cooling systems that utilize ceiling fans, interior shades, and centralized ventilation will be the future of energy-efficient design. Innovations to improve these systems could be a significant revenue opportunity.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry stands to benefit significantly from energy-efficient building designs that utilize Passivhaus EnterPHit certification. There are various opportunities for firms to develop cost-effective ways to retrofit existing buildings.
2. Architecture - The architectural industry will continue to innovate building designs that focus on energy efficiency, thermal performance, and airtightness. Firms can gain a competitive advantage by developing and implementing these designs into their projects.
3. Window Manufacturing - Window manufacturers will continue creating windows that meet Passivhaus certification standards to maximize the effectiveness of mechanical systems. Developing efficient window systems can increase revenue potential for companies in this industry.