Tay Valley House

Perth, ON

A young family bought a wooded rural lot with the dream of building their “forever home”: a house with a minimal environmental impact that can meet their evolving needs. Living spaces are designed for entertaining and family gatherings, with large south-facing windows and easy access to a generous screened porch. These are complemented by versatile private spaces that serve as a personal gym, guest room, movie room, office and art & crafts space. The house leverages ordinary materials through meticulously designed details and close collaboration with an open-minded construction crew to achieve exceptional energy savings.

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• Renewable and locally-manufactured construction materials were used whenever possible, such as cellulose insulation (recycled newspaper) and wood-fibre insulation boards made in Quebec.

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• The project is certified as a "Low Energy Building" by the International Passivhaus Institute.

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Team

Architecture & energy modelling: Tandem Architecture Écologique

Mechanical engineer: Zon Engineering

Structural engineer: McIntosh Perry

General contractor: John Hodges

Custom millwork: Treehouse Cabinets 

PHI Certifier: RDH Building Science

Certified by the Passivhaus Institute