We “flipped the switch” to activate our new Off-Grid PV system almost two weeks ago and have been enjoying the benefits of energy independence ever since. Two weeks ago we commissioned our Off-Grid PV system and have since had peace of mind knowing that if there is a grid failure, we’ll be just fine. To […]
A Guest’s Perspective on Our Open House
Paul Cairns, of Building for a Better Future, took part in our Open House in July and this was his interpretation. We couldn’t have said it any better, Paul, thank you! http://www.buildingsforabetterfuture.org/2016/07/19/ecogen-energy-and-builds-passive-house-visit/
Now That’s Cool! Effective Cooling with Ground Loops
We did it: Natural Cooling! Once again, what was design on paper has been proven to work in real life. The same radiant floor system that puts heat into the house and moves it around, can also take it out. By coupling it with the tubes that we buried underground when we built the house, […]
Siding with Fibre Cement Board
The spring’s big surge of effort was put into siding the house. From the beginning we had it in mind that we wanted to work with fibre cement. We looked into other common forms of siding – wood, engineered wood, vinyl – but decided what we really wanted was the look of a quality material […]
Using Earth Energy to Preheat Ventilation Fresh Air Supply
I have taken a two-pronged approach this time: A short version, for those who are not interested in the technical aspects, and a much longer version for those who are. Short version: we built something to preheat the ventilation air for our house using the heat of the earth. It works and gives us lots […]
Moving In & Early Experiences
It’s been a while between posts but we were very busy getting the house ready enough to live in and of course, getting prepared for Christmas and more family home from university. And then there is just life and more work on the house and completing a big solar project in Ottawa… So what’s happened […]
Cold Weather, No Heating, But Passive Comfort
Wow! I don’t have words to express how satisfying – and at times even amazing – it is when I walk into the house and FEEL the comfort. With all but the last details of insulation complete and the heating not operational yet, the house has been hovering in the 17° to 21°C range. Let’s […]
House Tour with OSEA’s Green Energy Doors Open
Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, as one of Ottawa area’s five stops on the Green Energy Doors Open 2015 tour. Chris will be providing a guided tour every hour on the hour beginning at 9:00 AM. The tour itself is about 30 minutes with an extra 20 […]
CBC Ottawa Morning’s Interview with Chris
An excellent interview with Robyn Bresnahan on the build in Merrickville! Great detail and interesting questions!
Getting Ready for Drywall
Since the last entry describing the construction, we’ve been focused on a broad range of activities including some work off-site at Carleton University. Here’s a short list of things we’ve been up to: • Rainwater Store. We’ve completed the installation of the liner with inlets and overflow outlets and sealing to the foundation. We also […]