Pilot House

Overview

The design of the pilot project is based on a simple one story, rectangular building built with interlocking, lime Stabilized, Compressed Earth Bricks (S CEB).  More info and videos are available on construction details. 

Timeline

The plan is to build in 2025 a first house based on this model in the Canadian National Capital region, with the assistance of the charity e3Habitat and the local community. 

Passive Solar Design

This design combines passive solar and high thermal insulation to reduce to a minimum the heating and cooling loads. Natural light is abundantly available in all rooms. Openings are laid out to allow optimum cross ventilation. Optimized overhangs prevent overheating in the spring/winter and fall. 

Bio-Sourced Materials

Virtually all the materials used are natural, non-toxic building products, and the house is optimized to reduce exposure to VOCs, EMF and provide the healthiest possible living environment. The bulk of the building materials can be sourced, produced or constructed locally.

Thermal Insulation

Natural loose fibres are used for the insulation in the double wall cavities and in the attic. Insulating window shutters add an R8 value, and when properly operated, provide 4 to 5 times the thermal insulation compared to double-glazed windows. 

Energy System

The heating system distributes the heat through hydronic floors. The floor is made of clay based (earthen) hardened material. The basic electric boiler can be replaced with optional air source or water source (ground) heat pumps.  Optional solar PV panels can be integrated to the roof of the house, the roof of sheds or car ports, window shutter blinds or to vertical PV fences. The PV system can be grid-connected or off-grid. When batteries are required to store electricity, sodium-ion batteries are used instead of lithium-ion (or lead) batteries.

Structural Details

The structure is made of load bearing walls reinforced with a micro piles and rebar structure. This replaces the need for conventional wood frame structures or traditional concrete beams and piles. A rubble foundation made with state-of-the-art approaches for cold climates and large wall structures further reduces the cost of the building. 

Other Design Optimization

Overhangs on all facades are specially designed to protect the outside CEB walls. This limits the need for expensive cladding and allows leaving exposed CEB in areas protected from the rain.
Options

 The shed is optional. The building is designed to easily allow active solar or other upgrades at a later date.