JWT Architecture and Planning, a Bowen Island based design firm, has been named as a finalist in the International Living Building Challenge design competition to design carbon neutral, net zero energy, affordable housing for Alaska's Aleutian Islands. JWT is one of only 15 finalists out of 180 registered teams from 27 countries around the world and the only Canadian firm to be named a finalist. JWT`s concept for a living Alaska home will be part of a larger exhibit at the upcoming Living Futures Conference in Portland, Oregon.
JWT's concept utilizes an innovative and transformative technology called cross-laminated timber (CLT). This system is inherently simple, yet provides several advantages over traditional building systems including a greatly accelerated building time, waste free installation, significant thermal mass and carbon sequestration, low embodied energy and a healthy breathable building. In a factory controlled environment, 1 by 4 boards are aligned and glued together using an advanced, formaldehyde free, non-toxic adhesive. Then a second layer of 1 by 4 boards is aligned and glued in at a 90 degree angle to the first. Additional layers are added to achieve different strengths and R Values. These are then cut using computer aided robotics to any shape and size.
The roof design is reminiscent of an overturned boat hull. Long gables protect the east and west walls while a continuous system of brightly rendered steel cladding protects the south and north walls. The absence of eaves creates less uplift of the roof during the fierce winter storms. The bright colors of the windows and accent colors in the interior bring this home to life and contribute to the cheerfulness of the village setting. This proposal has completed energy modeling and is net zero and meets all of the Living Building Challenge requirements. The proposal is to create a net zero building for 450K that can be recreated along remote areas of the west coast.
The Cascadia Green Building Council and the Aleutian Housing Authority (AHA) are the sponsors of this challenge. The competition follows the principles of the Living Building Challenge 2.0, which encourages builders to create today's greenest homes.
JWT's work is currently being featured in an exhibition hosted by the Architectural Institute of BC entitled Reaching Higher Ground. This exhibition highlights British Columbia architects that are involved in transformative and ground breaking projects that are elevating the profession. JWT's principal James Tuer was shortlisted last year as Western Living's Eco Designer of the Year. For more information see www.jwtarchitecture.com.
