About the Initiative
The objective of this project is to validate the use of pre-fabrication (panelization and modular construction) and integrated mechanical system technologies, design and practices on Net Zero Energy Ready and Net Zero Energy MURBs to optimize energy efficient performance, increase construction productivity, shorten construction schedules, and reduce costs.
Six builders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario will each build a low-rise MURB for purely residential occupancy. The building will consist of a set of separate, stacked units, with each unit having a private entrance either outside the building or from a common hall, lobby, vestibule or stairway inside the building. They will incorporate a minimum of two vertically stacked units and be a minimum of two storeys above finished grade.
The panelized/modular (factory built) construction will be optimized for advanced, high-performance envelopes designed to address high RSI values, thermal bridging, and airtightness, and will include advanced windows. The integrated mechanicals will be optimized and right-sized and will include technologies such as heat pumps and ventilation (HRVs/ERVs). A holistic house-as-a-system design approach will be utilized while optimizing for performance and costs. This will include a focus on increasing construction productivity and reducing construction schedules, thereby further reducing costs.
The project will be led by CHBA who will work with the participating building teams. It includes four stages: