Combining resource-efficient Canadian building methods with modern DACH-region building physics results in a sustainable and economical system for high-performance wood construction. These were the findings of a case study which followed the development of a fully recyclable, prefabricated multi-family passive house from the community involvement process through to the fine-tuning of assembly details. Emphasis is put on the selection of sustainable materials and methods for building in an ecologically sensitive and remote location.

The study presents Quadra Island, a community on British Columbia’s coast which is experiencing a demographic shift shared by many rural communities on the coast: a lack of sustainable year-round industry as economies shift away from primary resource extraction. To add to this, housing price increases have outpaced median income dramatically for over a decade. With an influx of island homes being purchased for use as vacation properties, the number of year-round residents has decreased, to the detriment of the community.

Fortunately, there are many engaged residents looking to ensure Quadra’s viability as a sustainable island community. A young couple have earmarked an 11ha tract of forested land located in the heart of the community for developing affordable, accessible living, particularly with an eye to underserved demographics. In an extensive community involvement process, parameters for future housing initiatives were defined. Based on these parameters, this thesis presents an architecture and building typology to fit the genius loci- the protective spirit of the community. A multi-family, multi-generational “modern Bauernhof” which maintains the rainforest optic of the land is the result. Topographic LiDAR data from the property is used to peel back the forest canopy and analyze the land to determine optimal siting for structures as the housing initiative evolves to meet the changing needs of the community over the next 25 years.

From this architectural concept, serial construction methods are developed which combine traditional regional stick-framing methods with high-performance building assemblies used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Focus lies on the simple, uninterrupted and unperforated airtight layer between a two-component superinsulated exterior wall. A physical 1:1 model of an exterior building corner is assembled and analyzed. Acoustics, fire protection and hygrothermal performance are examined and optimized. Comfort ventilation systems are designed to DIN specifications. The result it an aesthetically pleasing, fully recyclable 600m2 Passivhaus-compliant building, highly replicable yet tailored to suit this unique community.

The findings of the study can be applied to those seeking to integrate community narrative into urban and rural development projects. The construction details are legible, flexible and scalable. The building assembly presented makes use of a ground screw foundation, cellulose insulation and locally sourced dimensional lumber wherever possible. The social, environmental and economic sustainability of the project is highlighted, as is the collaborative nature of a building project combining the best of two worlds; International Holzbau at its best.