Sasec Comfort Design
257 - 12th St. North T1H2G3 Lethbridge, AB, Canada

Just a simple chart showing the importance of modelling house performance to find that perfect balance between comfort, performance, and cost. This is for a build in a mild Southern BC climate and shows a simplified look at the relationship between different levels of insulation placed under the basement concrete slab and the affect this has on heat demand for this particular house. This project might be aiming for Passive House levels, so this is just a starting point. Interesting point here is at 3" of insulation...Heat Demand for the structure is reduced by ~33% than when compared to only using 1" of insulation.

Windows can bring some of the best positive improvement in comfort, quiet, and overall building efficiency. Quality is key and I firmly believe that we need to reduce the use of plastics (and our exposure) in our living spaces and boost the natural materials used. Here's some collaboration with Crafted Windows & Doors (Instagram) this summer to create some amazing living spaces. From a whole house redo to only starting with a few units, the impacts are immediate. Getting aw...ay from the use of plastics, using more local materials and enhancing long-term durability. Solid Fir frames with wood sourced from BC, High quality glazing from Alberta and European hardware come together to make amazing Tilt & Turn windows that will last for years. Natural finishes/paints, air-tight, triple-pane glass. Windows that won't just end up in a landfill someday. It's always a pleasure to be a part of lasting positive change of any space!

With many now spending a lot of time in their house under stress, it's a perfect time to sit back and look at how your house is affecting your mental state. Does your house ease your stress or increase it? Does it support you (physically and mentally?) or diminish you? Do you realize you need a place of support? A place to do yoga/meditate/pray/gather your thoughts/get a good night's sleep...perhaps this isn't there.... Is it sunny, warm, quiet, durable, stable? It goes beyond just house performance and efficiency. Having a space that includes these elements is great, but a house that doesn't help elevate and support you mentally seems a waste to me. If you'd like, post a pic, or describe, the place you have at home that helps support you and your family. Here's a pic of one of mine...Large hammock (yes...inside!) that overlooks a park and get's lots of sunshine. Worked on reading & homework with my son in it and a perfect place for him to de-stress...one of my favourite times/places in my home. If you don't have a place that supports you, let me know...I can help you with developing and planning to have one.

Efficient buildings and retrofits of existing buildings would go a long ways to reach these goals. This is where a building efficiency standard like "Passive House" (around for 40 years FYI) can make more than just a dent...can make a large impact for generations to come.

We were able to model a great wall and boost the performance by about 40% with only an increase in construction cost of ~ 6%. This is on a large home, the monthly savings in utilities will easily pay for these upgrades in a short period of time. Not to mention the daily comfort improvements in both sound and temperature. Not a Passive House level build, but definitely a great step in the right direction that will benefit the homeowners every single day...hot or cold.

Upcoming Passive House course this Friday. This is the last of the winter courses that have been put on this winter around the province. Let's take comfort and efficiency to the next level! Held at the multicultural centre here in Lethbridge from 8:30 - 4:30. Go to www.passivehousealberta.com/courses to sign up.