Heating and air-conditioning are provided by three (3) geothermal pumps, one to supply each unit, and are connected by closed loop to two (2) common wells.
Domestic hot water requirements have been reduced to a minimum by choosing low hot water-demand appliances. Water is heated in four (4) stages: first, by a shower DWHR (drain water heat recovery) pipe; second, by heat pump desuperheaters; third, by thermal solar panels; and finally, by auxiliary electricity.
The heat pumps can also supply the units with 100% fresh air from outside with the use of compressors, when conditions permit, during periods when the occupants do not want to open their windows.
Each condominium unit has a high-efficiency heat recovery fan.

Building Envelope

Walls (R45):

Soy-based spray polyurethane foam installed on the outside to serve as insulation and a vapour barrier (R15)
Soy-based spray polyurethane foam installed on the inside to serve as insulation and a vapour barrier (R30)
Minimum Novoclimat requirement: R24.5

Roof (R70):

Foundation (R45):

Stair enclosure:

The stair enclosure serves as a tempered lobby that is unheated but insulated, providing access to the individual units.
The outer wall (R21) is insulated with soy-based spray polyurethane foam and also serves as an air and vapour barrier.
The inner wall (R36), between the stairs and the individual units, is also insulated with soy-based polyurethane foam, and also serves as a vapour barrier, and is supplemented with rock wool insulation.

Windows (R7):

Imperviousness of the building:

Solar Shading, Daylight & Lighting

A pergola of thermal and photovoltaic solar panels projects over and shades the shared roof-top terrace.
Natural lighting is maximized by large, well-placed windows and light-coloured surfaces to diffuse the natural light throughout the space. Simulations were done to determine the optimum solution.
Artificial lighting is from compact fluorescent sources.