Crisp Warburg House Sets the Bar for Super Energy-Efficiency in Canada

<a href="http://www.bioi.co/">Bioi Architects</a> have set a whole new standard of energy-efficiency with this crisp new farmhouse in Warburg, Canada. Tasked with building a home that is attractive, efficient, modern and yet affordable, the designers employed a series of innovative construction techniques and emergent technologies that cost their client less than $100,000. Bioi sheathed a re-purposed barn in a black metal skin, and the whole program was oriented for maximum southern exposure. Heavily insulated and then fitted with the most efficient mechanical systems available, the home was awarded the highest <a href="http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/16352">EnerGuide rating</a> possible.

The Warburg House in Alberta, Canada sets the bar for super energy-efficiency

Bioi sheathed a re-purposed barn in black corrugated metal

The home was set on the southern edge of a farmstead

Cutouts on the east and western edge permit loads of daylighting

Carefully-placed windows and skylights bring in even more light

The home is situated to maximize southern exposure

Energy-efficiency was one of the main priorities

In-floor radiant heating keeps the place warm in winter

A little deck extends out into a small meadow

Cedar decking is patterned after tree growth

All of the plumbing and mechanical infrastructure is housed in a birch-clad cube

The rest of the interior is minimally-detailed