Discovery 3 House, Avalon’s third demonstration house, is not only an energy efficient Built Green™ house, it will be Avalon’s first NET-ZERO energy house.
Discovery 3 House harnesses the power of the sun for its energy requirements. The house will not be connected to any natural gas source, however it will be tied into the power utility grid, allowing power to be bought and "sold" back into the grid system as needed. The house will rely on its own extensive solar and other renewable power systems to produce as much power as it consumes on an annual basis. A solar powered integrated space and water heating system will provide comfortable radiant in-floor heating and hot water on demand.
The house also features an innovative wall and window system to minimize overall energy consumption while keeping the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. An advanced greywater recycling system reduces Discovery 3’s reliance on the municipal water system.
Discovery 3 House will function with a series of systems whereby each component contributes to its overall energy efficiency. The three primary systems; the envelope, power and heating/ventilation are optimized for long term resource efficiency and homeowner comfort.
Discovery 3 House will be built as part of CMHC’s EQuilibrium sustainable housing initiative. The house will serve as a blueprint for future resource efficient construction.
