Hybrid Living Home
Design Concept
The Hybrid Living Home was conceived to be the world's first truly hybrid home. What really differentiates our home from other environmentally focused projects is in combining all of the latest in alternative and renewable energy features with recent advances in Smart Home technologies. Elements such as energy efficient and environmentally friendly design and construction techniques and an opportunity for a holistic, healthy yet luxurious living lifestyle are being brought together to create the ultimate home of the future.
The home incorporates French Country architecture into 6200 sq ft of luxury living space and is surrounded by an environmental reserve and provides easy access to major highways and golf courses in the area. The home will be constructed on three levels and features an indoor waterfall feature, energy efficient fireplaces, 6 bedrooms, a nanny suite, 7 bathrooms, a media room, a wine cellar, a walk-out lower level and family/recreation living areas on all three levels. This home will also serve to provide charging systems for the electric cars and motorbikes that we produce.
Location
After several years of planning the construction of our prototype is underway near Calgary, Alberta for completion later this year. Upon completion the home will be open for viewing to the public for one year during which time all of the systems will be analyzed for inclusion into future Hybrid Living Subdivisions.
Alternative Energy Features
This house features Solar Panels for both electrical and heat production, Wind Turbines to capture the kinetic energy of near surface winds and a Geo-Thermal System to utilize the heat energy of the earth for efficient climate control (both heating and air-conditioning)
Smart Home Features
The project will incorporate the very latest Multi-Point Power Monitoring and Home Management Control System. Smart meters will enable the home owners to learn exactly how energy is used, manage the load, and reduce electricity waste and costs. We will also be using a full Security System that will incorporate finger print access control, internal and external cameras; and detection of most possible threats from break-in to fire and smoke to water leaks. Other features include a Wireless Communication System with central panel, the latest in Audio and Video technology and the Master Bedroom ensuite will feature a individually programmable commode stepped from the pages of a futuristic novel and a two-person Japanese soaker tub.
Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Design
The orientation of the home on its .85 acre lot was designed with regard to solar access and prevailing winds to optimize the location of solar and wind energy systems. The house is designed to maximize natural day-lighting and wind ventilation. The landscaping incorporates "Xeriscaping": an approach that uses existing resources to minimize the disruption to the existing trees and other aspects of the local habitat, and promote native species while conserving water and energy. Natural material and highly efficient insulation is the foundation for reducing heating and cooling costs. Recycled materials are used where possible to include wall sheathing, insulation, exterior decking, roofing materials (includes roofing shingles) and batten material.
A water conservation program will include rainwater harvesting, low flow and consumption shower heads, faucets and water closets. Energy conservation methods will include the latest in European designed low voltage light fixtures and lighting systems and a high efficiency fireplace designed to provide centralized heating that eliminates pollution through a particulate oxidizing after burner as well as the latest in high efficiency and low power usage appliances. We also feature a high efficiency induction cooking system in the kitchen that uses less power compared to conventional counter-top ranges.
Healthy Living Features
We will incorporate many systems and materials, to provide clean, allergen-free air. These systems include high-efficiency air filtration using UV and ionization filtration, the use of natural fiber carpets and formaldehyde free insulation. All of the paints used will be zero/low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), the adhesives will be water based and all materials used will be water based and chosen for their "low off-gassing qualities". Humidity in the home will be controlled to both dehumidify and add humidity as required.
Partners
Hybrid is working closely with the following companies in creating its Hybrid Living Home:
Enviro Homes
www.envirocustomhomes.ca
We have retained Enviro Custom Homes Inc. of Calgary to design the home and build the home. The philosophy of Enviro Homes is "to provide safe, energy-efficient, resource-efficient, environmentally friendly houses, at prices our customers can afford". Enviro Custom Homes' mission is to stay on the cutting edge of energy efficiency and renewable energy technology, always leading the industry forward to a cleaner environment, a healthier and more productive way of building.
Smart Technologies Inc.
www.smartspace.ca
Smartspace is Canada's innovative provider of automated solutions for commercial and residential space. They add security, comfort, efficiency or luxury to help spaces evolve to enhance lifestyle and productivity. Smartspace was retained to provide all of the latest in lighting controls, air quality control, entertainment systems, communications and security monitoring technologies. These technologies will focus on the lowest energy consumption systems available today.
Sedmek Inc
www.sedmek.com
Sedmek Inc. designs, sells and installs sustainable energy systems and environmentally friendly products. They are the only CanSIA certified Solar Thermal Installer in Alberta. We work with qualified professional plumbing, electrical and mechanical staff to install our high quality products.
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