Vienna House

As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the need for sustainable, adaptable housing has never been greater. Vienna House, an affordable housing project in Vancouver, is a groundbreaking response to this challenge. By combining advanced construction methods, energy-efficient technologies, and community-centered design, Vienna House sets a new benchmark for climate-resilient living.

High-Performance Building Envelope

At the heart of Vienna House’s energy-efficient design is its high-performance building envelope, which minimizes energy loss while maintaining a stable indoor environment. The design features double-stud wall construction, which maximizes insulation and airtightness—key components to meeting the stringent Passive House standard.

An illustration of using taped interior OSB/plywood sheathing as the major air barrier of an exterior double-stud wall assembly (source: FPInnovations)

The envelope’s airtightness is further optimized through a carefully designed air barrier system. A taped oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing, located between the exterior structural wall frame and interior service wall, serves as the primary air barrier. This system ensures continuity between opaque assemblies and openings, such as windows, to minimize air leakage. Additionally, all penetrations whether mechanical, electrical, or structural will be appropriately sealed with high-performance Tescon Vana tape. These efforts underscore our commitment to thoughtful design and execution, ensuring Vienna House meets Passive House standards.

Photo by Andrew Latreille

Passive Cooling Strategies

Vienna House uses passive cooling strategies to maintain comfort while minimizing energy use. Firstly, the design of the units encourages cross-ventilation, allowing air to flow freely and naturally throughout the spaces. Residents also benefit from operable exterior shading and strategically placed balcony overhangs, which reduce solar heat gain during warmer months.

Illustration of passive house cross ventilation at Vienna House (source: Public Architecture)

Secondly, a central courtyard lies at the heart of Vienna House, serving as a multifunctional space that enhances both environmental performance and community well-being. This thoughtfully designed courtyard facilitates air circulation, helping to cool the surrounding units.

Rendering of Vienna House courtyard (source: Public Architecture)

Lastly, the courtyard features a blue-green roof system, an innovative solution that captures rainwater for irrigation and gradually releases it into the stormwater system. This approach not only mitigates urban heat island effects but also contributes to the project’s integrated stormwater management plan, reducing the strain on municipal infrastructure during heavy rainfall.

Cross section of courtyard (source: Matthew Thomson Design).

Energy-Efficient Mechanical Systems

Vienna House takes a forward-thinking approach to its mechanical systems, prioritizing both energy efficiency and resilience. Heating and cooling are provided through an all-electric system that eliminates the need for fossil fuels. Central energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) ensure a steady supply of fresh, filtered air to all units while recovering energy from outgoing air to pre-heat or pre-cool incoming air, depending on the season.

Comparison of solar radiation with exterior vs. interior shading (source: PUBLIC Architecture).

The project also incorporates a mixed-mode ventilation system, offering residents the flexibility to use natural or mechanical ventilation as needed. During mild weather, natural ventilation through operable windows enhances comfort and reduces energy consumption. On hotter days or during wildfire smoke events, the mechanical system ensures a consistent supply of filtered, temperature-controlled air, protecting indoor air quality and maintaining comfort. This dual approach provides an added layer of resilience, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

Spanish-style roller blinds similar to those selected for Vienna House (source: PUBLIC Architecture).

Sustainable Construction

Vienna House features sustainable construction through its innovative use of mass timber, light wood framing, and prefabrication. Mass timber, known for its ability to store carbon and lower embodied emissions, delivers structural strength, fire resistance, and cost efficiency—qualities essential for affordable housing.

Prefabricated exterior walls.

Prefabrication complements these advantages by streamlining production. Key components are manufactured off-site under controlled conditions, reducing waste, ensuring precision, and cutting on-site energy use. This approach accelerates construction timelines, enabling high-quality project delivery on a faster schedule.

Prefabricated exterior walls install.

Mass timber and prefabricated components are being utilized at Vienna House to demonstrate how modern construction practices can balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility, offering a viable blueprint for future affordable and sustainable housing developments.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor and ceiling sections.

A Model for Affordable, Resilient Living

As one of ten projects in the CMHC’s National Housing Demonstration Program, Vienna House is a shining example of how affordable housing can integrate sustainability, community, and resilience. By adopting Passive House standards, utilizing prefabrication, and prioritizing all-electric systems, Vienna House is setting the stage for a future where homes are not only built to last but also to thrive in the face of climate challenges.