Challenge
Ecolighten was proud to work with Zirnhelt Timber Frames Ltd. and the Esk’etemc First Nation on the Alkali Lake Health and Wellness Centre: a five-bed facility offering culturally appropriate recovery services to indigenous residents of the Thompson Cariboo region.
Located in the remote community of Alkali Lake, west of Williams Lake, the Local Energy Efficiency Partnership (LEEP) demonstration project (in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, BC Housing, BC Hydro and FortisBC) faced several initial challenges, most notably, the region’s extreme climatic conditions. This is a community where expensive diesel-generated hydro is the only source of energy. Access to local trades and equipment supply chain is limited.
Client:
Zirnhelt Timber Frames Ltd.
Location:
Alkali Lake, BC
Building Type:
First Nations Rehabilitation Centre
Building Size:
7000 sq. ft. (2 floors and full crawl)
Approach
Ecolighten was tasked with finding solutions to all the inherent challenges of this project to design a modern, energy- and cost-efficient HVAC facility that would achieve very ambitious performance targets.
Working within budget and schedule restraints, Ecolighten success was due in large part by effective coordination between the general contractor, local trades, manufacturers, suppliers, utilities and various government agencies.
We really appreciated the experience and expertise that Ecolighten is able to bring to the mechanical HVAC component of our custom home projects. Their Home Performance Design service is an excellent fit to ensure a home will be healthy, comfortable and energy efficient.
Zirnhelt Timber Frames
Results
The end result: Alkali Lake Health and Wellness Centre became the first ever project in a First Nations community and in a northern climate to receive a Net Zero Energy Ready label from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.
To view the facility and learn more, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOU7CGESfShClC1zNXbucXg