Green architecture – Beachaus II, White Rock

Beachaus II is among the first independently certified sustainable homes built in the White Rock/South Surrey area which received LEED Platinum certificate from the Canadian Green Building Council (CAGBC) LEED program. The home has been carefully planned from the ground up, and it was inspected and verified through every stage of planning and construction to ensure that it meets the strict rules of the CAGBC program.

Designed by Pb Elemental architects, the 2-storey 188 square-meter (2,025 square-foot) home has 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and additional large office. Large office/studio space features separate entrance and a private washroom. Located two blocks from Semiahmoo Bay, Beachaus II offers stunning ocean views from throughout the home as well as from the private rooftop deck. It is designed to meet the needs for active “smart” living in vibrant White Rock East Beach community. An exterior stair accessed from the living room is positioned within the exterior shroud and leads to a roof deck with gorgeous views of Semiahmoo Bay.

Beachhaus II was planned by Inhaus Development, whose motto of “live smart, not large” was used throughout the project to make it the most efficient, livable and intelligent home around. They took a truly hybrid approach in the construction, and it was inspired by the modern beachfront homes that dot the California coastline. A lower site poured concrete garage gives the home a solid substantial feel contrasting the vast openness of the upper modular level. The garage itself is extra-wide to allow bicycle storage as well as integrated kayak storage.

Mould-free “healthy” hybrid construction is supplemented with other healthy materials such as  bamboo hardwoods, soy-based spray foam insulation, and FSC-certified black walnut for the cabinetry which was hand crafted.

The house is designed to take advantage of the available light and views of the bay, while maximizing privacy of its occupants. Although it features stunning 3.6-meter (12-foot) ceilings and floor to ceiling High quality Low-E fiberglass windows, its prefabricated tight thermal envelope with high performance spray foam insulation offer lower energy loss needed for temperature control.

Rainwater is collected from the roof and used to help irrigate the low-maintenance yard with xeriscape landscaping – landscaping with plants that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water. Water usage inside the home is reduced with dual-flush Toto toilets, low-flow fixtures, and an ultra-efficient laundry with steam dry.

Integrated Control4 smart home automation system with complete lighting, alarm, built in audio and video control. The control can be achieved through an already integrated iPad touch control or a smartphone app, and the power consumption in the home is lowered with energy efficient lighting, efficient Bosch appliances, EnergyStar certified appliances, a HEPA-filtered HRV, an on-demand gas fireplace, air-to-water heat exchange, and in-floor radiant hydronic heating.