Low Energy Prefab Casa Pasiva

In late 2011 Marken Projects was approached by a client with a desire to add an additional suite to their property by means of an infill dwelling, designed to the lowest energy standard possible.

Working within one of Vancouver’s RT zones give the opportunity for property owners to add density by means of constructing an infill dwelling either in the rear yard, sideyard or front yard depending on the location of the existing house. The opportunity presented with this project was to design an infill house in the rear portion of the site, however after the initial investigative phase of the project it became apparent that there were going to be a number of restrictions to the eventual size the infill may become.

The existing house on site, relocated to this property from Kitsilano over half a century ago, is placed slightly further back in the lot than is typical as set out in the regulations for this zoning. Add to this a two feet dedication to the city of Vancouver for upgrading of the rear lane, a four feet dedication to the side lane and a 10×10 corner cutback, throw in a parking requirement of 3 spaces to be accommodated on site and pretty soon we were looking at a tight footprint to work with.