Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre (NAC), in partnership with government agencies and other community organizations, undertook the creation of Nuutsumuut Lelum, a 25-unit rental housing complex for Indigenous families, youth, and Elders, anchored by a communal space for gatherings, celebrations, and other activities. This is one of several initiatives undertaken by the NAC with an overarching goal of providing affordable housing and gathering space for the Indigenous community, and space to support students’ learning outside the classroom.

Nuutsumuut Lelum was built to the Passive House standard, which means it requires very little energy to achieve a comfortable temperature year-round, making conventional heating and air conditioning systems obsolete.

Our team provided building enclosure schematic design services to the integrated design team. We worked with DYS Architecture, the general contractor, and the owner to evaluate and generate a consensus on the best assembly approach. We also provided design concept review, field review, and whole building air leakage testing to commission and verify the air barrier system.

Nuutsumuut Lelum (formerly known as Nanaimo Passive House) was presented with the Award of Excellence for the Non-Market category at the 2019 Commercial Building Awards.

Date:

May 6, 2019

Client:

Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre

Architect:

DYS Architecture

Our Role:

Building Enclosure Consultant, Energy Performance Consultant

Key Services

Passive House Consulting
Design Assistance
Field Review
Measurement and Verification
Concept Review
Energy Assessments

We guide design teams through the Passive House certification process by providing input on design strategies, components, and systems; modeling the building using the Passive House software, and documenting all aspects required for certification.

Christy Love | P.Eng., CPHC

Principal, Building Science Specialist
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Graham Finch | Dipl.T., M.A.Sc., P.Eng.

Principal, Senior Building Science Specialist
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