Features

Hybrid Living Home really differs from other environmentally focused projects in combining all of the latest in alternative and renewable energy features with recent advances in Smart Home technologies, energy efficient and environmentally friendly design and construction techniques and an opportunity for holistic, healthy yet luxurious living lifestyle. All of these elements are being brought together to create the ultimate home of the future.

The Hybrid Living Home is a laboratory that showcases latest advances in design and technology. While many of these features have been deployed in residential construction before, this project is an unprecedented synergetic experiment in fusing them together to enhance the benefits and efficiency.

The following list of features is a work in progress as our engineers and architects are still working on the most efficient way to integrate the technologies and finding the best available suppliers and subcontractors. Stay tuned as we will continuously update this section with more information!

Alternative Energy Features


  • Photovoltaic or Solar Electric System to harness sun energy. Photovoltaic modules or panels are made of semiconductors that allow sunlight to be converted directly into electricity, thus creating a safe, reliable, maintenance-free and environmentally friendly source of power for a very long time. The Hybrid Living Home features both traditional roof solar panels and a revolutionary and highly effective technology called Power-Spar, which can provide not only electricity but also thermal storage for heating. Learn more...
  • Geo-Thermal System to utilize the heat energy of the Earth for efficient climate control (both heating and air-conditioning). Ground or groundwater temperatures a few feet beneath the Earth's surface remain relatively constant throughout the year. Geothermal systems typically use pipes buried vertically or horizontally underneath the soil that act as a heat exchanger. In the winter, they absorb heat from the earth and carry it into the building; in summer, the system reverses that process by taking heat from the building and depositing it to the cooler ground. Learn more...
  • Wind Turbines to capture the kinetic energy in surface winds and convert it into electricity. The Hybrid Living Home is expected to show case both a roof mounted and a 150 kw remote located wind turbine to provide AC electricity for the home via the provincial grid network. Excess electricity will be directed to the local utility company thereby providing other users to with an opportunity to utilize green electricity.
  • Lithium I-Cell electrical storage and power management system that will provide multiple energy storage access stations located throughout the home. A lithium cell produces about twice the voltage of an ordinary zinc-carbon or alkaline battery and much longer life, thereby minimizing battery replacement. Learn more...

Smart Home Features


  • Multi-point power monitoring and home management control system. Smart meters offer an electricity monitoring and control systems that record circuit-level consumption information, and provide it online, in a clear, graphical format. This enables customers to learn exactly how energy is used, manage the load, and reduce electricity waste and costs. Lean more...
  • Full security system that will incorporate finger print access control. Includes internal and external cameras; and detection of most possible threats from break-in to fire and smoke to water leaks.
  • Wireless communication system with central panel.
  • The latest in Audio and Video technology. Imagine low energy Plasma and LCD Televisions - and multi-source distributed audio system - that allows 6 individual zones to switch between 6 sources independently. It means that you can turn on a DVD in the Media Room and start watching it while still cooking dinner in the kitchen.
  • Master Bedroom ensuite presents a individually programmable commode system that stepped from the pages of a futuristic novel and a two-person Japanese soaker tub.

Energy Efficient And Environmentally Friendly Design


  • Energy efficient site design: home orientation designed with regard to solar access and prevailing winds to optimize the location of solar and wind energy systems. Solar pathfinder survey conducted by www.sedmek.com
  • Ecological design and "minimal impact" construction: The house is designed to maximize natural day-lighting and wind ventilation. The landscaping incorporates "Xeriscaping": an approach that uses existing resources to minimize the disruption to the existing trees and other aspects of the local habitat, and promote native species while conserving water and energy. A special plan was designed to re-use or recycle the job site waste whenever possible.
  • Customized Steel Framing
  • Highly efficient insulation is the foundation for reducing heating and cooling costs. Therefore we do it right from the beginning by both using effective, natural materials and efficient design. We pay attention to everything: wall cavities, waterproof exterior foundation, advanced sealing packages, windows with low emissive glass and septic system heat recovery.
  • Recycled content where possible: sheathing, insulation, exterior decking, roofing materials (includes roofing shingles) and batten material.
  • Water conservation program that includes rainwater harvesting, low flow and consumption showerheads, faucets and water closets (toilets). Learn more...
  • The latest in European designed low voltage light fixtures and lighting systems. Learn more...
  • High efficiency fireplace designed to provide centralized heating that eliminates pollution through a particulate oxidizing after burner. Learn more...
  • The latest in high efficiency and low power usage appliances. We also feature a high efficiency induction cooking system in kitchen that uses less power compared to conventional counter-top ranges.

Healthy Living Features


  • High-efficiency air filtration using UV and ionization filtration.
  • Natural fiber material carpet - tacked not glued.
  • Formaldehyde free cellulose insulation.
  • Low V.O.C (Volatile Organic Compound) paints used throughout to help eliminate "off-gassing".
  • Adhesives will be water based and all materials used will be water based and chosen for their "low off-gassing qualities".
  • Waterfall feature to provide humidity.
  • Purified water at all taps and faucets. Learn more...