Photo credit: Photos by: Andrew Latreille
Project Specs
| Location: | Witset, British Columbia |
| Climate Zone: | Cold |
| Building Type: | Multi-Unit Residential |
| Project Phase: | Certified |
| Passive House Type: | Passive House Classic |
| Year of Construction: | 2025 |
| Treated Floor Area (m2): | 465 |
Project Description
This building was designed to create a safe and culturally appropriate space where Witset First Nation youth can find healing. The project focuses on providing a well-being-oriented residential experience while respecting the community’s role in the healing process.
Split Rock Healing House accommodates up to six youths for up to three months at a time. Five guest houses are integrated into the facility to accommodate older visitors and allow family members to visit and participate in the programs. The intention is that youths, older visitors, and community leaders will build connections through their shared experiences at the lodge, and that the lodge itself will become a focal point, firmly anchoring these connections within the Witset First Nation territory and strengthening their sense of belonging.
Thermal Envelope
| Exterior Wall: | Timber frame wall above ground (U-value = 0.073 W/m²K): - Prefabricated panels - Insulated service cavity - 2 x 10" frames, insulated with densely packed cellulose - 10" external wood fiber insulation, fastened with long screws. |
| Basement Floor/Floor Slab: | 20" under slab EPS U-value = 0.065W/( m²K ) |
| Roof: | Uninsulated roof trusses 30" External insulation made of polyisocyanurate, fastened with fiberglass Z-profiles Green roof system U-value = 0.048W/( m²K ) |
| Window: | Enersign, Primus |
Mechanical System
| Ventilation: | Swegon CASA R7 Genius Sorption 1x ERV supplies the common areas and offices and provides background ventilation for the classrooms – operating 24/7. A second ERV supplies the classrooms when they are occupied – operating intermittently. Both ERVs are equipped with electric pre- and post-heating coils. |
| Heating/Cooling: | Mitsubishi chillers for cold climates with air ducts: 1 outdoor unit + 2 indoor units for residential/office areas; 1 outdoor unit + 1 indoor unit for classrooms |
| Domestic Hot Water: | Rheem hybrid heat pump water heater |
