More and more Canadian and American homeowners are realizing what a smart choice a heat pump is when it comes to saving on energy bills. We’ve used them as standard for years!
President Biden’s new climate legislation will help more U.S. homeowners to install this exceptionally efficient heating/cooling option, as noted in this article. Heat pumps are the smart choice, replacing your oil or gas furnace, and realizing significant energy savings. This means less pressure on our climate, and more money in your pocket.
New passive two-storey house plan
An air source heat pump is going to be best paired with a home designed to use as little energy as possible to begin with. Cue the latest EkoBuilt passive house plan!
The Sumac is a sweet new two-storey plan that is perfect for an urban or suburban lot, offering just over 1,000 square feet of living space on each of its two floors.
In the example shown here, a breezeway (with a screened in porch at the back of the home) connects the home to a garage. These spaces flow naturally into the ground floor kitchen and mudroom.
The plan includes three bedrooms and two baths upstairs, and a fourth bedroom or den/office on the ground floor, along with a third bathroom.
Smart storage spaces feature throughout.

Flexible living
This well thought through home plan offers everything. The ground floor bedroom/bath combo can be used as a granny suite or guest accommodation.
Alternatively, that fourth bedroom offers an ideal “away space” that many homeowners discovered they needed in the depths of the pandemic.
Whether for online meetings, uninterrupted fitness sessions, or just a quiet workspace**, you can enjoy the pleasures of an open floorplan while still having the option to close the door on a busy household.
The garage offers the option to build up, adding a bonus room or coach house. Finally, a basement is always an option (especially with a sloped property, allowing for a walkout!), but not needed for most.
Save the date! Our next passive house webinar, answering all your questions, is scheduled for Nov 17th!

Ready to plan a supremely comfortable and sustainable future on your city or suburban lot? Please reach out!