Lafarge constructs NetZero precast home for Habitat for Humanity

Source: Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Lafarge Canada, Inc. has erected the walls and roof of an innovative NetZero energy duplex made entirely of precast concrete, the first NetZero precast home in Canada. Lafarge partnered with Stantec, who provided the innovative and integrative design for the duplex. This design, along with sustainable materials, will ensure the ultimate energy-efficient precast home and set the stage for providing more sustainable residential solutions. Lafarge is donating the duplex to Habitat for Humanity, which will then provide two families with a “hand up” into affordable home ownership.

“From the beginning, this project has been a learning vehicle. During design and manufacturing, all of the partners have captured countless lessons about building toward a NetZero standard. We are pleased that soon the Habitat families will have the opportunity to live in and benefit from the built-in engineering,” said Dennis Lattimore, Lafarge vice president–marketing.

Keith Shillington, vice president and regional leader for the Edmonton Capital Region, Stantec, added, “We are confident the lessons learned from this challenging project will make precast concrete a sustainable option for homes and multiple housing projects in the future.”

As a charity, Habitat mobilizes volunteers and community partners to bring their affordable home ownership model to hard working families. The NetZero energy project has been embraced by many in the community, the corporate sector, small business sector, by individuals and municipal and provincial governments.

“The Habitat for Humanity NetZero duplex is a great example of people, not-for-profit, government and industry coming together to create opportunities for people in this city,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “This truly innovative project reflects Edmonton’s commitment to making a diverse array of housing options available to Edmontonians.”

The two Habitat families will pay a mortgage to Habitat that is interest-free, and their payments will never be more than 25 percent of their income. The families’ mortgage payments are then reinvested into building more Habitat homes, ensuring a sustainable Habitat program. Families also contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” on Habitat build sites as a down payment for their home.