Architrix Design Studio embraces simplicity in designing Passive House projects Founded in 2007 in Vancouver, Architrix Design Studio has grown to be a well-established design firm with a net- work of exceptional builders, suppliers, consultants and municipal planners. The company offers planning and de- sign services for all types of residential construction proj- ects from renovations to new homes to boutique multi-family projects. Principal Khang Nguyen says the company “started out doing small, simple projects, additions, renovations and the like, and through creating effective and functional spaces through sensible design practice, we have gained an im- pressive portfolio of projects, large and small.” He says as the company has grown in its technical focus and experience, its primary interest, and what has moved the company forward, is a practice of functional, sensibly creative, and environmentally conscious projects, including Passive House construction. “We got involved with Passive House first through sem- inars and courses provided by CanPHi as we are convinced that the homes we build are an excellent starting point for a more environmentally conscience future.” He says an opportunity to work with clients to design their Passive House in Whistler, B.C. allowed the team to put into practice theories about high performance en- velopes, air tightness, energy sources, solar gains, and other interesting aspects “that one does not typically look into when designing and building a home.” From this project he says they have been able to imple- ment many theories and techniques of Passive House in a simplified manner to create higher performance homes for other clients. “The biggest difference in our approach to Passive House design and construction is to pursue elegant sim- plicity, Nguyen said. “There are complex Passive Houses out there, so not all designers will agree with me, but I truly feel that conservatism requires that unnecessary, overly complex processes be abandoned.” He says starting with a non-complex form allows for the construction process to be more efficient, which relates to a more air tight building, and also allows the budget to be put into higher efficiency, more durable systems and prod- ucts. “Spending too much time and money on a complex form will deter most homeowners from higher perform- ance materials and systems.” He says ‘mis-priorities’ about materials and space is one of the reasons for the perception that Passive House con- struction is more costly. “To build a compact high perform- ance home could be the same cost, if not less, as building large triple gabled, four-winged monster home.” Nguyen says Architrix’s team members are experts at understanding and communicating with its clients and builders. Ideas flow freely between clients and the design team and information is clearly produced for the builders PHOTO CREDIT KRISTEN MCGAUGHEY PHOTOGRAPHY Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature which is crucial for more technical homes. Architrix is primarily involved with single family projects, but also has a growing number of small boutique multi-fam- ily projects diversifying its portfolio. “We have a project in Vancouver on a 25 ft. lot where we are retaining and refur- bishing an existing character home on the lot, and building a new duplex on the same lot providing a total of three units compared to the original single unit use.” For more information about Architrix Design Studio, visit architrixstudio.com. Architrix is a house design company that is focused on creating exceptional custom designed homes. We work closely with our clients to develop thorough and thoughtful plans for new homes, renovations, laneway homes, coach homes and boutique multi-family developments. 216-289 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A4H6 Phone: 604.677.7877 architrixstudio.com The Canadian Design and Construction Report — July-August 2015 – 23