In a city like Vancouver, where land prices soar and sustainability is essential, the bird’s wing Passivhaus-plus duplex sets a new standard for multi-family living. This HAVAN award-winning project blends affordability, energy efficiency and striking architectural design to provide four compact yet comfortable homes within a structure that has the appearance of a single-family home.

Designed by ONE SEED Architecture + Interiors and built by HAVAN member Naikoon Contracting, the bird’s wing Passivhaus-plus duplex showcases the power of Passive House principles and smart space optimization. The design keeps the home’s footprint simple, with a continuous structure from foundation to roof. A single architectural notch adds visual interest while maintaining the integrity of the thermal envelope. Innovative design techniques, such as self-supporting decks and roof eaves that extend over the thermal envelope help to minimize thermal bridges, ensuring energy efficiency.

Affordability and flexibility

Affordability is at the core of the bird’s wing duplex. In Vancouver’s competitive real estate market, sharing the land and construction costs between two families makes this project financially accessible. In addition to the main living spaces, the duplex includes two lock-off suites, offering additional income potential and flexibility for homeowners to age-in-place. These suites provide financial stability while also contributing to the city’s need for increased density. This innovative approach makes sustainable homeownership achievable for families seeking energy-efficient, low-carbon housing in Vancouver’s expensive market. By sharing land costs, two families can realize the benefits of living in a Passive House.

A bird’s wing in flight: Elegant design

A folding roofline, resembling a bird’s wing in flight, defines the duplex’s architectural style. This visually striking design not only enhances the exterior, but also contributes to the building’s thermal efficiency, essential for achieving Passive House-plus certification. The duplex is an exercise in smart space usage, with interlocking units that maximize density while adhering to zoning regulations. Each unit enjoys a full floor plate with strategically placed south-facing windows, ensuring ample natural light and ventilation.

Sustainability and community

Sustainability is at the heart of the bird’s wing duplex. With Passive House-plus certification, the building produces as much energy as it consumes, thanks to 33 solar panels on the roof and energy-efficient design elements. The high-performance building envelope, combined with natural mineral wool insulation, keeps the homes comfortable year-round while minimizing energy consumption. The duplex also fosters a sense of community, with shared outdoor areas where residents can gather for summer parties or simply enjoy the outdoors. Each family has its own customizable living space, but the communal outdoor areas create a connection among residents, enhancing the multi-family living experience.

A model for smart density

The bird’s wing Passivhaus-plus duplex exemplifies the potential of smart density in urban environments. With land scarcity a pressing issue in Vancouver, projects like this provide a model for future developments. By combining affordability, sustainability and community-oriented design, the duplex offers a fresh approach to multi-family housing. As a multi-award-winning example of thoughtful, efficient design, the bird’s wing Passivhaus-plus duplex shows that it’s possible to build homes that are environmentally responsible, visually appealing and affordable. This innovative project pushes the boundaries of what’s possible within urban space constraints and provides a vision for a more sustainable, flexible future in housing.

To view this and other award-winning homes using award-winning designs and advanced building technology, visit havan.ca/awards.