What kind of house should be built today?
Contemporary homes in BC, Canada, should be environmentally resilient to protect against the increasing impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, and to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings. Buildings resilience to the environment can help protect residents from the hazards of extreme weather, ensuring safety and comfort. Resilient buildings can reduce the costs associated with repairs and reconstruction after extreme weather events, saving money and resources. They can contribute to the overall resilience of communities, making them better able to withstand and recover from climate-related disasters.
The BC Codes 2024 (the BC building code), which is based on the National Codes 2020 with some BC specific variations to reflect the province’s geography, climate, local government needs, industry practices, and provincial priorities . There are changes effective from March 2025 which includes:
- Improved earthquake design changes for housing and small buildings with high seismic hazard values
- Living space is designed not to exceed 26 C
- Install a Radon-extraction / mitigation system for health protection against Radon. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a leading cause of lung cancer, and a mitigation system effectively reduces radon levels in your home, protecting the occupants’ health
In addition to the building code requirements, contemporary houses can be built with the focus on energy efficiency, water management, and building materials that can withstand local hazards like earthquakes and wildfires, while also incorporating green infrastructure. Some considerations are:
Green Roofs:
Incorporate green roofs for initial stormwater management, while carefully considering roof warranty and wildfire risks.
Adapt to Future Conditions:
Design buildings to withstand future wind and snow loads.
Stormwater Management:
Use permeable paving, rain gardens, and drainage systems to divert water away from houses.
Flood Protection:
Ensure mechanical equipment is located above the flood construction level and consider indoor amenity spaces for emergency supplies and cooling.
Non-Potable Water Systems:
Incorporate non-potable water systems, including extra space for treatment equipment and storage tanks.
Fire Resistance:
Employ fire-resistant roofing and siding materials.
Water Resistance:
Use water-resistant building materials.
Sea Level Rising:
Limiting development in the coastal areas