BEAUTIFULLY PASSIVE
LAUTEN WOODWORKING BRINGS LUSTER TO WEST VANCOUVER’S FIRST PASSIVE HOUSE
For Lauten Woodworking, the development of a unique award-winning home in West Vancouver designed by Battersby Howat Architects Inc. and built by Naikoon Contracting Ltd. was the outcome of a singular building philosophy.
The 4,100 square foot dwelling is the city’s first net zero energy passive house, with rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, 17 inch thick walls, floor to ceiling glass, and many other elements all contributing to a structure that produces more energy than it uses.
Lauten Woodworking President Adrian Lauten explains, “The West Bay Passive House was an ideal project for our company because not only was our work extensive and challenging, we have also long embraced the latest sustainable solutions out of respect for the environment. So to collaborate for the 13th time with Battersby Howat as well as Naikoon, whose President Joe Geluch I grew up with, was a great experience.”
In addition to energy efficiency this passive home is gorgeous, thanks to Battersby Howat creating an ultra-modern design with Scandinavian echoes. Lauten Woodworking’s predominant use of wood imparts warmth, and white oak is featured throughout, from the custom bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets to the master closet and kid’s closets with built-in homework desks.
Lauten co-founder Kate Walker says, “Battersby Howat have always challenged us with details, and West Bay was no exception. We worked on every room in the house, all of which required veneered pivot doors and extensive wood paneling. One of many notable examples of the millwork detail was the two inch thick mitred veneer panel that wound continuously throughout the kitchen and is over 75 feet in length.”
In keeping with their quality values and as innovators in the industry, Lauten and Walker used acrylic polyurethanes from Milesi Wood Coatings to meet the healthy home initiative with no formaldehyde or off-gassing, but providing exceptional moisture, chemical and physical wear resistance. “It takes more skill to apply versus standard lacquers, but the benefits speak for themselves,” says Lauten. “A couple of years ago we switched our entire operation to high performance 2k polyurethanes and water-based coatings in line with European standards. Since completing work on West Bay we have taken things a step further and become the first company in North America to transition our production to the revolutionary Block Chain Addition technology from Milesi, which contains no aromatic compounds, isocyanates, or formaldehyde, yet creates incredible surface hardness and resistance beyond anything available on the market.”
Although Lauten and Walker are now busy with other projects, they look back with pride on West Bay. Walker says, “It really is an example of how environmental initiatives can lead to sustainable, efficient, beautiful homes and architecture.”