Yukon College Provides Improved Wall Design In Habitat-For-Humanity

An innovative insulated wall designed by Yukon College is being integrated into the newest Habitat for Humanity’s triplex project and is engineered for the Northern climate. The featured wall system uses high efficiency spray foam insulation while holding an R60 value and a reduced wall thickness. Whitehorse’s building code requires walls to be a minimum of R28. The foam design reduces construction labor and other material costs while simplifying the building process. The economizing extends to the new homeowners who will benefit by reduced heating costs.

The development of the wall design is a collaborative effort between Yukon College’s Cold Climate Innovation (CCI) and School of Trades. The College’s Pre-Employment Carpentry students constructed a series of test modules to monitor the performance of different styles of wall construction. During the previous Habitat for Humanity triplex project, “Phoenix Rising”, the College used cellulose insulation that measured 18 inches thick while achieving an R60 value. The improved design in the current project achieves the same R value and only measures 12 inches thick. The College worked with local businesses to develop the specialized wall.

Many partners are involved in the latest construction of the Habitat for Humanity project which commenced in September in Whitehorse. Yukon College is one participant contributing to the super-green energy efficient building. Many pre-employment students, under the guidance of their instructors Don Gillies and Dan Skobie, gain valuable hands-on experience while learning about energy efficient construction. “We are happy to be able to provide our research and instruction toward such a meaningful cause,” says Shelagh Rowles, Dean of Applied Science and Management. “Reducing ‘energy poverty’ while providing three new homes for families is a project that helps alleviate a serious housing crisis while exposing students to the latest research and practice in cold weather construction.”

Building of the super-green home can be viewed at its new location in the Ingram subdivision.

Contact:
Ann Bowen
Coordinator, College Relations
Yukon College
867 668 8786
abowen@yukoncollege.yk.ca
www.yukoncollege.yk.ca