As a leading Net Zero Home Builder serving Whistler and the communities near Vancouver, RDC Fine Homes is proud to present the Ski Jump Rise residence. This project was a landmark achievement in Canadian sustainable construction. Completed in 2010, the 3,000-square-foot custom home was the first in Whistler to be officially labelled under the Net Zero EnerGuide program and remains a prime example of high-performance building in British Columbia.
This project shows our core belief that luxury custom homes can and should lead the way in energy performance and thoughtful environmental design.
A Design Integrated with the Whistler Landscape
The home’s architecture, by Steve Clark Design, was thoughtfully planned to blend with its stunning natural surroundings.
Views and Passive Energy: The design features large south and west-facing walls with expansive triple-glazed windows from Cascadia Windows and Doors. This orientation maximizes natural daylight, captures spectacular views of Whistler Mountain and Green Lake, and uses passive solar energy to reduce heating demand.
Smart Climate Control: To prevent overheating in the summer, deep roof overhangs and other architectural features provide essential shading, a key part of smart, climate-specific design.
Fire Smart and Low Maintenance: The exterior is finished with durable, low-maintenance fiber cement siding, a fire-smart choice perfect for a forested setting. The landscape design continues this focus, using drought-tolerant, native plantings.
The Science Behind Net Zero Performance
Achieving Net Zero status required a "fabric-first" approach focused on creating a superior building envelope. As the builder for the project’s forming, framing, and finishing, RDC used advanced techniques to build a highly efficient structure.
Exceptional Airtightness: The home achieved an impressive air change rate of just 1.35 ACH. This is a critical factor in minimizing energy loss and would meet the standards for a BC Energy Step Code 4 home today.
Advanced Insulation: The exterior walls use Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) for an effective R-value of 22. The foundation uses Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) for an R-value of 24, and the attic is insulated with spray foam to an R-value of 48.
Renewable Energy: A 10 KWH solar array on the south-facing roof generates clean electricity, allowing the home to produce as much energy as it uses each year.
A Legacy of Innovation
This project was more than just a home. It served as a Net Zero demonstration house during the 2010 Winter Olympics, presenting the future of sustainable building to a global audience. Inside, the stunning kitchen and millwork by Living Edge complete a space that is as beautiful as it is efficient.
This award-winning residence helped establish RDC Fine Homes' reputation as the premier Net Zero Home Builder in Whistler, BC, and it reinforced our commitment to constructing high-performance homes throughout the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
