by Laird Herbert
version.3 is the latest tiny house built by Leaf House Small Space Design & Build, a tiny house company based in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Design as a case study for cold climate tiny house construction, version.3 features a number of innovations unique to the challenges faced by -50°C weather.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 16’
Square footage: 97 ft2.
Location: Pelly Crossing, a small northern community with a population of about 280 people, 3 hours north of Whitehorse, Yukon. Inhabitants: Accommodation for the instructor/coordinator of the Yukon College Campus.
Testing: Pelly Crossing regularly gets -40 to -50°C weather, and over the course of the next six months the performance of the tiny house will be monitored with energy and temperature sensors.
Cold Climate Innovations
Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs)
First use of VIPs for a claimed R value of R30 per 1?2”. Floor and Roof are insulated to R68, while the walls are insulated to R38. VIPs are the ideal insulating material for tiny houses given their high R-value and low footprint.
Lunos E2 Heat Recovery Ventilator
version.3 is one of the first tiny houses to feature a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and the first to test the Lunos E2 HRV in North America. HRVs are an essential feature of cold climate tiny house construction, and Lunos E2 is one of the first commercially available HRVs suitable to tiny house construction.
Quad Pane Windows
Built in the north, quad pane windows have some of the highest R values for window performance.
Electric Radiant Heaters
800 watt of high efficiency heating allows the total power draw to be under 15 amps.
Lightweight Innovations
Sub 5,000lb weight
Lightweight materials and strategic design choices (curtains instead of cupboards) cut down weight.
Metal mesh open joint siding
Metal mesh open joint rainscreen (designed to rust over time), saves a significant amount of weight over more conventional siding. The metal is repurposed concrete galvanized mesh.
Lightweight concrete countertops
Using a concrete micro-topper and foam backer board, Leaf House was able to create an ultra-lightweight concrete countertop for version.3, which gives the appearance of a slab of concrete but weighs below 35lb.
Metal X bracing
Exterior metal X bracing increases shear strength
Foam Sheathing
Version.3 uses foam sheathing in combination with metal strapping to create shear and compression strength, saving a significant amount of weight over conventional sheathing
Livability
Full hot/cold water system
30 gallon water tank with ventless tankless propane water heater, Shurflo pump, shower and city water inlet
Compact fridge/freezer
Energy Star certified compact fridge/freezer
Custom Murphy Bed
Custom murphy bed increases livability by removing stairs/loft and increases the airiness of the space
Full height mirrored wall
Mirrored wall increase the feeling of interior space significantly
Maximum square footage
version.3 uses 2×3 framing, welded trailer extensions, and minimal roof overhangs to maximize the size of the footprint
Green Features
0 VOC finishes and materials
Safecoat paints and finishes (suitable for individuals with allergies)
FSC woods & Reclaimed materials
Forest Stewardship Certified wood. Reclaimed materials include clear grain cedar, metal mesh, and interior pine t&g.
Touch Dimmers and LED lights
LED lightings and touch dimmers
Compost Toilet
Custom bucket toilet
