Gemini House

The Gemini House is an ongoing experimental project funded by The University of Toronto to test the GEMINI NTED housing concept developed by researchers at University of Toronto and Ryerson University. Early data suggests the home reduces energy consumption to 1/3 that of OBC 2012 energy standards. Continued energy use monitoring is being conducted in order to find additional energy saving techniques.

Building Description

• Second Empire design features on interior and exterior;
• Double wythe masonry on rubble wall foundation (2250 ft2).

Sustainability Challenges

• Transformation of a poorly performing structure to comply with rigorous international standards for low-energy housing;
• Sequencing and tailoring construction to conserve heritage fabric on interior as well as exterior conservation of heritage elements, including elaborate plasterwork, windows, carpentry, and polychrome masonry;
• Making legible the function of the new system while retaining the domestic spirit of the existing home;
• Devising a method to allow heritage brick to expel moisture as historically intended while adding significant insulation value to the wall construction.