The Hawktail
The Hawktail, a thoughtfully designed Energy Star bungalow near Sylvan Lake, Alberta, by Vleeming Custom Homes, exemplifies high-performance construction and meticulous craftsmanship. Built with energy efficiency, durability, and long-term quality in mind, the home features an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) foundation, continuous insulation from slab to roof, and prefabricated ICE panel walls. Comfort-focused details—like ultra-quiet exhaust fans, optimized HRV ventilation, and an integrated heat pump water heater—further enhance performance. Vleeming Custom Homes has documented the entire process in a 30-part YouTube series, offering a rare, in-depth look at the construction of this high-performance home.
Features:
Builder: Vleeming Custom Homes
• Location: Sylvan Lake, Alberta
• Year Built: 2024
• Size: 2,505 ft², 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
• Project Manager: Carlo Vleeming
• Energy Advisor: Sol Invictus Energy Services
• Mechanical Engineer: FM Residential Design
• Designer: Vleeming Custom Homes
• Certification: Energy Star Certified
• EnerGuide Rating: 69 GJ/year (vs. 109 GJ for a standard new home)
• Air Tightness: 0.86 ACH50 (expected closer to 0.5 ACH50 after correction)
An ICF Foundation compliments the ICE system above leading to extreme comfort and high levels of performance.
Windows & Doors
• Triple-pane, argon-filled, 1 Low-E coating
• U-factors between 0.96 and 1.10 W/m²·C
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): 0.12 to 0.19
• Flanged installation with closed-cell spray foam and custom sill/jamb extensions
Mechanical Systems
• Heating: Lennox ML296XV 96% condensing natural gas furnace (30,000–40,000 BTU)
• Cooling: 16 SEER A/C
• Ventilation: Clean Comfort HRV (VH70220) with preheat, 68% SRE at -25°C
• Hot Water: Rheem Proterra integrated heat pump water heater (COP 4.31, UEF 0.9)
• Mechanical systems matched to building envelope performance
Energy & Carbon Performance
• Annual Electricity Use: 8160 kWh (29 GJ)
• Annual Natural Gas Use: 39 GJ
• Energy Use Intensity: 0.34 GJ/m²
• Annual Heating Demand: 50.8 GJ (1364 m³ gas)
• Estimated Carbon Emissions (Electricity): 6.5 tonnes/year
• Estimated Carbon Emissions (Gas): 2.0 tonnes/year
• Embodied carbon not assessed
Path to Net-Zero Readiness
• Solar-ready design with conduit to attic
• Roof supports up to 20 kW solar PV system
• 12.75 kW solar array required to reach net-zero energy balance
• ccASHP (cold-climate air-source heat pump) recommended for full electrification
• Supports future EV charger installation
Construction Details & Innovations
• 30-video YouTube series documenting full build process
• ICE panels eliminate many thermal transitions and reduce drywall issues
• EPS below trusses helps prevent truss uplift and ceiling cracks
• All exhaust ducts routed through HRV to reduce envelope penetrations
• Quiet fans encourage continuous operation and better indoor air quality
Although the home was initially built with a natural gas furnace, it is well-suited for conversion to an air-source heat pump. Modelling indicates that the additional electrical demand from such a conversion would keep the home’s peak electrical load below 8 kW.
The Hawktail is situated in Sylvan Lake’s Sixty West community located near all amenities including schools, sports facilities, restaurants, shopping, beaches and a splash park!
Envelope & Insulation
• Foundation: ICF with 2.75” EPS insulation on both interior and exterior
• Walls: Prefabricated ICE panels (R32 effective) with GPS insulation and galvanized steel framing
• Attic/Ceiling: R76.5 effective with 4” rigid EPS below roof trusses and loose-fill cellulose
• Basement Floor: 4” EPS continuous sub-slab insulation sealed with 3M tape and poly sheeting
• Continuous insulation from slab to roof
• Air sealing techniques developed in-house by Vleeming
A view of the ICE panel system as the home is under construction.
A view of the rear patio that overlooks a beautiful park in the Sixty West community of Sylvan Lake.
EnergyStar appliances have been thoughtfully installed throughout the home.