1.5 ConEd Learning Hours
10:45 a.m. ‐ 12:15 p.m.
This session offers a comparison of 16 recent affordable housing projects and the impact that starting with an existing building can play in construction cost, community support, and overall embodied energy of the development.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the benefits of reusing existing buildings as a way to develop new, sustainable housing options, including a reduction in construction cost and project timelines.
2. Understand the different building types that are well‐suited for adaptive reuse as housing.
3. Understand the benefits of reusing existing structure in the overall embodied energy of a new development.
4. Understand Passive House as a tool for sustainable affordable housing design.
Emma Cubitt, Principal, Invizij Architects
Emma is a Principal of Invizij Architects in Hamilton, Ontario and specializes in housing, work with non-profits, and sustainable design. A graduate of both the University of Illinois and Waterloo, she has designed over 1,500 units of passive house multi-residential dwellings that are either in design phases or constructed. Emma’s passions in liveable small spaces, affordable housing, heritage, and sustainability have shaped her as a designer, where she is driven by values of justice and inclusion. She is involved in various community-building initiatives in downtown Hamilton and an advocate for laneway housing and Passive House design, and was awarded “Environmentalist Of The Year” by Environment Hamilton.
Graham Cubitt, Director of Projects and Development, Indwell
Graham is the Director of Projects & Development at Indwell, a Hamilton-based Christian charity that creates affordable housing communities that support people seeking health, wellness, and belonging. Graham has overseen development of housing for over 1000 households. Indwell’s approach to affordable housing focuses on creating vibrant, livable communities – often through adaptive-reuse of derelict buildings, or by new construction. Indwell has adopted Passive House design strategies for its current three projects under construction, becoming a Canadian leader in demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of energy-efficient and accessible buildings.