Author/Contributor: Kate Woloshyn, ENBIX – Alberta Ecotrust, Oscar Flechas
Location: Valleyview, Alberta
Year completed: 2018
Size: 850 m²
Architect: Oscar Flechas – Flechas Architecture Inc.
In 2018, the Valleyview Town Hall became one of the most efficient municipal buildings in the province, designed to meet Passive House Plus certification in northern Alberta’s harsh climate. Led by architect Oscar Flechas, the project aimed to prove that a small rural community could deliver a future-ready, net-zero civic building that prioritizes comfort, durability, and efficiency.
Despite initial skepticism from international experts, the building successfully pushed the boundaries of high-performance construction, integrating Passive House principles and solar PV to create a facility designed to last over 75 years.
Key Features:
- Energy Systems: 28 kW rooftop solar PV array, Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), and Mitsubishi Minisplit VRF air source heat pump units, two outdoor units and eight indoor AHUs provide simultaneous heating and cooling in the building if required.
- Indoor Air Quality: Balanced ventilation, low-VOC finishes, and operable windows for all workspaces.
- Operational Efficiency: Heating demand of just 13 kWh/m²/year and airtightness of ACH50 = 0.41/h.
The Valleyview Town Hall shows that bold, emissions-neutral buildings can succeed in smaller, more remote communities, proving that sustainable design is possible everywhere.
Oscar Flechas offered insights on successfully navigating supply chain and Passive House procurement challenges while teaching operations staff on lasting building performance. Supported by MCCAC funding and innovative design choices like solar orientation and adaptable floor layouts, the project is truly a testament to thoughtful planning and collaboration.
