Solar Decathlon Competition

In 2016, McGill and Concordia universities teamed up to compete in the 2018 edition of the International Solar Decathlon competition. Team Montreal won 1st place in the Architecture, Communications and Market appeal contests. The project's original website can be accessed here.
A Deep-Performance Dwelling
Team Montreal designed, built, and operated a Net-Zero Energy capable prototype building during the Solar Decathlon competition in July of 2018.
The final house, entitled the Deep-Performance Dwelling (DPD), is a distinctly Canadian version of a high-performance row house (2-stories, 2000sq.ft.). It showcases Canadian innovation and products, and seeks to raise climate change awareness by offering an affordable, Net-Zero Energy residence for the Canadian market. It is Passive House inspired, uses a panelized envelope and reduces energy demand by 80% relative to standard construction methods. This is all while achieving excellent indoor air quality and thermal comfort and control. The Montreal team also undertook a Market Analysis for an all-Canadian version of the DPD and one tailored for the Chinese market using Canadian forestry products, supply chains, materials and equipment. Their entry won first place in the Architecture, Communications and Market appeal contests.

Perspective section of the design for Team Montreal's Deep-Performance Dwelling
Our pilot projects
The Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève Community Centre
Discover our pilot projectThe Île-Bizard Community Centre, which plays a crucial role as both a neighborhood hub and an emergency shelter, is the focus of a pilot project aimed at a holistic upgrade to its energy performance
Discover Our Collaborators








- Arrondissement de l’Île-Bizard—Sainte-Geneviève
- Société d’habitation du Québec
- Building decarbonization alliance
- Pembina institute
- Québec BVI – Bâtiment vert et intelligent
- ReCover Initiative
- Retrofit Canada
- The Atmospheric Fund (TAF)
- Transition Accelerator
- Zero Emissions Innovation Centre
- If Then Architecture Inc.
- Minotair Inc.
- RG Solutions