A student-led exploration of cold-climate net-zero design
Located on the campus of Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, the Northern Nomad Tiny House is a student-led research project exploring how sustainable design and Cold Climate Ventilation strategies can meet the realities of Canada’s northern environment. Developed by students from Carleton’s Faculty of Engineering and Design under the supervision of Professor Scott Bucking, the 220 sq ft home was conceived as a net-zero energy and water dwelling — a compact, mobile demonstration of self-sufficient living.
Built entirely by students on campus, the project became a visible symbol of innovation and collaboration, combining academic research with real-world construction. As a long-standing industry partner supporting sustainable housing research across Canada, Lunos Canada was proud to contribute to this early milestone in cold-climate performance design.
A Compact Model for Sustainable Living
The Northern Nomad integrates advanced envelope construction, solar generation, and high-efficiency mechanical systems to achieve near-total autonomy. As part of this effort, Lunos Canada donated a pair of Lunos e² decentralized heat-recovery ventilators — a ductless HRV system that provides continuous fresh air exchange and maintains balanced airflow within the home’s airtight structure.
The through-wall HRV design eliminates ducting requirements while delivering superior cold-weather heat recovery, ensuring the home remains comfortable and energy-efficient year-round. Since its completion in 2018, the Northern Nomad has served as a hands-on learning platform for students and researchers studying energy performance, indoor air quality, and building science — demonstrating how thoughtful design and collaboration can advance the next generation of sustainable housing in Canada and inform future Cold Climate Ventilation solutions.
Advancing CSA C439 Cold Climate Ventilation with Lunos
Since the completion of the Northern Nomad project, Lunos Canada has continued to evolve its technology to meet the demands of cold-weather performance and national building standards. The current Lunos e²60 represents a significant leap forward in airflow capacity, heat recovery, and intelligent control integration — purpose-built for Cold Climate Ventilation and energy-efficient ventilation in Canadian conditions.
Lunos Canada is now approaching full compliance with the National Building Code of Canada, including the stringent performance requirements outlined in CSA C439. When finalized, Lunos will be the only ductless ventilation system in Canada to achieve this level of compliance — particularly regarding the cold-weather performance criteria defined under CSA C439. These advancements underscore Lunos Canada’s commitment to ensuring decentralized ventilation systems are efficient, resilient, and aligned with Canada’s highest standards for occupant health and building performance
From early research partnerships like Carleton University’s Northern Nomad to today’s next-generation Lunos e²60, Lunos Canada continues to push the boundaries of Cold Climate Ventilation. As we near full National Building Code and CSA C439 compliance, our systems are set to stand alone as Canada’s only fully ductless HRV solution tested to perform dependably at -25 °C and beyond.
If your project demands verified efficiency, balanced airflow, and superior cold-weather performance, connect with our team to explore how Lunos can help.
Get in touch with Lunos Canada to discuss specifications, technical support, or partnership opportunities.
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