Building Structure

Certification (Canada & US)

Trailer

Our facility is set up to provide certification for both Canada and the US. The Canadian certification designation is called CSA Z240RV; the Canadian standard for recreational vehicle certification. Through this certification we provide an extensive program for quality control and quality assurance for each Halcyon. For the US we have partnered with a third-party certifying body to provide the required certification for homes that will go to the US. This certification is called NFPA 1192.

Our approach for our trailers is in light of how you would look at the foundation of a home. They need to be strong and sound which led us to design and engineer our own trailers to suit the needs and longevity of our homes. We are certified to manufacture our own trailers in house and work closely with local companies for supply and manufacturing.

Building Envelope

The envelope is what separates you from the outside elements. Our desire is to build a home that is energy efficient in all climates. We have chosen specific building products that enable us to provide a well-insulated, air and water-tight home that will handle the harsh northern climate and also perform well in warmer climates.

Spray foam is one of the most efficient insulating methods in the home building industry. We use spray foam to provide a three-fold impact on our homes.

1. R-value provides half the story. When compared with fiberglass batt insulation (at 32%), the efficiency rating of spray foam brings that value up to 92%. Our spray foam gives us an R-value (insulation value) of R7 per inch. Coupled with the zip-R exterior sheathing this gives our homes envelope a total of R25 in the walls, and R26 in the ceiling and flooring. This makes the Halcyon an incredibly efficient home.

2. Spray foam also acts as an air barrier. This is important as it stops the flow of air from the outside in and inside out. This is key in ensuring longevity and efficiency in our homes.

3. Spray foam adds between 300-400% in building structural rigity to a building. Commonly used in hurrican and tornado prone areas, not for insulation but for strength, this is also incredibly valuable in a towable building that will reach highway speeds.

We also install a combination boiler that provides in-floor radiant heat along with providing hot water for the home. The in-floor radiant heat is a proven efficient heat source for tiny homes. This enables the temperatures within our homes to be managed efficiently with minimal heat loss.

Windows & Doors

The gift of creating a tiny space with ample light is that it pushes back the stereotype of it potentially feeling cramped and allows for both light and the surrounding views to be fully enjoyed. That’s why we include so many windows in our homes!

They aren’t your typical windows either. One of the benefits of fiberglass, is that you don’t have to divide up the glass – if you want a huge window in one piece, you got it! The frame is stronger than PVC, and you can get a bigger and better impact. The fibreglass product lasts almost 40% longer than other competing products, such as vinyl windows. Fiberglass is more sustainable, while vinyl is becoming one of the banned products of our world.

When building tiny homes, energy efficiency is top priority. Fiberglass is known as being a natural insulator, and you’ll feel warmer sitting next to a fiberglass window, rather than an aluminum one, or a poorly sealed window.

In colder climates like our Canadian winters, triple-pane can offer almost double R-value than a double pane. In our cold winters and really hot summers, having very high R-values means saving on energy bills, and consuming less energy. In a small space like a tiny home, temperature control is even more important. If you have a lot of heat loss through the windows, you’ll feel it through the entire space.

CUSTOMIZATION: • double-pane windows or triple-pane *Price reflective* • regular (4’x6’) livingroom window to full nose window *Price reflective*

Siding

The Halcyon has vertical snap lock metal siding with an optional wood grain metal siding. Our decision to go with metal siding and roof was for longevity and ease of maintenance. We have many options to choose from for the metal siding colour as well as a variety of wood grain patterns and colours. The wood grain can be installed vertically or horizontally.