Empowering Energy Efficiency: Fusing Indigenous Roof Designs to Contemporary Canadian Homes

Municipalities across Canada prioritize constructing Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) to achieve their decarbonization targets. Renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, are essential to attain NZEB buildings. PV systems are frequently installed on rooftops to harness maximum solar energy generation where the architectural design and orientation of the roof significantly influence their performance. While considerable research has been conducted on optimizing PV system performance, studies still need to explore the potential impact of integrating Indigenous architectural knowledge to enhance PV system efficiency. Hence, this work examines how incorporating Indigenous roof design principles, such as shape, size, and orientation, can impact the effectiveness of PV systems in modern residential buildings. Building Information Modeling software, Autodesk Revit, is used to develop parametric models derived from Indigenous home roof designs. Subsequently, solar analyses are performed using Autodesk Insight to evaluate the potential of Indigenous roof designs. Consequently, a case study of an existing Net Zero energy home in Okanagan Valley (Canada) compares Indigenous and contemporary roof designs. The results from the analysis indicate that combining Indigenous knowledge with contemporary roofs can yield higher environmental and economic benefits. The results of this study offer architects, builders, and policymakers an essential foundation for integrating Indigenous roof designs into Canadian residential buildings as a practical and culturally enriching approach to enhancing energy efficiency.