These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

Front lawn to show pre-conversion state. Backyard at this point had some trial mulch areas and plant trials under way in the backyard. We will be adding more photos on here and we are currently working on our FB group and YT channel.

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation. They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area. During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard. In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations. This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly. The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter. The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining. Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look. Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs. If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

This custom kitchen was designed around clean lines, thoughtful functionality, and bold material contrasts. Slim Shaker cabinetry in Evergreen creates a dramatic backdrop, complemented by stainless steel appliances, integrated storage solutions, and brushed gold accents throughout. In place of traditional hardware, recessed gold L-channel pulls maintain the minimalist aesthetic while providing effortless access to every cabinet and drawer. At the heart of the space is a custom island featuring a monolithic white base, a floating quartz work surface, and an intersecting Evergreen tabletop that creates distinct zones for food preparation and casual seating. A brushed gold workstation sink and faucet serve as both functional workspace and focal point, while integrated corner shelving adds convenient open storage. The kitchen is equipped with premium organizational accessories, including pull-out waste and recycling, deep storage drawers, and custom cabinet accessories designed to maximize usability. A concealed walk-in pantry is hidden behind a full-height cabinet door, allowing the wall of cabinetry to remain uninterrupted while providing generous storage beyond. Engineered quartz countertops continue seamlessly into a full-height backsplash featuring subtle green veining that echoes the Evergreen cabinetry, creating visual continuity throughout the space. The result is a modern kitchen that balances sculptural design with everyday practicality.

This custom kitchen was designed around clean lines, thoughtful functionality, and bold material contrasts. Slim Shaker cabinetry in Evergreen creates a dramatic backdrop, complemented by stainless steel appliances, integrated storage solutions, and brushed gold accents throughout. In place of traditional hardware, recessed gold L-channel pulls maintain the minimalist aesthetic while providing effortless access to every cabinet and drawer. At the heart of the space is a custom island featuring a monolithic white base, a floating quartz work surface, and an intersecting Evergreen tabletop that creates distinct zones for food preparation and casual seating. A brushed gold workstation sink and faucet serve as both functional workspace and focal point, while integrated corner shelving adds convenient open storage. The kitchen is equipped with premium organizational accessories, including pull-out waste and recycling, deep storage drawers, and custom cabinet accessories designed to maximize usability. A concealed walk-in pantry is hidden behind a full-height cabinet door, allowing the wall of cabinetry to remain uninterrupted while providing generous storage beyond. Engineered quartz countertops continue seamlessly into a full-height backsplash featuring subtle green veining that echoes the Evergreen cabinetry, creating visual continuity throughout the space. The result is a modern kitchen that balances sculptural design with everyday practicality.

This custom kitchen was designed around clean lines, thoughtful functionality, and bold material contrasts. Slim Shaker cabinetry in Evergreen creates a dramatic backdrop, complemented by stainless steel appliances, integrated storage solutions, and brushed gold accents throughout. In place of traditional hardware, recessed gold L-channel pulls maintain the minimalist aesthetic while providing effortless access to every cabinet and drawer. At the heart of the space is a custom island featuring a monolithic white base, a floating quartz work surface, and an intersecting Evergreen tabletop that creates distinct zones for food preparation and casual seating. A brushed gold workstation sink and faucet serve as both functional workspace and focal point, while integrated corner shelving adds convenient open storage. The kitchen is equipped with premium organizational accessories, including pull-out waste and recycling, deep storage drawers, and custom cabinet accessories designed to maximize usability. A concealed walk-in pantry is hidden behind a full-height cabinet door, allowing the wall of cabinetry to remain uninterrupted while providing generous storage beyond. Engineered quartz countertops continue seamlessly into a full-height backsplash featuring subtle green veining that echoes the Evergreen cabinetry, creating visual continuity throughout the space. The result is a modern kitchen that balances sculptural design with everyday practicality.

This table exemplifies the fusion of organic materiality and modern fabrication. It is constructed from a single slab of premium black walnut, selected for its pronounced grain pattern and natural live-edge character. The center channel is filled with a high-gloss, food-safe, pearl-white epoxy resin, resulting in a non-porous, highly durable surface. ✓ Key Specifications & Benefits: Surface: Stain-resistant epoxy simplifies cleanup from daily meals or spills. Material: Solid black walnut wood with a clear, protective finish. Durability: Engineered for long-term stability, resisting wear from daily use. Design Versatility: The neutral palette complements a range of styles, from rustic to contemporary.

The stove's glass material backsplash adds to the expansiveness of the kitchen, as well as give the kitchen a subtle mix of textures. Photo credits: Fauzi Anuar of www.zeeandmarina.com

Energy Efficiency: Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer. Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove. Integrated Design: From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity. Resource Efficiency / Conservation: Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time. Resiliency: Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design. Innovation: This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems. Community Impact: This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

Photos by Valerie Wilcox
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Toronto