do, because the client gave us probably 95 per cent control over the design, including the colours and the finishes,” Jim says. “And the results blew the client away. So did the awards. He knows he’s in a nice house, but it was certainly nice to get that recognition.” Another home, called ‘Black and White Luxury,’ was also recognized at the CHBA Awards with a nomination in the category for ‘Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home.’ Like the award category suggests, that was another Net Zero project. Like Carriage House Elegance, however, it was notable not just for its energyefficiency, but also its sleek and lifestyle-enhancing design. Jim describes the building as “pleasantly contrasting” with the green surroundings, while “the black and white exterior combined with subtle timber frame accents and details create a timeless appearance.” The solar panels are also located on the ground, making for a “clean roofline while also making maintenance easier.” In the interior, custom concrete and shiplap walls line the ensuite, living and dining room areas, giving amodern look. The interior timber frame and front door, meanwhile, “seamlessly harmonize with exterior wood details.” In the kitchen, a sliding pantry entry door allows easy access to pantry work stations. All three bedrooms are positioned at opposite ends of the house, providing added privacy in an open concept environment. To enhance accessibility, the laundry room is located beside the master bedroom, while the mechanical room is located in the six-inch crawlspace freeing room in the main living area. Energy costs are kept down by rain barrels, which were installed to reduce water use, as well as the installed heat pump, heat pump dryer, and hot water tank. Jim was proud of both Carriage House Elegance and Black and White Luxury, but in particular he was proud of how different they were. “They were two totally different builds with totally different appearances,” he explains, “but they both had reasonably price points, and they were both Net Zero. That shows people that you don’t need to build a square box to have a highly energyefficient home. There are ways to do it and still have something that looks great “When people think of highperformance homes, they think of rectangular boxes,” he adds. “But that doesn’t have to be the case. We proved that.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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