Practising what they preach

North Star Homes is committed to building energy efficient homes and a perfect example is LEED Silver-designated Pacific Villas project in Markham

At North Star Homes, they practise what they preach.

Staunchly aligned with green initiatives, North Star’s latest coup is the Pacific Villas project, which has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes Silver classification – one of the first of its kind in Markham.

“We are committed to building energy efficient homes,” says Frank Dodaro, President, North Star Homes Inc. “Our sustainability consultant has been recommending the best methods to deliver greener homes to keep us on the leading edge of the best homebuilders.”

Recognized as Home Builder of the Year by the Building Industry and Land Development

Association (BILD) in both 2004 and 2008, North Star was founded in 1990 and prides itself on being on the cutting edge of industry changes, so that buyers know they will be getting the latest in “design and finishes that deliver a high quality home at a good price.”

Phase 1 of Pacific Villas – to be followed by Phase 2, which will be an apartment building with commercial uses on the ground floor, also built to achieve LEED Silver – has a whole world of shopping, services and restaurants right on its doorstep. The vibrant community is a private enclave of beautiful bungalows and two-storey townhomes, walking distance from Pacific Mall, Splendid China Tower Mall and Market Village Mall.

But there’s more. Just down the road are Aldergrove School, Milliken Mills High School and Town Centre Montessori Private School.  All the amenities of Milliken Mills Community Centre, Aldergrove Park and the playing fields of Kennedy Reservoir Park are minutes away. Also, the Milliken GO Train Station is within walking distance.

LEED is a rating system which awards points for construction, design and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED’s Silver rating is one of the highest in the industry and is verified with independent third party testing.

Designing to LEED for Homes Silver rating transforms the way homes are built. It promotes waste diversion of construction materials, soil erosion controls, use of recycled construction materials, advanced framing, water conversion, and many other environmental advances that other programs do not cover.

Pacific Villas incorporate a number of energy saving features that led to LEED Silver designation.

The list of additional features, both inside and out, is thorough and impressive. Some of those include:

• Insulation: Roof R50, walls R24, basement wall R20 and exposed floors R31;
• Ice and water shield (six feet) from edge of eaves, 30 gauge steel at all valleys, and rubber flashing at all penetrations;
• Complete air barrier between attic and conditioned space and all penetrations sealed;
• Energy efficient windows and doors;
• Pest management control features;
• Low flow water consumption plumbing fixtures;
• Drain water heat recovery pipe with insulation;
• Individually controlled, hi-velocity  fan coil unit (with ECM motor and MERV 10 filter) integrated with EnviroSense gas fired hot water heater provides heating, cooling and domestic hot water at 90 per cent efficiency;
• Energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to provide fresh air with dehumidification control;
• Install drain pans to capture leaks under water heaters;
• Refrigerant type: R-410a (Eco Friendly);
• Air seal ventilation ductwork;
• Energy Star ^® appliances;
• Energy Star ^® compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout;
• Surface water management system – final grade tamped and sloped away from foundation;
• And drought-tolerant plants and turf.

North Star Homes continues its focus on green and sustainable building with the following project examples:

Canyon Hill Gardens

A prestigious development of 74 luxury detached homes is now underway in Richmond Hill and being built to meet Energuide 82 standards that are above the current Ontario Building Code levels.

The notable sustainability features include:

• R31 half-pound spray foam insulation to exposed floors;
• R22 batt insulation + R4 Insulsheathing for exterior wall;
• R20 for walls below grade;
• Two-stage gas furnaces with ECM motor rated at 95 per cent efficiency along with an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) rated at 74 per cent efficiency;
• Hot water heater with 86 per cent efficiency;
• Drain water heat recovery – five-foot pipe mounted on drain stack;
• And maximum 2.5 air change per hour.

All homes are evaluated and undergo a blower door test by a third party rater to verify the program requirements of Energuide 82 are met. Additionally, top soil depth will be at three feet, to foster tree health.

King’s Crossing

The final phase of the King’s Crossing development in Richmond Hill consists of townhomes and semi-detached homes. For this site, North Star has chosen the Energuide 82 standard to exceed the minimum building code level.  These homes will also be individually evaluated and tested to receive the official label for Energuide 82.

Bayview Gardens

An infill development of 70 townhomes featuring open space floor plans and distinctively modern exteriors is coming soon to Richmond Hill. North Star is targeting a sustainability package of construction features that will achieve a 20 per cent better than code rating.

For many years, North Star Homes has been a beacon of quality for the new home buyer in communities across Metro Toronto and beyond. The North Star name has been proudly displayed in Barrie, Brampton, Markham, North York, Scarborough and more, and in each area home buyers have been offered an exceptional selection of homes, innovative designs, all reflecting superb craftsmanship.
North Star Homes will be bringing its commitment to build green and sustainable buildings to future developments such as the 43-storey residential tower in the heart of the Mississauga city centre.

For more information please go to www. northstarhomesinc.com