All posts by Giulio

Green Energy, Ideas, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Faster than a jet plane

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Hyperloop concept for world’s first high-speed transportation system to be tested in Dubai

Imagine, just for a minute, that a journey from Toronto to Montreal – currently requiring about five hours of driving time – could be made in less than half an hour.

Such a scenario is not as far-fetched as it may seem. There is future-of-travel technology being proposed right now that could make such a proposition a reality sooner than later.

The Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has unveiled its designs for the world’s first hyperloop high-speed transportation system – to be tested in Dubai – which will provide pods to travel faster than a jet plane.

Originally the brainchild of entrepreneur Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors, PayPal and space exploration firm SpaceX, the hyperloop is a train that moves along a tube that is kept at a thousandth of the normal atmospheric pressure at sea level. This all but eliminates air resistance, which is known to be the singlemost obstacles to high-speed travel.

Now, with the hyperloop concept, passengers could rocket through tunnels at close to 1,200 kilometres per hour (745 miles per hour).

In November 2016, Hyperloop One, a firm developing the technology, inked a deal with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to test the feasibility of running such a service to Abu Dhabi, a trip that currently takes two hours by car. With the hyperloop system, it would take only 12 minutes.

If all goes according the plan, the system could be built there within the next five years.

According to the design, a fleet of cubic pods would shift passengers to hyperloop’s main hub, then transfer them to larger capsules, which would then travel to their destination through a network of elevated tubes.

A sunken and circular station known as a portal would be situated at the base of the world’s largest building in the heart of Dubai.

In a release by BIG, founder Bjarke Ingels went into detail, explaining the ins and outs of the mobility ecosystem. For starters, the concept all but eliminates the waiting process. He said the hyperloop combines collective commuting with individual freedom at near supersonic speed.

The waiting area is eliminated, he explained, because there are frequent arrival and departure times, providing passengers with on-demand travel.

Numbered departure gates are arranged in tiers around the edge of the circular plan of the portal. Here, pods with room for six people are loaded onto a transporter – a pressurized vessel attached to a chassis for levitation and propulsion.

Once the pods have arrived at their destination, they “hyperjump” into another portal before travelling onto the road to drop passengers off at their final destination.

It was explained that the pods operate autonomously from the transporter, which means they are not limited to the portal area and can move on regular roads and pick up passengers at any point. Additionally, there would be range of pods designed to offer passengers different seating arrangements, tailored for group, solo or business travel.
Hyperloop One is just one of a number of companies racing to create the first hyperloop. It tested its propulsion technology for near Las Vegas earlier this year, where it achieved speeds of 187 kilometres per hour in 1.1 seconds.

Interestingly, a rival company, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, is currently building a test track in California and is in discussions for a hyperloop linking the European cities of Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest.

Before preparing for that ultra-speedy trip from Toronto to Montreal, it should be noted that any such possibility, at best, is many, many years away from happening in Canada.

For starters, one factor would be money. No one involved has released an estimate as to how much the Dubai project might cost.

On top of that is the safety issue. One can only imagine the litany of tests that would be required.

Then there’s passenger comfort considerations. Hyperloop One proposes to subject its passengers to fairly severe accelerations as it goes up hills and around corners. If the ride proves nausea-inducing, then it’s chancy that any amount of time saving would encourage passengers to strap themselves in.

Yes, there will no doubt be difficulties to overcome, but it seems that the hyperloop concept is now being taken seriously. And all indications are there’s lots of investor interest. The bottom line: It’s a given that the eventual transition into a world of high-speed mass transportation has to start somewhere.

Web / hyperloop-one.com

Architecture, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

The Linear House

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Sustainable maverick home epitome of super-modern geometric design

At first glance, an observer could be excused for simply noticing the obvious.

Certainly, the East York Toronto home that’s come to be known as The Linear House drastically stands out from its neighbouring structures, predominantly carryovers from the interwar years of the 20th century.

But on closer examination – and explanation from one of the designers involved in the development of the two-level, 1,600-square-foot residence – it becomes immediately clear that there’s much more to this project than meets the eye.

In many ways, the home represents a sort of case study about housing on tight lots; an experiment, if you will. But, again, that assessment alone would be selling the concept short. This, plainly, is a complex, sustainable example of how a modern, well-lit detached house can be fitted comfortably into a narrow, long lot.

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“Right from the beginning, we were able to be begin achieving sustainable goals,” says Titka Safarzadeh, Partner in Nano Design Build, who worked on The Linear House with fellow Toronto architect Saled Mahboubi. “And that would be in the site selection. We selected a property in an established community, close to shops and public transportation, which reduced the dependence on car travel.”

And so the work began. It started as a speculative endeavor, with no particular client on board. So Safarzadeh and Mahboubi were able to put their heads together, and one of the first considerations was the use of light – how to make sure the house was properly illuminated … and then some.

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Part of that process involved incorporating the home’s central stairs’ area into a glass-framed structure capped with a dominating skylight. The result is magnificent, and creates the home’s primary architectural focal point. They ended up with a tower of glass, with the stairwell suspended in it. Top that effect off with a two-storey vertical window and wide horizontal openings and you end up with a brightly lit interior.

“The large windows and all the interior glass shafts are to maximize the natural daylight and ventilation and minimize the need for artificial lighting,” says Safarzadeh. “We also set back the south wall to accommodate more openings to the south. Tying into that, there’s a terrace on the same side on second floor.”

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At the heart of every design idiosyncrasy was the constant linear consideration. That resulted in a dwelling with continuous clean lines, which help to create harmony, flow and balance.

What they ended up with at The Linear House was a completely transformed two-storey stucco and brick home, starkly different than the modest houses around them. But the resulting home more than illustrates how perceived challenges of building a narrow detached home can be circumvented with an inspired sustainable vision.

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That vision, as it happens, was motivated by the test presented by the narrow lot, measuring about 20 feet (6.1 metres) in width. But Safarzadeh and Mahboubi were able to create an interior space that actually feels larger than it is, propelled all the while by the constant linear design. The result is a dynamic living space, with an unhindered flow of natural daylight.

Web / nanodesignbuild.com

 

Architecture, Style, Sustainability, Technology

Attention to detail

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R&M Smith Contracting has built a time-honoured reputation based on quality and innovation

There’s definitely something to be said about a contractor who can point to 33 successful years in the building industry.

In the case of R&M Smith Contracting Limited, that means an ongoing attention to detail bolstered by quality of work, relationship-building and focusing on the needs of its clients.

_tpp1163“We are always looking for, and introducing, new and innovative building concepts,” says Randy Smith, President of R&M Smith, a company based in Peterborough, Ontario, and known as one of Kawartha region’s largest custom home builders and renovators.

To ensure top-notch quality, R&M Smith only takes on a select number of projects each year, meticulously adhering to each client’s wish list; providing a personal touch to every build.

This approach has definitely paid off, as not only have long-term relationships been forged, but glowing word-of-mouth referrals provide the basis for ongoing growth.

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It’s a given that history recognizes R&M Smith as a go-to builder where quality is concerned. But there’s much more to like about the company, not the least of which is its devotion to green building practices.

“R&M Smith is a company that truly cares about the environment,” Smith says. “And it’s for that reason that we want to be part of the green movement that surrounds our world today.”

It’s the multiple ‘green’ initiatives they adhere to that add up to a substantial eco impact. For one, R&M Smith continues to use lumber and wood-related products that fall under the Forest Stewardship Counsel (FSC) label. Also used are shingles made from recycled material, from IKO, a gl

ghnb-2obal leader in the manufacture and supply of residential and commercial roofing products. And insulated concrete forms (ICF) wall systems are also utilized.

“Those are examples of how we pride ourselves on being an innovator and on the cutting edge of new technology,” says Smith. “We take the lead in that for new homes and renovations.”

Moreover, R&M Smith’s Vinylguard windows and doors are Energy Star rated and have one of the highest R value ratings in the business. Recycling of excess material, such as plastic and cardboard, is also a company must.

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“We have to make an effort, to be environmentally aware of eco-friendly products and companies that are willing to go the extra mile to do their best to save what God has given us,” Smith stresses. “For that reason, we at R&M will strive to obtain a level of environmentally-friendly work habits, on and off the job site, and will continue to do business with companies that will follow our lead in this area.”

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

In both 2012 and 2013, R&M Smith was named Green Builder of the Year in the Kawarthas, an award for high-tech and energy efficient approaches to sustainable building, and cost savings.

More recently, R&M was recognized internationally and was awarded the ICF Magazine International Builder of the Year for the best custom home under 4,000 square feet. The winning entry, The Burnham Project, has a full finished walkout basement, with a main floor, and second floor loft which includes another bedroom and family room area, as well as a full four-piece bathroom.

sss-2In 2010, R&M was awarded Best ICF Home by the Peterborough & Kawartha’s Home Builder Association, and was first runner-up in the Canadian Home Builders Association’s green technology category. Back even further, in 2004, R&M walked away with an Award of Excellence from Logix, proving that their innovative tendencies have been ingrained for many years.

“We take pride in these achievements,” says Smith. “They help to prove that R&M is always ready to push the envelope to achieve a greater product for the industry and our valued clients.”

Web / rmsmithcontracting.com

 

 

 

Architecture, HVAC, Style, Sustainability, Technology

One-stop shop

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Hosseini Homes Corporation provides top services for development and construction from start to finish

Real estate investors have been paying close attention to Hosseini Homes Corporation – and vice versa.
The Toronto-based company, a custom home building subsidiary of Tarh Saz Gostar, which has more than 30 years experience in the construction industry in Iran, Dubai and Canada, prides itself on being a one-stop shopping experience … and clients have been quick to rave about that service.

“We provide consultation from the early stages of development and construction,” says Mehdi Hosseini, Executive Director/ Senior Designer at Hosseini Homes Corporation. “That goes from purchasing the land until the end when the home is completed and they move in.
“We do planning, architectural design, interior design, project management, construction, and help with the purchase and sale process. We have helped a lot of investors during the past several years to make more than they expected with their investments.”
Along the way, always in the forefront of Hosseini thinking, is the attention given to sustainable considerations.

“In our company, we believe that sustainable homes are not just the ones with solar panels or a green roof,” says Hosseini. “We believe strongly in the adage ‘Think Locally, Act Globally.’ We think we should all start being sustainable in every sense of the word.

Hosseini cites just a few examples of his company’s sustainable policies. They include:

  • Buying locally as much as possible and using local trades;
  • Designing homes with a height and width that fits with available materials in the market in order to reduce construction cost;
  • Using the latest smart home technologies and factoring natural light into their home designs.

“We design most of our homes with a 10-foot 4½-inch ceiling height, which gives us the opportunity to use a 10-foot stud,” he says. “Then we don’t need to cut the lumber. Or we would design a foyer with an eight-foot width, which would then be covered using 2×2-foot tiles to avoid the need for cutting.
“This not only reduces the construction garbage, but saves a lot of time and energy.”


Hosseini Homes takes particular pride in its design and landscaping departments.
The design department specializes in architectural design, interior design, master planning, sustainable design and consulting. Using the latest in computer technology, Hosseini Homes can create a paradise in every client’s backyard.

“With out experts’ knowledge and talent, we can best match our clients’ business strategies and objectives,“ says Hosseini. “We care about each client’s needs in building their dream house because, at the end of the day, it’s their home and we love seeing them there enjoying it.”

Web / hosseinihomesco.com

Mehdi Hosseini is a talented designer who amazes clients with his work and ideas. His knowledge of building codes and construction practices helps him to be one of the best. He graduated from Azad University in Karaj, Iran and received his bachelor degree in the Wood & Paper Industry Engineering program. He also graduated from George Brown College in Toronto in the Architectural Technology program. He achieved his bachelor degree in the Environmental Design program at OCAD University, previously known as the Ontario College of Art and Design. He is a qualified designer, BCIN certified, in Ontario, Canada. Also he is working at OCAD University as an AutoCAD Instructor which indicates his level of knowledge in the design and architecture field.

Architecture, Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends, Wood

Above all else

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Highest wooden building in the world to be built in Amsterdam

Beginning in 2017, construction of the tallest timber tower in the world will get underway on the banks of the Amstel River in Amsterdam.
Called HAUT – drawing inspiration from haute couture or designed, customized architecture – this 21-floor building will include 4,000 residential units, plus business and retail areas.
But it’s the innovative wooden high-rise construction and energy-generating façades that make HAUT a protoype for innovative and sustainable building. Cross-laminated timber will be used to build the tower, with softwood from sustainably-managed forests in Europe.
Due to the large storage capacity contained with CO2, using wood in this structure will store approximately three million kilograms of carbon monoxide, developers say. The façade of the building will include energy-generating panels across an external area of 1,250 square metres, waste water will be collected and decontaminated and garage space willl be equipped for electric vehicles.
The project ties in nicely to Amsterdam’s plan to achieve a net zero carbon footprint through construction, with an eye on achieving a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) label.

The City of Amsterdam selected Team V Architectuur to design and develop the project, and other key players on the team include urban developers Lingotto, Nicole Maarsen, ARUP and brand partner NLE (Netherlands Energy Company).
The building has been designed to provide buyers with various choices – ranging from unit sizes, to the number of floors, layout and positioning of double-height spaces, outdoor loggias and balconies.The appearance of the building will be enhanced in several ways. There are exceptional views of the surroundings utilizing large floor-to-ceiling windows and ample terraces with spacious balconies. The balconies, it should be noted, are designed as cantilevering structures that appear to be placed in a random pattern.A triangular base is designed to function as a green area during the cooler months and will host community gardening programs. An innovation lab will be located at the tower’s ground floor, which will be a leading destination for energy innovations.The main building will use timber in the form of pre-fabricated panels. A load-bearing wall construction will be used for the tower’s structure, while wall and floors will be made of cross-laminated timber.

Concrete will be used sparingly – to construct the basement and for the connecting path between the basement and the wooden high-rise structure. Additionally, on a smaller scale, certain areas of the ground floor and first floor structure will also require concrete as the construction material.The building’s façade will be completed using glass, aluminium and concrete.

Web / haut.nl/en

Architecture, Green Energy, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Rainforest in the desert

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Dubai’s Rosemont Hotel and Residences to feature stunning artificial world

It’s common knowledge that Dubai, on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, is well-known as a business hub extraordinaire with a dry desert climate.

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But by 2019, visitors to this iconic city of skyscrapers and high-rises will find a much different attraction should they decide to stay at the Rosemont Hotel and Residences, currently under construction. It reflects a modern city where innovative development shapes the destination.

This five-star hotel, a two-tower property owned by the Saudi Arabia-based Royal International group, will feature a 75,000-square-foot outdoor rainforest, complete with an sand-less beach and splash pool. Moreover, it will also provide an adventure play area for children, a trampoline park, laser tag area, and indoor bowling alley.

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The first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the hotel will be spread over 13,000 square metres, and many of the extras will be developed inside a five-storey podium that will serve as a pedestal between the two towers, each 53 storeys high.

Designed by ZAS Architects Dubai, this $550-million (U.S.) creation goes way beyond the norm when it comes to unique offerings. There will be robotic luggage handlers and a glass-bottomed sky pool that lights up at night, but its pièce de résistance will be the man-made rainforest.

Besides the splash pool, there will be a ‘prehistoric marsh’ with a ‘tropical mist’ spraying through trees, waterfalls, streams, a rainforest café and trails. This will be done by using stored recycled water to create the humidity, mirroring a real tropical rainforest environment.

Designers also tout the site’s ‘sensory rain system that will create a 360-degree experience, providing the sensation of being surrounded by rainfall without actually getting wet.’

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Besides the obvious wow factor, it should be noted that the Rosemont Hotel and Residences is actually combining advanced design, digital technology and the natural world. It’s a first-of-its-kind hybrid, operated by Hilton’s Curio Collection.

Set against the dynamic backdrop of an ever-evolving skyline, Rosemont’s architecture will capture a contemporary Dubai. Animated and dynamic, the bold façades will reflect the city’s vibrant pulse. Inspired by reflection, light and texture, Rosemont’s evocative design is expected to transport guests into nature’s most exotic destinations – from the lush tropical rainforest to an alluring digital underwater world, or cosmic experience.

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The hotel tower is conceptualized as a flowing river, with the façade’s dynamic lighting enhancing the architecture. Wrapping around the tower, lighting will spiral around the podium, which, in turn, will shape the dynamic form. Representing shells and pearls, moving lights will illuminate the tower’s apartment area in a pattern inspired by atomic, orbital rings.

After spiraling around the hotel’s façade, lighting will then dive directly into the projected pool from above, and continue to flow through the bottom of the pool into the lower level, highlighting canopies.

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All in all, this should mean a breathtaking experience for guests. And that sensory experience will begin immediately upon their arrival as the advanced technology will transform the upper ground floor drop-off area with ever-changing 3D projections, ranging from lush rainforests to underwater scenes.

Two separate, opulent lobbies accessible from the upper ground floor drop-off area will provide exclusive and private access for guests. Visitors to the rainforest and entertainment area will arrive from a third, separate lobby, connecting to the entertainment podium.

Steps inside the upper ground-floor hotel lobby, guests will be welcomed by robotic luggage handling, digital waterfalls, and evocative hi-tech projections. High-speed elevators will transport guests to check-in on the 26th floor sky lobby, with magnificent views of the Gulf and city beyond. A floating kinetic sculpture will be suspended above, with shimmering LEDs moving slowly to create a mystical, ever-changing visual centerpiece.

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Visitors will have a choice of accommodation options, from executive rooms to junior suites to designer suites, with a 6,300-square-foot presidential suite topping things off. Bars and rooftop lounges, many with exclusive features, will also be available, along with event space, meeting rooms, private pools, aqua massage, wet spa, private treatment rooms and ice room.

Promoted as a new global hospitality brand, there’s little doubt this project will be quickly recognized as a unique ultra-luxury urban resort destination.

Architecture, Style, Sustainability, Top Stories, Trends

Best of both worlds

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Sharon Village combines lifestyle of uncompromising style and heritage with convenience

When it comes to a perfect GTA lifestyle, Sharon Village offers the best of both worlds.

Located just 30 minutes north of Toronto, this Vogue Development Group community oozes historic charm with a relaxing neighbourhood vibe – all the while providing access to beautiful parks, shopping and schools, plus close proximity to the Leslie Street Heritage District.

And with a variety of styles and sizes, the affordable homes of Sharon Village literally have something for every homeowner’s wish list.
Named after the Sharon Temple national historic site, the development is an ideal combination of natural ambience and big-city convenience. Located at Mount Albert Street and Leslie Road, Sharon Village is surrounded by peaceful greenspace, yet only minutes away from many major amenities.
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The link to the past can’t be understated. Back in the 1820s, theVillage of Sharon was a small community founded by Quakers who used simple tools to craft buildings with skill and artistry; buildings that still stand as a dramatic architectural testament to a society created on the values of peace, equality and social justice.

Sharon Village fits right into the mix, with distinctive architecture in an exceptional setting.

The interiors of each home incorporate all of today’s most popular trends, with open concept main floor plans, chef-inspired kitchens, cozy family rooms and spacious family bedrooms with spa-inspired ensuites. Home sites are situated on quiet streets and crescents, with limited thoroughfare traffic. Boasting refined, charming brick exteriors with large windows, there are single and double car garages, a well.
Yes, Sharon Village offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of downtown Toronto, but getting back and forth to work should be an easy commute. With close proximity to both highways 400 and 404, there are also nearby GO stations in Newmarket and East Gwillimbury.
All homes, for starters, will be Energy Star qualified, which assures adherence to Natural Resources Canada’s energy-efficient guidelines. Not only that, but all homes will be constructed in accordance with the Town of Gwillimbury sustainability guidelines and include warranty protection.

The list of energy-efficient and water-conservation features is lengthy and impressive, and includes:

  • Energy Star qualified natural gas-fired, power exhaust hot water tank to be installed on a rental basis;
  • Energy Star qualified high efficiency, forced air, direct vent, natural gas furnace with programmable thermostat;
  • Ducting sized to accommodate future installation of central air conditioning;
  • Exterior frame fully insulated to R27, including R5 sheathing. Basement foundation walls insulated with R20 insulation from above the basement slab. Entire house sealed with air/vapour barrier to minimize air infiltration and increase energy conservation;
  • R31 energy saving spray foam insulation in garage ceiling (with habitable space above) and overhangs;
  • R50 blown insulation in attic;
  • Comprehensive air-seal package on all exterior doors and windows with polyurethane spray foam;
  • Extensive caulking for improved energy conservation and draft prevention;
  • Blanket insulation complete with vapour barrier in basement;
  • Low-flow aerators on WaterSense lavatory faucets;
  • Low-flow WaterSense showerheads on all showers;
  • WaterSense water saving toilets;
  • An HRV System (Heat Recovery Ventilator) distributing fresh air throughout the home;
  • Circulation hot water delivery system;
  • Furnace mounted whole-home water efficient humidifier;
  • And, solar conduit rough-in.The attention to green and sustainable detail extends to all features throughout each home, from Energy Star maintenance-free Low E argon vinyl casement windows to washable Benjamin Moore quality paint colour (low VOC).

Kitchens feature pre-finished kitchen cabinets, double stainless steel ledge back sink with single lever pullout faucet, and post-formed laminate countertops. There will be 100-amp electrical systems with circuit breakers and an array of pre-wiring features. Bathrooms have a myriad of luxurious and practical offerings, as do floors throughout the houses. Plumbing and heating notables include tankless water heaters and temperature balancing controls.

Web / voguesharonvillage.ca

Vogue is a family-owned and operated business that has over 50 years experience creating spectacular residences throughout Southern Ontario. The success of the Vogue Development Group is rooted in the commitment to hard work, quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer care that the owners and employees of its family-operated business demonstrate on a daily basis. The Vogue Development Group is committed to building homes of the highest quality, not the highest quantity of homes. When making a new home purchase, Vogue’s experienced and knowledgeable team is with you every step of the way to ensure that you have the best possible purchasing experience. It’s through this steadfast commitment to customer service that Vogue has earned a reputation as one of the premium builders in the GTA.

 

Architecture, Green Energy, Ideas, LEED, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Living green

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Times Group continues to lead the way with its environmentally-friendly Key West condo project

With a track record that speaks for itself, Times Group’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development is second to none.

A premier name in the industry with 25 years of business and a record of excellence across the real estate spectrum of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Times Group sets the bar particularly high when it comes to green building.

That was borne out when the company built the first LEED-certified residential condominium in Markham, which is a testament to its dedication to both the environment and the community.

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But now, with the Key West condos on the Etobicoke waterfront, Times Group is building with an even greater green commitment. There are more energy-efficient features, environmentally-friendly materials and construction practices that minimize waste.

So much so, it turns out, that the project will be a candidate for Toronto Green Standard Tier 2, which is the industry’s highest green building standard.

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A firm commitment to the environment and green living is a cornerstone of Times Group’s green building philosophy. As an early adopter of York Region’s Sustainable Development Through LEED Program, all Times Group residential projects in York Region have important environmental benefits. From smart site planning to energy conservation to waste reduction to water savings, Times Group is leading the way in environmental stewardship across the GTA.

Inspired by core family values, Times Group has become a leading player in the land acquisition, planning, design, development and construction of premium-quality commercial and residential properties. With a focus on exceptional quality and enduring value, Times Group is actively engaged in the development of high-rise condominium projects, distinctive homes and condominium townhouses in the GTA.

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Every Times Group project is distinguished by an integrated planning process, a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to enduring value.

That painstaking approach continues with Key West, where the project manager is Tony Ma and Sirous Sayad is site superintendent.

When it comes to energy efficiency and green features, Key West stands alone. A number of examples include:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

1) Double glazed, Low-E windows with argon gas fill to provide added comfort and reduce heating and cooling costs;
2) High pressure, low-flow shower heads to reduce energy consumption for domestic hot water without sacrificing bathing comforts;
3) Energy Star appliances to reduce electricity use;
4) Sub-metering for individual allocation of electricity costs;
5) Best Practices Commissioning of major mechanical equipment by third party energy management firm to ensure that systems operate at optimal performance levels;
6) Occupancy sensors on lighting in non-essential common areas;
7) CO2 monitors in the parking garage to activate air-handling equipment when needed (versus around-the-clock) saving money on fan operation;
8) And on-site treatment of storm water to remove particulate matter.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

1) Continuous fresh air provided directly to occupied units;
2) Interior latex-based paints, adhesives & sealants certified by the Environmental Choice Program to ensure ultra low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs);
3) Indoor Air Quality management plan during and after construction to ensure healthy living space when you move in and for the life of the building;
4) Adhesive-free hard surface flooring for easy maintenance to remove dust and allergens and reduce off-gassing;
5) And best practice ventilation and air sealing practice to eliminate transfer of tobacco smoke between suites.

WATER EFFICIENCY

1) Low flow, high pressure shower heads and faucets;
2) Dual flush water efficient toilets;
3) Water efficient landscaping and storage of rainwater to eliminate consumption of potable water for irrigation;
4) Front loading Energy Star washing machines (use less water and detergent);
5) And individual suite metering will provide incentive for occupants to reduce consumption.

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

1) Walking distance to public transportation;
2) Diverting construction waste to reduce landfill loads;
3) Recycle facilities that permit convenient separating and disposing of recyclables;
4) And additional secure bicycle storage space conveniently located.

Key West carries on with the company’s tradition of excellence. Winner of many prestigious industry awards, Times Group has been honoured with the BILD Award for Green Builder of the Year – Highrise in recognition of its green building philosophy.

Times Group began by building custom homes in North York, Ontario in 1987. With its singular focus on quality craftsmanship and professional service, the family-run business thrived and soon expanded into commercial development, focusing on commercial condominiums.

Since then, the company has virtually formed the skyline of lower Richmond Hill, having built extensively along Highway 7, between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street. The company’s flagship and highly successful commercial development, Times Square, put Times Group squarely on the map as a major developer of repute and earned Times widespread acclaim.

At the turn of the 21st century, with a firm footing in the arenas of commercial development and home building, Times Group focused its formidable skills, resources and strengths on highrise residential condominium development. Here, again, the core family values of quality, trust and tradition propelled the company into completing one successful condominium project after another.

img_0316Today, Times Group leads the development industry with over 20 exquisitely designed residential condominium residences in the Toronto downtown core, North York, Richmond Hill, Markham and, most recently, Key West in Etobicoke. With these and more elegant condominium communities coming soon, Times Group continues to arouse great excitement with its stylish and sophisticated projects.

Web / keywesttorontocondo.com

Ideas, Top Stories, Trends

It’s time for a change – a very slight change – to our magazine’s brand name.

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Beginning with the Fall 2016 issue, Green Building & Sustainable Strategies transitions into something we feel is more appropriate – Green Building + Architecture.

The decision to shake things up a bit makes perfect sense to us. Since the magazine’s inception, we have steadily forged solid relationships with key international architectural figures.

In past issues, for example, we have featured a veritable who’s who of renowned architectural firms from Canada and around the world, including Frank Gehry, Vince Callebaut Architectures, James Law Cybertecture, MVRDV, MAD, RAFAA, Gentler, Heatherwick Studio, WZMH Architects, Buro Ole Scheeren, Farrow Partnership Architects, Superkul Inc, Arquitectonica, Castro Melo Arquitectos, Asymptote Architecture, Steven Holl Architects, B+U Architects, BIG, Richard’s Architecture & Design, J. Mayer H. Architects, Studio Nicoletti Associate, Atenastudio, LAVA,  Studio 505, Cachoua Torres Camilletti, Wilkinson Eyre Architecture, Giancarlo Zema, ZAS Architects, Sou Fujimoto, Spark and Ateliers Jean Nouvel

More and more, we found our editorial themes revolving around sustainable architecture and our bread and butter – the green construction industry. So that will continue. We’ll have the same informative profiles across all building sectors in Ontario, Canada and the world.

We will still present in-depth news and features about the industry’s many innovations, everything from new green building materials and architectural breakthroughs, to the latest regulatory challenges and business trends.

And, yes, we will still engage thinkers and industry players as we explore recipes for success.

We hope you’ll carry on with your support for what we bring to the table, and embrace the new, improved format where we’ll provide even more emphasis on sustainable architecture; construction where only renewable resources are utilized throughout the process of design, construction and operation.

We’ll continue to invite all architects to submit their sustainable projects for publication. And we look forward to featuring some of the most notable architects and their work, where the focus is on reducing environmental footprints. Enjoy.