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Trendsetter in sustainability

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Sinclair Construction takes a collaborative stance to reinforce its reputation as an industry leader

Many builders talk the talk about sustainable strategies, but Sinclair Construction takes the discussion to a whole new level.

An early proponent of a more sustainable approach within the residential home building industry, Sinclair Construction actually reaches out to others, seeking a collaborative approach, which cements its status as an industry leader in LID (Low Impact Development).

“Sinclair Construction has embraced LID, energy efficiency and more sustainable housing,” says Dan Sinclair, Project Manager for the Kitchener-Waterloo-based company.

Family-owned, Sinclair Construction was founded by Warren Sinclair back in 1979. Its customer-centered approach, accented by a mark of excellence, reinforces its reputation as a builder that exceeds the standard and accentuates the details.

Sinclair Construction is known as a company that builds homes to last and believes that longevity starts with efficiency.

“We don’t just comply with the energy efficient Ontario building code – we surpass it,” says Sinclair. “And this means when you own a Sinclair Construction home, you enjoy reduced operating and maintenance costs and a smaller carbon footprint.”

Over the past 36 years, Sinclair Construction has built several communities and more than 300 family homes.

Its current project, The Enclave at Victoria Hills in the town of Ingersoll, is the most recent example of a synergistic LID endeavor. Working in conjunction with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Sinclair Construction has incorporated extensive rain gardens as a means of achieving storm water management through the promotion of infiltration and evaporation.

In a nutshell, LID is a storm water management approach that uses Best Management Practices (BMP) – small, simple designs and landscape features at the lot level to infiltrate, filter, store and evaporate and detain runoff close to its source. (BMPs can be used in new development, urban retrofits and redevelopment projects, on lawns, streets, sidewalks, medians, roofs and in parking lots.)

“By eliminating more traditional methods for storm water management we were able to avoid costly underground infrastructure and the installation of a storm water management (SWM) pond, therefore gaining more land on which to build more units,” Sinclair says, noting that The Enclave at Victoria Hills is on a peaceful neighbourhood street, and features condominium bungalow and two-storey townhomes.

The process at The Enclave at Victoria Hills project began with the existing streetscape.

Originally, Sinclair says, the site drained towards a street, in this case Ingersoll Street. After the installation, the runoff drained to the perimeter, and then either clockwise or counter-clockwise around the edge. The runoff then moves through a series of bioswales and rain gardens, towards two large rain gardens along Ingersoll Street.

Water is retained in the rain gardens before infiltrating into the soil. A perforated drain moves storm water that has been filtered by plants and soil on to the next rain garden. At the two largest rain gardens along Ingersoll Street, any water in the underdrain will flow at a controlled rate into the municipal storm water system.

Sinclair Construction also looked to industry experts for energy efficiency input.

“We worked collaboratively with Bowser Technical Inc., and Priority Mechanical Services Ltd. to ensure all homes in our project are built to the Energy Star standard, at a minimum, with most achieving higher EnerGuide ratings,” he added, noting that an Energy Star new home is, on average, 20 per cent more energy efficient than a home built to code.
“Both organizations (Bowser Technical Inc., and Priority Mechanical Services Ltd.) have provided valuable knowledge in helping us to select features to achieve these ratings, such as higher insulation values, better windows and water heaters, right-sized HVAC systems and increased air-tightness results.”

“We are looking forward to continuing to position ourselves as an industry leader in LID through the adoption of more sustainable building methods and technologies and also pursuing net-zero goals in upcoming projects.”

Sinclair Construction has consistently set the bar for new home builds in southwestern Ontario, participating in the Ontario Power Authority’s NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION initiative, which is designed to encourage home builders and renovators to construct energy-efficient homes. Sixteen per cent of the homes built in Ontario that have taken advantage of this initiative were built by Sinclair Construction. The homes surpassed the building code using energy-efficient materials and techniques to meet EnerGuide standards. The homes are more energy-efficient from the beginning, reducing waste and providing future savings for the homeowner. Additionally, Sinclair Construction has been the recipient of a residential sector ERTH award, which recognizes businesses that are committed to sustainability.

Web / sinclairconstruction.ca

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

On the cutting edge

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Derek Nicholson Incorporated has developed a stellar reputation working with some of Canada’s most innovative architects

 

The words ‘cutting edge’ come to mind whenever one thinks about the work done by Derek Nicholson Incorporated.

It’s easy to see why. As a specialized contracting and project management firm, the company has developed a reputation for producing finely-executed renovations and custom designed buildings for some of Canada’s most innovative architects.

“We also have the management structure to be cost-effective and efficient on our projects,” says company founder Derek Nicholson. “We definitely provide excellent value for money, as well.”
Grange
Founded in 2000, the Toronto-based firm has been involved in numerous projects that have received local and international awards and media attention, including four Governor General’s awards, which represent the greatest honour for architecture in Canada. Nicholson feels strongly that those distinctions are the result of dedication to excellent design, management and construction, plus credits the stellar group of architects and designers he collaborates with.

Derek Nicholson Incorporated prides itself in resolving and executing detailed projects of exceptional quality. Its team of skilled trades and craftspeople ensure that design integrity is realized from conception to completion.

The company’s office staff, Nicholson says, have degrees from architecture and interior design schools and have prior work experience at boutique architecture and design firms.

“Our qualified project managers are therefore able to collaborate with architects and designers to ensure that construction details are well-executed,” he says. “We work with the consultants and clients to ‘value engineer’ projects to meet budget requirements.

“As a result,” Nicholson says, “we have received widespread acclaim and are continuously referred to other clients by the consultants and clients of completed projects.”

Some of the innovative architecture and design firms Derek Nicholson Incorporated has worked with recently are superkül, William Chong Architects, Luc Bouliane, Teeple Architects and D’Arcy Jones Architecture. Teeple Architects, for example, is recognized for executing technically-advanced projects of exceptional quality that are conceptually and practically rooted in the specific needs and aspirations of each client. They say they are committed to responding creatively and effectively to each program, site, context and budget; inspired to find innovative and appropriate solutions for each new project.

Derek Nicholson Incorporated shares the same values. The firm provides crews that are capable of providing a wide variety of work – from the initial stages of demolition through to completion. Some of their expert in-house services include underpinning, waterproofing, poured concrete walls plus Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and installation of structural steel and framing.

“And just a little while ago,” says Nicholson, “we opened a landscape section, completing a number of finely-designed and executed landscape projects.

“Because of our total integration, projects are seamless. Not relying on outside trades allows us to complete projects in a timely fashion.”


Next up for Derek Nicholson Incorporated is a segue into BONE structure construction, a system for assembling houses quickly, without any cutting or use of nails.

“We are now an authorized BONE structure builder,” says Nicholson. “We’ll be starting our first project right away. We’re excited – BONE structures are prefabricated steel structures that are energy efficient and create zero waste during erection compared to traditional wood framing methods. And wall and roof panels are spray foamed to achieve air-tight enclosures.”
Did we say ‘cutting edge?’

 

Web / dereknicholson.com

 

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AIA – Top Ten Plus

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Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building Lauded with AIA Sustainable Design Award

GSA project highlighted as example of reducing operating costs, saving tax payer money and providing healthier work space for a federal agency

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the U.S. General Services Administration Region 10’s (GSA) Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland, OR, as the recipient of the Top Ten Plus award. In its fourth year, the award recognizes one past AIA COTE Top Ten Project Award recipient which has quantifiable metrics demonstrating the true impact the sustainable design has achieved. The project, designed by SERA Architects and Cutler Anderson Architects, was selected in 2014 as a recipient of the AIA/COTE Top Ten Project Award program

Completed in 1974, the building received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2010 to undergo a major renovation and replace outdated equipment and systems. Under the Energy Independence & Security Act, the renovated building would have to meet or exceed stringent energy and water savings requirements. Working with Howard S. Wright Construction, the design team was able to deliver the project 10 months early, saving taxpayers more than $900,000 in the process.

“We were tasked with converting an aging energy hog into one of GSA’s highest-performing buildings,” said Don Eggleston, AIA, principal at SERA Architects.

From an initial building analysis, it was determined that for seismic safety, the precast concrete exterior would need to be removed. Energy studies led to a number of solutions, including a blast-resistant glass curtain wall, exterior shading and reflective elements and a highly-efficient hydronic heating and cooling system inside.


“These creative design solutions not only reduced utility costs, but also freed up more than 30,000 square feet of rentable space that enabled a much greater ROI for the GSA’s investment in this property,” Eggleston added.

Building performance metrics determined by post-occupancy evaluations:

  • Renovated building uses 55% less energy than the original structure
  • Harvested rainwater and water-conserving plumbing fixtures resulted in a 65% reduction in water use
  • By maintaining a central location downtown, an estimated 85% percent of occupants are not reliant on single-occupancy vehicles for transportation
  • The radiant heating and cooling system resulted in a projected lifecycle cost reduction of $2 million compared to traditional Variable Air Volume Air Systems
  • The building boasts an occupant satisfaction rating of 75%


“We’re proud that this GSA cornerstone building is one of the most efficient office buildings in the country,” said Kimberly Gray, GSA Director of Facilities Management Division. “Our tenants regularly give us feedback about how they enjoy all of the building features, especially the increased exposure to daylight throughout.”

COTE Jury comments: “This project transforms a generic concrete office building into a high-performance, environmentally responsive, comfortable place to work. This sets a great precedent for re-use and upgrade, and demonstrates the potential for creative, green re-use projects.”

 

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

The American Institute of Architects Select the 2016 COTE Top Ten Green Projects

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Projects showcase excellence in ecological design principles and reduced energy consumption

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and ecological design projects that protect and enhance the environment. The projects will be honored at the 2016 AIA Convention in Philadelphia.

The COTE Top Ten Awards program, now in its 20th year, is the profession’s most rigorous recognition program for sustainable design excellence. The program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology.

By conducting an in-depth study of nearly 200 COTE Top Ten Award winning projects encompassing almost 20 years in the recently released report, Lessons from the Leading Edge, it was determined that design projects recognized through this program are outpacing the industry by virtually every standard of performance.

Biosciences Research Building (BRB); Galway, Ireland
Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism 

The design of the BRB embraces the moderate climate of Ireland. By locating low-load spaces along the perimeter of the building, the project is able to take advantage of natural ventilation as the sole conditioning strategy for the majority of the year and is supplemented less than 10% of the year with radiant heating. Due to this approach, 45% of this intensive research building is able to function without mechanical ventilation. This is an extremely simple, yet radical approach and is rarely implemented.

Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL); Pittsburgh
The Design Alliance Architects

The CSL is an education, research and administration facility at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Designed to be the greenest building in the world, it generates all of its own energy and treats all storm and sanitary water captured on-site. The CSL is the first and only building to meet four of the highest green certifications: the Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, WELL Building Platinum, and Four-Stars Sustainable SITES. As an integral part of the Phipps visitor experience, the CSL focuses attention on the important intersection between the built and natural environments, demonstrating that human and environmental health are inextricably connected.

Exploratorium at Pier 15; San Francisco
EHDD

The Exploratorium is an interactive science museum that also demonstrates innovation and sustainability in its design and construction. The building takes advantage of the historic pier shed’s natural lighting and the 800-foot-long roof provided room for a 1.3 megawatt photovoltaic array. The water of the bay is used for cooling and heating. Materials were used that are both sustainable and durable enough to withstand a harsh maritime climate. The project is certified LEED Platinum and is close to reaching its goal of being the country’s largest Net Zero energy museum and an industry model for what is possible in contemporary museums.

H-E-B at Mueller; Austin, TX
Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, Selser Schaefer Architects

H-E-B at Mueller is an 83,587-square-foot LEED Gold and Austin Energy Green Building 4-Stars retail store and fresh food market, including a pharmacy, café, community meeting room, outdoor gathering spaces, and fuel station. It serves 16 neighborhoods and is located in Mueller, a sustainable, mixed-use urban Austin community. Strategies include a collaborative research, goal-setting and design process; integrated chilled water HVAC and refrigeration systems; the first North American supermarket propane refrigeration system; optimized daylighting; 169 kW roof-top solar array; electric vehicle charging; all LED lighting; and reclaimed water use for landscape irrigation, toilets, and cooling tower make-up water.

Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation; Berkeley, CA
Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects

Founded on the conviction that design can help address some of society’s most pressing challenges, the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation at UC Berkeley is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the core of university life. The project provides a new interdisciplinary hub for students and teachers from across the university who work at the intersection of design and technology. It is designed as both a collaborative, project-based educational space and a symbol to the region of the University’s commitment to sustainable innovation, modelling high-density / low-carbon living and learning by reducing energy use 90% below national baseline.

Rene Cazenave Apartments; San Francisco
Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, Associated Architect

This supportive housing for formerly chronically homeless individuals replaces a former parking lot and freeway off-ramp with a high density, transit oriented, and healthy living alternative. Filtered ventilation, low emitting materials, ample daylight and views combine to aid the residents, many with mental and physical disabilities. Energy costs for the residents and non-profit owner are minimized by a combination of high efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, a continuously insulated rain-screen building envelope and a roof top solar canopy with both hot water and photovoltaic panels. Water is carefully managed by a vegetated roof, smart irrigation, a courtyard storm water tank and reclaimed water piping.


The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion; Decatur, TX
Lake|Flato Architects

The Josey Pavilion is a multi-functional education and meeting center that supports the mission of the Dixon Water Foundation to promote healthy watersheds through sustainable land management. Traditionally livestock has caused more harm than good by overgrazing and not allowing native prairies to play their important role in habitat and watershed protection, and carbon sequestration. As a certified Living Building, the Josey Pavilion facilitates a deeper understanding of how grazing livestock as well as the built environment can work to do more good than harm. Just like the Heritage Live Oak that defines the site, the building tempers the climate and enhances visitor experience by shading the sun, blocking the wind, and providing protected views.

The J. Craig Venter Institute; San Diego
ZGF Architects LLP

This not-for-profit research institute, dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics, was in need of a permanent West Coast home. Their commitment to environmental stewardship led to challenging the architects to design a net-zero energy laboratory building, the first in the U.S. The result is a LEED-Platinum certified, 44,607-square-foot building comprised of a wet laboratory wing and an office / dry laboratory wing surrounding a central courtyard, all above a partially below-grade parking structure for 112 cars. The holistic approach to the design revolved around energy performance, water conservation, and sustainable materials.


University of Wyoming – Visual Arts Facility; Laramie, WY
Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC

The Visual Arts Facility (VAF) consolidates the fine arts program from its scattered locations throughout the campus. The building provides a teaching and learning environment that is both state-of-the-art in occupational safety and in its concern for discharge of pollutants from building. The roof area is fitted with one of the largest solar evacuated tube installations in the U.S. Heat flows from the evacuated tubes to support the hydronic radiant floors, domestic hot water, and pretreat outside air for ventilation. The building was oriented and shaped through a process of studying the sun’s interaction with interior spaces, simultaneously distributing reflected light while eliminating solar gain.


West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library; Berkeley, CA
Harley Ellis Devereaux

The new 9,500-square-foot West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library is the first certified Living Building Challenge zero net energy public library in California. The building’s energy footprint was minimized through integrated strategies for daylighting (the building is 97% daylit), natural ventilation and a high performance building envelope. An innovative wind chimney provides cross-ventilation while protecting the library interior from street noise. Renewable energy on site includes photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels for radiant heating and cooling and domestic hot water. The library exceeds the 2030 Challenge and complies with Berkeley’s recently-enacted Climate Action Plan.

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

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

Leading the way

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Accolades for Arista Homes for its green building practices  

NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA ENERGYSTAR NEW HOMEBUILDER OF THE YEAR

Being true to its company philosophy is reaping ongoing benefits for Arista Homes Limited.

Founded more than 20 years ago by Michael DeGasperis, the Vaughan-based

Homebuilder of more than 9,000 quality homes across the GTA and Southern Ontario has long been recognized as an industry leader in both innovation and technical excellence – and that’s a key part of its Mission Statement. “While building upon a Life-Friendly TM corporate philosophy, we will encourage the development of our exceptional people to build exceptional homes and communities and deliver a product to our clients that we would be proud to own.” The entire Arista Homes team is motivated by this Mission Statement. Arista’s dedication and commitment to always improving and building the best possible home, alongside being environmentally conscientious, has not gone unnoticed. In fact, Arista Homes was recently recognized as the 2015 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Energy Star New Homebuilder of the Year. Receiving this prestigious National Award is certainly a proud accomplishment!

“We take great pride in receiving this nationally recognized award,” says Michael DeGasperis, Arista’s President and C.E.O. “We remain committed to collaborating with suppliers, trades and each of our dedicated employees to ensure we continue building a product for our valued clients that we would all be proud to own ourselves.”

For more than two decades, Arista Homes has embraced green building initiatives and remains determined and dedicated to doing so in the years ahead. The continued implementation of green initiatives, panelized construction practices, recycling programs, and improved construction processes all contribute to a better-built home, which ultimately leads to a more environmentally friendly home and an even more satisfied homebuyer.

The National Energy Star award provides significant acknowledgment of Arista’s efforts and is a direct result of the company promoting the Energy Star brand along with other worthy green building initiatives. Most importantly, there’s no doubt that Arista has embraced a corporate philosophy that is predicated upon building the best possible homes and a strong desire to be environmentally conscious.

“I am proud to live and work in one of the world’s greatest countries,” says DeGasperis. “I take great pride in being entrusted by our homeowners to, in essence, make their dreams come true. This is a significant responsibility that I do not take lightly. Not only

does it motivate me daily, but I derive great satisfaction in future generations aspiring to make an Arista home their own.”

Arista Homes is not satisfied in simply meeting today’s homebuyer expectations; rather the Arista mandate is to exceed these expectations whenever possible.

The utilization of panelized wood construction practices has become the norm in all Arista communities. Arista has embraced the technologies and industry-leading advancements provided by forward thinking companies such as Panelized Building Solutions (PBS) and Tamarack. These companies are at the forefront of providing homebuilders with engineered, factory-built and locally co-ordinated wood panelized products. The expertise provided by their respective design teams has allowed Arista to implement effective on-site strategies that have had a significant impact in not only reducing the carbon footprint left behind, but also a positive effect on Arista’s ability to build a better home.

With several panelized Arista communities now complete, Arista has found that the overall cost effectiveness associated with panelized wood construction along with the many immediate benefits associated with this superior construction method, both immediate and long-term, far outweigh those of conventional house construction.

The immediate benefits of panelization are undeniable and can be measured to include the following:

 Built the right way, the same way every time.

 Save time – 37% faster than conventional stick frame construction = greater economies and efficiencies

 Produces a superior quality finished product.

 Cleaner and safer workplace, virtually no waste material

 Reduces required on-site labour force required for clean-up.

 Reduced WSIB costs.

 A near 50% savings on typical waste-bin costs.

 Virtually eliminates equipment required to clean up sites.

 Cost certainty – as one all-inclusive price is provided.

 Panels are built in a controlled heated environment to exact dimensions.

 Fixed delivery dates.

 Less weather related delays – helps you stay on schedule and on budget.

 Floor and wall assembly systems are tailored to individual builder/client needs and specifications.

 Installed with cranes, thus significantly reducing on-site labour.

 Saves space on site for material staging areas.

Arista’s clients have been quick to recognize this effort. Arista’s V.P of Sales and Marketing, Franco Crispino states: “This exceptional green-friendly initiative can only be described as a huge success.”

Beyond panelized construction, Arista continues to implement many other technologies and advancements into each of their homes. Their current mandate, is to ensure that all new Arista communities are Energy Star-compliant and to build upon their many successes in the green building environment.

Each Arista Energy Star-built home incorporates individual energy-efficient home components and building materials. Such practices effectively contribute to an approximately 25% more energy efficient home when compared to the current building code – much to the delight of each Arista homebuyer. Each home not only exceeds the current standards but ultimately saves the homeowners money as well. In addition, Arista also adheres to neighbourhood friendly on-site environmental protection measures by providing homeowners an introduction to solar-ready conduits and the integration of future energy-saving technologies and water conservation initiatives (e.g. low-flow faucets, high-efficiency flush toilets). Furthermore, improved indoor air quality is achieved with the introduction of environmentally-friendly building materials as well as Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems (HRV’s) as well as several other construction details that are geared towards a more air-tight home.

As far as community development goes, neighbourhood street patterns and designs are given careful consideration in order to create pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and neighbourhood –friendly green spaces. Wherever possible, Arista promotes transit hubs, easy access to public spaces and recreational facilities – anything that can limit the

use of automobiles and make life easier and more satisfying for homeowners. This also includes Live/Work communities. To top it all off, water conservation mandates and policies, proper storm water management, tree preservation, rain barrels and homeowner education are commonplace in many Arista Homes community. Arista cares and it shows.

For more than 20 years Arista has strived to be the industry leader and to assist the building community whenever possible. Part of that means being committed to providing leadership, input and time required to assist in educating clients, trade partners, fellow builders, policy makers and to ensure that the consumer gets the best home possible. Moreover, Arista aims to do this in a responsible manner that will provide both immediate benefits today and ultimately for future generations as well.

Collectively, the Arista Homes initiatives have all contributed significantly to not only building a better home, but also has enhanced the company’s ability to rise above its competition.

“It’s been an incredible 20 plus years,” says Michael DeGasperis. “We have the privilege of working in the most exciting of industries. The rewards can be satisfying, but there is no room for complacency. As this industry evolves, and the market conditions shift, our homebuyers’ needs and wants change. Therefore, we need to adapt quickly and lead by example – it is the only option.” “What this means,” says DeGasperis, “is that the Arista mandate is to be a leader and not a follower – always staying ahead of the crowd.”

Web / aristahomes.com

‘For Arista Homes’ new ‘Impressions of Kleinburg’ community, a designated Energy Star room was created to educate prospective buyers. Actual wall cross-sections depicting an Arista-built Energy Star wall system versus a typical Ontario Building Code wall system is on display, as is an HRV system, high-efficiency furnace, drain pipe recovery system, Energy Star window and necessary teaching aids; all geared towards educating the public and promoting the immediate and long-term benefits of owning an Arista-built Energy Star home.



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

Sustainable sentiments

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Digram Developments and DiGreen Homes hold environmental impact in high regard

It may seem like a small thing, but the fact of the matter is that the example speaks volumes about the kind of sustainable strategies practised by Digram Developments Inc.

Along with its building division, DiGreen Homes, Digram pays particular attention to any environmental impact for each and every one of its projects.

According to company president Abubakar Masood, Digram definitely understands the impact land development has on the environment, and they always make a conscious effort to lessen any detrimental effects.

“In a project in Caledon,” Masood says, “our firm built a number of large bird enclosures for endangered species to help maintain the surrounding ecosystem.”

Then, citing another, more dramatic, example, Masood says Digram actually stopped development of one of its projects in Greensborough, in Markham, because it was negatively affecting nesting birds.

“That project was at least 50 acres,” he says. “But we prefer trees over cash-in-lieu (referring to the inevitable displacement of trees during the land development process.).”

That kind of mentality ties in to the focus of DiGreen Homes, which caters to the needs of its current homebuyers and to future purchasers. More and more people, Masood says, are looking for smarter homes with eco-friendly features, such as energy-saving thermostats that can be accessed remotely. And DiGreen Homes stands fully behind its clientele’s changing, progressive tastes.


The Masood family is a third-generation homebuilder with 10 years experience in land development. The family, with over 30 years in the construction, planning and development industries, started out in Dubai, but expanded to Canada in 2002.

Digram Developments Inc. was formed in 2006 as a means for the family to branch out on its own. Not satisfied with being halfway involved in the full home building process – that is, only servicing the land for other, external homebuilders – the family felt it was appropriate to grow its expertise in the construction industry.

Its home builder firm, DiGreen Homes, started in 2014. It was deemed important for the family to be present both at the start and completion of a project, from raw land to finished product, Masood says.

What Digram and DiGreen Homes end up with is far from some of the cookie-cutter products offered by others in the industry, he says. They aim for a unique outcome, something that gives customers bang for their buck, and a distinct source of pride.

While still maintaining work ties to Dubai, the Canadian operation has grown by leaps and bounds. Based in Markham, the two firms work mostly in the GTA. Digram does the site servicing, including installing water mains, asphalt works, sidewalks and curbs, while DiGreen builds the houses and connects with the services.

Masood is extremely cognizant of changing trends in the industry, noting that today’s buyers want their homes to be connected, to be smart. And they’re willing to spend more to get that “cool factor.”

Current projects that both family firms have been involved with include:

• Santaguida Residences, at Donald Cousens Parkway and Delray Drive in Markham (nine single family detached lots, 3,100-3,400 square foot on 45-foot lots) with a completion date set for the summer of 2016;

• The 16th and Williamson Project, at 16th Avenue and Williamson Road in Markham (42 townhouse condo units) with a completion date set for the end of 2017;

• And Swan Park, in Markham (about 10 units), Caledon (about 70 units), Brampton (about 200 units), with current land development projects in Vaughn (close to 400 units) and Oakville and Caledon.

Looking ahead, Masood says he’s focused on getting significant amounts of land, but stresses that both DiGreen and Digram plan to continue building and developing houses.

His goal is to become one of the leaders in homebuilding, providing high-quality homes and adapting to the latest marketplace trends.

 

Web / digreenhomes.ca / digram.ca

 

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The PCMnow.com Inc. difference

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Premium custom home builder up to any challenge – all part of its focus on service and quality

It’s true that PCMnow.com Inc. is made up of a team of dedicated professionals who consistently deliver luxury homes to clients demanding the highest level of quality, workmanship, timing and on-budget completion.

That’s a given.

But sometimes there are other property management challenges for PCMnow.com Inc., the Oakville-based company that prides itself on unparalleled uniqueness, and attention to detail … all with no surprises for the client.

Case in point – the renovation of a 60-year-old apartment building, which was in a “terrible state,” says PCMnow.com Inc. President Carlos Jardino.

“There were many leaking pipes and plenty of waste in water, gas and electricity consumption,” recalls Jardino. “We had a flood of work orders for clogged pipes, for ceilings that were falling down due to the large amount of mould caused by many water leaks, condensation and lack of ventilation. That, plus the heating system was extremely old and inadequate, the whole building was full of pests, roaches and bedbugs – you name it, it was there.

“The living conditions were terrible to say the least.”
Insurmountable? Not for PCMnow.com Inc., which came up with a plan to improve the building on all levels – from mechanical and electrical to plumbing and environmental. But the renovation had to reflect good business sense, as well, and PCMnow.com Inc.’s due diligence made sure the building’s owner was well-served in that regard.

“The capital improvement project would, in the end, have to pay for itself or the other solution would be to demolish the building,” Jardino says.

A thorough audit on the consumption of energy, water and overall efficiency of the building, plus an environmental assessment, was conducted. The result, Jardino says, was a conclusion that, in most cases, the building was consuming well over seven to eight times more utilities than the industry standard. There were other problems to consider, as it turns out, but the bottom line is PCMnow.com Inc. came up with a viable plan of action.

“At least we identified the majority of issues and, like the saying goes ’50 per cent of the solution is knowing what the problem really is’… and now we know.”

Before construction could begin, all existing tenants needed to leave the premises. PCMnow.com Inc. negotiated acceptable terms with all tenants over just a few months. Then PCMnow.com Inc. looked to its project and construction arm to look after custom building needs.

It took them eight months to get through the pre-construction stage – which included construction planning efforts and coordinating legal efforts. Then they began demolition of the fourth floor of the building and the construction of two pilot units.

“These pilot units were done so that the builder could learn more about the actual construction,” explains Jardino. “It became very obvious after starting that all of the plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC had to be completely replaced.”

They found that many existing partition walls also had to be demolished and replaced. At the same time, drilling of the exterior wall had to be done in order to introduce various levels of ventilation.

“As well as placing new air-conditioning units, along with new blown air heating units, old windows were thrown out and replaced with new Energy Star windows,” says Jardino. “All in all, we basically kept the existing shell of the building and absolutely everything else was replaced, including doors, hardware, appliances and so on.

Jardino says there are other green elements throughout the project, including LED lighting, environmentally-friendly paint to replace the old lead paint and the planting of trees.

“Approximately $120,000 was spent per unit, or well over $3-million in total,” Jardino points out. “The result is a building that will have a much, much smaller carbon footprint, spend substantially less on utilities and have a much-improved living environment, equal or surpassing brand new buildings.”

The bottom line, he says, is that the renovated building will not require any capital improvement projects for the next 15-20 years.

“This means there will be very low maintenance, as well,” says Jardino. “There’s a five-year builder warranty included, as well, something you don’t see in the industry. And the building has started to get its first tenants, making the entire turnaround time just under one year.

“The owner is happy with the outcome of the project and it’s a true triple win – Win/Win/Win for Planet + People + Profit.”

The starting point for PCMnow.com Inc. is always a holistic, realistic and transparent budget that is understood by both the client and PCM. Without these key ingredients, PCM will refuse to engage in any relationship. And PCM surrounds itself with the best in-class suppliers and associates. Also, President Carlos Jardino is aligned with various charities, most notably the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, St. Michael’s Hospital and Bethany Kids.

 

Web / pcmnow.com

 

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

Wood – Renewable and Responsible Choice

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Wood – a natural choice for today when considering our tomorrow

by Peter Moonen
National Sustainability Manager
Canadian Wood Council

Photography: Ema Peter (Vancouver, BC)

Photo courtesy of the Wood Design & Building Awards Program

In November 2015, countries from around the world came together with the united goal of solidifying global efforts to reduce the threat of climate change. For the first time, countries made strong commitments to identifying areas in which they would strive for improvement and agreed to specific targets they hoped to achieve. In many countries, explicit carbon reduction strategies will be put into place. In others, a greater effort will be placed on the energy performance of buildings.

Already, most of the countries in the European Union have very high energy performance requirements for buildings, more than 50 jurisdictions – local, regional, and state level – have building codes which specify performance to meet or surpass passive house standard levels.

Canada has distinguished itself as a world leader in high performance design, with more certified green building space per capita than any other country in the world (CaGBC, 2015). As well, Canada’s strong environmental ethic is not driven solely by energy costs, as is the case in other countries.

Around the world, the green building phenomenon of the past has become a mainstream movement to address a plethora of environmental and health concerns of today. Greater attention is being paid to the impacts of the materials that go into our buildings. Are they procured from a sustainable source? Is the manufacturing process as benign as possible? How much energy is used?

In Canada, all levels of government are examining how best to raise the environmental performance of buildings by reducing energy consumption and carbon impacts, enhancing the indoor environment and achieving this in a cost-effective manner.

Wood, a natural material, plays a significant role in a number of these burgeoning areas of concern. It is renewable, organic, non-toxic, sequesters carbon, uses little energy to process and, with the advent of innovative engineered wood products, can replace other materials that have a greater environmental impact.

In addition, new design practices and construction techniques are raising the performance expectations and capabilities of buildings. Passive design, which targets improved air quality and comfort, as well as energy savings of about 90 per cent over conventional code minimum construction, is growing rapidly in Canada; resulting in lowered operational energy use for these buildings. The choice of building products also contributes to lowering the operational impact of a building; as seen with wood’s exceptional thermal resistance properties. Choosing wood components as part of the building envelope, over other more thermally conductive materials, makes it easier to meet design requirements for high performance buildings.

The 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report galvanized countries around the world to undertake the mammoth task of both reducing and mitigating future climate change.

Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, Director of the Center for Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Policy (3CSEP) at the Central European University, was a member of that Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In her keynote address to delegates at the North American Passive House Network, Vancouver, B.C., October 1st, 2015 she said:

“The best way for the planet to reduce its energy use is to build and retrofit every building to a passive design. Compared to all other options, doing so is the fastest, most effective and least expensive way to reduce energy.”

Wood can contribute to energy reduction in several ways.

Firstly, wood is a natural, renewable material grown using the energy from the sun. No fossil fuels are required to grow forests, which absorb carbon dioxide and sequester atmospheric carbon into wood. Forests also act as a huge carbon sink, storing carbon in the forest soils and vegetation.

Wood’s cellular and porous structure also grant it a natural thermal resistance, acting as an effective way to resist heat transfer through walls and floors.

Finally, only wood can cost-effectively be machined to the exact tolerances needed to fabricate the precise components and assemblies critical to the airtightness of ultra-high performing buildings. In addition, as more buildings move to modular construction or significant off-site assembly and prefabrication practices, wood’s low mass means a lower energy and carbon impact due to transportation.

As the world moves towards higher expectations and regulations for building performance, design and construction practices will need to change accordingly. Off-site, prefabricated construction of high-performing buildings, common in Europe, will become the norm in Canada. The concentration of skills and trades in a controlled environment have demonstrated that speed and accuracy are improved along with worker comfort, safety and productivity.

Building codes across the country are gradually changing to acknowledge the performance capabilities of wood products. And still, more change is needed – as many building types that could be constructed safely using wood products are currently not permitted. The recent change in the 2015 National Building Code to allow mixed use mid-rise wood-frame buildings is moving steadily but not yet fully accepted across the country. More complex structures such as taller wood buildings are still not recognized in the code, but possible via an alternative solution. Regardless of the code barriers currently present for tall wood buildings, examples such as the University of British Columbia’s Brock Commons project (an 18-storey wood building), demonstrate the desire from Canada’s design community to elevate building innovation within our country, recognizing the many ecological benefits of wood for taller applications.

Performance-based codes, equal recognition of materials based on true capabilities coupled with greater knowledge by both designers and contractors are all necessary elements to have comprehensive, safe and effective use of wood products in our built environment.

But will an increase in wood use deplete our forests?

Not at all. More than 90 per cent of Canada’s forestland is owned and controlled by government. Maximum harvest levels are set based on the productivity of the forest and the biological limitations and requirements of the land. Canada also has the strictest forest management legislation of any jurisdiction in the world. Our vast, productive forests act as an important carbon sink for the planet while our high level of management ensures there will be a sustainable supply of wood for future generations. Wood, forests and green design are all exquisitely linked in this regard. In fact, when examining climate change mitigation strategies, forests and wood afforded one of the best opportunities to reduce carbon in the atmosphere.

Building with wood = Proactive Climate Protection

Photo Credit:Dovetail Partners, Inc.

Building with wood, where possible, not only stores carbon but avoids the emissions that would have been caused had other more greenhouse gas intensive materials been used. However, we can and should strive to achieve more from our buildings. Greater emphasis needs to be made on both the performance levels of our built environment and the choices being made for materials to build our structures. Wood can and should play a leading role.

It’s a natural choice – for our well-being, for our economy and for our environment.