GB & SS Magazine Winter 2014

Green BuildinG BUILDING Green & SuStainable StrategieS

&& SuStainable SUSTAINABLEStrategieS STRATEGIES

WINTER 2014

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Centra Homes

Minto Communities

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CONTENTS WINTER 2014

GreenBuildinG GreenBuildinG & SuStainable StrategieS

& SuStainable StrategieS

Volume 3, Number 4 – Winter 2014 www.gbssmag.com

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PUBLISHER: Giulio Marinescu 416-250-0664 publisher@gbssmag.com 2109-256 Doris Ave. Toronto, ON M2N 6X8 MANAGING EDITOR: Greg McMillan editor@gbssmag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tony Lomuto Graphic Designs Unlimited LTONY@sympatico.ca

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Q&A: CRYSTAL BALL GAZING FOR 2015 Leading expert at Canada Green Building Council talks about what to expect in the year ahead

4

MUSEUM UNDER GLASS Designed by icon Frank Gehry, the Louis Vuitton Foundation marries the past with the future

10 FEATURE STORY: ENERGY EFFICIENCY ON STEROIDS

Silverado Custom Homes takes on state-of-the-art project

in Toronto’s Lawrence Park 17 MAKING WAVES

Waterfront Toronto gaining international attention

for green building, sustainable strategies 21 FEATURE STORY: A FINE LINE ALONG THE CUTTING EDGE

Centra Homes incorporates green features that blend newest

techniques with consumer demands 28 MVRDV, A LITTLE BIT OF THIS, A LITTLE BIT OF THAT

Multi-use building in Jakarta combines need for green space

with higher density development

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Photo credits: Todd Eberle, Graham Dickhout, Waterfront Toronto, RSI Studio, KG&A, MVRDV, Diego Taccioli, Tyler F. Wallace, Reid’s Heritage Homes Contributors: Greg McMillan, MVRDV, KG&A, Reid’s Heritage Homes Submit articles, event, news to Giulio Marinescu publisher@gbssmag.com Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement number 42332013 Undeliverable mail return to: 2109-256 Doris Ave. Toronto, ON M2N 6X8 Printed in Canada by: CoFax Printing © 2014 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means, in any form, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the respective authors and not necessarily those of this publication.

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies does not specifically endorse the editorial, products or services presented in this magazine.

Subscription Rates Canada: 1 year $24, 2 years $40, single copy $6 United States: 1 year: $32 International: $36 Plus applicable taxes THE PINK PANTHER™ & © 1964-2014 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. The colour PINK is a registered trademark of Owens Corning. © 2014 Owens Corning. All Rights Reserved.

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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The Canadian marketplace has used LEED as a common language and assessment tool for green building practices, and indeed LEED is an international platform that allows us to collaborate in moving the industry forward in over 150 countries. I think the Canadian market is prepared to welcome other rating systems so long as they help push market transformation forward in a meaningful way. By this I mean they establish credible and meaningful objectives, and are supported by a rigorous third party evaluation process. Programs like the Living Building Challenge and Passive House are examples of such programs.

Q&A: CRYSTAL BALL GAZING FOR 2015

What are some of the green building products you foresee becoming used more prevalently in the coming year?

It will take time, but manufacturers are preparing for LEED v4 and we will see an increasing number of products with health product declarations (HPDs), environmental product declarations (EPDs), and certification to programs like Cradle to Cradle and GreenScreen. We spend 90 per cent of our time indoors, surrounded by materials we have created, and it is very exciting to see the transformation that is taking place.

What energy technologies do you see becoming more prevalent within the building industry (for example: solar, wind, geothermal, etcetera) and why, during the next 12 months?

On-site solar is popular and more economical than ever, although its impact on a building’s energy footprint will vary as a function of the configuration of the building. It’s certainly a very visible hallmark of sustainability. Geothermal has been adopted by a segment of the green building industry, and has many merits.

Leading expert at Canada Green Building Council talks about what to expect in the year ahead

By Greg McMillan

A

s we head into a new year, Green Building & Sustainable Strategies (GBSS) magazine decided take a look at what the future might hold for the green building industry.

Someone with his finger on the pulse of change is Mark Hutchinson, the director of green building programs at the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).

He participated in a Q&A interview with GBSS magazine, taking us through everything from green building products to green building certification to predominant energy technologies.

When you look back over 2014, what would you consider as some of the notable green building developments in Canada?

In 2014 the 5,000th LEED project was 2

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

registered in Canada, and I am very happy to see how the Canadian market has been adopting green building practices. We also saw the first comprehensive Canadian study of green building growth, drivers, obstacles, and impact on tenants and occupants, with the release of a Canada green building trends study conducted in conjunction with McGraw Hill Construction.

The CaGBC launched Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs) and other tools for the newest version of LEED, version 4. We also provided education on different aspects of the new rating system. I feel the Canadian market is now better positioned and prepared to take the next step towards transforming how we design, build, and operate our homes and buildings.

In 2015, what do you see transpiring for builders and their desire to seek LEED certification for buildings?

Our McGraw Hill Construction study points to continued growth of the green building movement in 2015, and our expectation is that interest in LEED certification will continue to be strong.

There is strong recognition of the value of LEED certification as a tool to provide accountability, transparency, and better outcomes. On October 29 we announced that the current set of LEED rating systems would continue to be open for registration until October 31, 2016, and I expect that 2015 will be a transition year, as the market continues to learn about LEED v4 and the very first teams begin to apply it to their projects.

Do you predict there will be an influx of alternate green building certification programs that will begin to take hold in 2015? If so, please describe. If not, why not?

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What are some of the general green building trends that you see developing, or growing, in the year ahead?

In the new construction field, people continue to strive towards significantly reduced energy consumption. As they aim for even lower energy consumption, the building envelope and the integrated design process are becoming of greater importance.

Materials and wellness are also now front and centre. The launch of the WELL building standard (which is designed to operate alongside LEED, and looks at a space’s effect on human health) is a sign of just how much the impact of buildings on the health, productivity and happiness of occupants is being recognized.

Is there anything you can see putting a damper on the current growth of green building practices in Canada? If so, please describe.

If not, please say why.

Green building is becoming more and more accepted, and the knowledge, tools and products needed are increasing every day. There are so many reasons to build greener buildings.

It’s hard to see this trend reversing. I think the questions are really: 1) What will be the pace of market transformation?

2) What aspects of green building will be emphasized? For example, energy will always be key, but materials and wellness are also increasingly important.

3) To what extent will leadership recognition programs like LEED drive the market, as opposed to building codes, greater code enforcement,

Mark Hutchinson has worked with the Canada Green Building Council for the last six years. As Director of Green Building Programs, he oversees the strategic direction and operation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification program in Canada. He participates on the LEED International Roundtable and collaborates with the LEED Canada Steering Committee as well as the USGBC’s LEED Steering Committee.

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education around codes, mandatory benchmarking, and other efforts aimed at raising the bar of building practice?

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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MUSEUM UNDER GLASS Designed by icon Frank Gehry, the Louis Vuitton Foundation marries the past with the future

T

here is no way around it – the much ballyhooed Louis Vuitton Foundation, a sprawling museum for contemporary art in France, dazzles and bewilders at the same time.

A daring design by internationally-

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, it’s not your run-of-the-mill building – not by a long stretch.

Since opening recently, the museum has already made a mark as a structure bold in concept, including a glimpse into both the future and the past.

Gehry is known for his non-conventional approach to design and he doesn’t disappoint with his use of glass, glass and more glass. Says the innovation & design writer for Bloomberg Businessweek: “The structure seems to alight on the earth like a spaceship WINTER 2014

from the future.”

That may well be the case, however Gehry incorporated sentiments from the 19th century, right from the start of the design process. His original rough sketches showed a transparent cloud that tied in with cultural WINTER 2014

calling of old France.

It was from that time period that Gehry looked at the lightness of glass and traditional culture, but then eventually enhanced the treatment with the innovation of modern technology.

From a sustainable standpoint, the structure of the glass roof allows the building to collect and reuse rain water and enhances its geothermal power capabilities. And the building (Fondation Louis-Vuitton) has been given the equivalent of a LEED Gold certification.

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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Photos: Todd Eberle.

In France, that is called Haute Qualité Environmentale (HQE), with a Très Performant classification.

Early on, it was apparent that an envelope of glass would cover the building, combined with an assembly of blocks referred to as “the iceberg”. Situated in a basin created for the project, the building complements the natural environment, between garden and woods. Simultaneously, there is a light and mirror effect.

Interestingly, the foundation has served as a catalyst for innovation in digital design and construction, according to reports. In fact, Gehry set a new standard for the use of advanced digital and fabrication technologies.

In all, more than 400 people contributed design models, engineering rules and assembly constraints to a common web-hosted 3D digital model.

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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It’s been noted elsewhere that more than 3,600 glass panels and 19,000 fibre-reinforced concrete panels that form the façade were simulated using mathematical techniques and molded using advanced industrial robots, all automated from the shared 3D model.

In fact, new software was developed specifically for sharing and working with the complex design. The final model was then 8 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

scanned to provide the eventual digital model for the project.

The 85-year-old Gehry, who lives and works in Los Angeles, was commissioned for the project knowing that it was the first privately-funded major cultural institution in France.

Built in a public park, the museum and its ostentatious design are part of a public rela-

tions campaign to reshape the image of Louis Vuitton (LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), which is often seen as an entity that preys on family-run luxury businesses. In an agreement with the city for the plot, ownership of the museum will revert to Paris in 55 years. The museum is, in essence, a gift to the city worth a reported $134 million, reports Bloomberg Businessweek.

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FEATURE STORY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ON STEROIDS

“Unobstructed Peace”

Silverado Custom Homes takes on state-of-the-art project in Toronto’s Lawrence Park

Specializing in custom homes design and production / subdivision home design.

By Greg McMillan

W 10

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

ith a touch of secrecy and intrigue, Silverado Custom Homes is undertaking an ambitious project that should place it in rarified territory in the Canadian green building industry.

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As Jeff Silverberg, President and Founder of Silverado Custom Homes Corp., likes to say about the home in Toronto’s Lawrence Park area: “It’s energy efficiency on steroids”.

“It will have state-of-art energy features far

beyond the norm in our industry in Canada,” he says. “Silverado and its team of professionals are at the leading edge in design and construction of highly energy-efficient custom homes in Canada and this project will further attest to that.”

As one of the top custom builders in Toronto, Silverado has overseen the construction of over 1,000 homes in the most prestigious areas of the GTA, says Silverberg, and is in a unique position to meet the high expectations of

discriminating clients. experience for all involved.

And, while preferring not to divulge the idenSilverberg says that Silverado helps the tity of the client involved in the Lawrence Park client through the entire design/build home conproject, he says Silverado will streamline the struction process – from designing the perfect process and ensure a satisfying and stress-free home to adding finishing touches, providing all hseidel@tracsteel.com HAROLD SEIDEL

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He says Silverado works side by side with trusted contractors to ensure that all aspects of the custom home work can be completed to the highest standards and specifications;

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often assigning a consultant to be involved with the design/build process to ensure all necessary criteria are met.

The Lawrence Park client, Silverberg says, has chosen to take advantage of many of the

latest green building details available in the marketplace today.

The list of basic energy features is long, and definitely comprehensive: • ICF (insulated concrete form) basement to

the roof structure as well as an ICF pool.

• Hydronic heating throughout building with separate programmable zoning in each room.

• Hydronic heating on all exterior walkways,

driveway and dog path along the side of the house.

• Insuldeck structural insulated flooring throughout the building. (This is a structural slab that is fully insulated for sound attenu-

ation and the elimination of boxing because everything is sleeved through the floor).

• Geothermal heating and cooling for the house, as well as the pool.

• Custom thermal glazing and top-of-the-line

low-E (low-emissivity) glass for all windows.

• Composite custom slate roof.

• LED lighting throughout building.

• Super quiet and super energy efficient HVAC systems.

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Architect’s rendering of state-of-the-art project in Toronto’s Lawrence Park

Moreover, Silverberg describes the house design as a custom French chateau with smooth cut limestone on all interior walls.

He says the home will be fully automated with savant (luxury smart home technology) automation.

“Everything from home security, to HVAC and lighting controls, as well as drapery con-

trols will be fully automated,” says Silverberg, whose awards include Best Townhouse Design from The Toronto Home Builders’ Association (BILD) as well as Best Model Home Design from The Ontario Home Builders’ Association.

“With utility costs soaring these days, energy efficiency is very important,” he adds.

“This house, with its state-of-the-art designs

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and efficiencies, is part of the wave of the future in the building industry in Canada.” www.silveradocustomhomes.com As the leading design/build contractor in Toronto, Silverado Custom Homes will work with clients to find the right lot for their home, create a budget and timeline for their project and provide them with access to homebuilding professionals who will make their dream home a reality. Silverado works side by side with trusted contractors to ensure that all aspects of their new custom homes are completed to the highest standards and specifications. Silverado has worked on many custom home projects, including creating Energy Star certified homes which are built to be energy efficient.

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WINTER 2014

MAKING WAVES Waterfront Toronto gaining international attention for green building, sustainable strategies

By Greg McMillan

W

hile it’s likely a given that the main buzz about green building and sustainable strategies has only been picking up speed in the past couple of years, many of the heart-andsoul initiatives have been steadily growing for much longer than that.

One has to look no further than Toronto – Waterfront Toronto, to be more specific – to notice that.

Back in 2001, three levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal – contrib-

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uted seed money of $1.5-billion to see to it that the waterfront of Canada’s largest city would be subject to strategic revitalization and sustainable development.

And, according to Lisa Prime, the current Director of Environment & Innovation for Waterfront Toronto, the original vision is true to its mandate today, with constant attention being paid to transforming the area into a “marvelous public destination with vibrant public and cultural spaces capable of providing a variety of experiences and amenities.”

Gushed a public relations missive: “Four times the size of Monaco, the now $4.4-bil-

lion, 1,977-acre, 40,000-residence Toronto waterfront revitalization project is in full gear, and is poised to position the city and province of Ontario as world leaders in creating sustainable communities, with buildings and neighbourhoods that aim to be among the greenest on the planet.”

The word is spreading. At the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building – Greenbuild 2014, held in New Orleans – it was obvious to those in attendance that the Toronto area has caught the eye of international investors and business people.

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

17

Sean Dyke, Chair of the Ontario Clean Technology Alliance, said he talked to companies that already had customers in the province and were very interested in the possibility of expanding their businesses in Ontario.

18

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

“In New Orleans, we heard repeatedly that Ontario is a strong market for the green building sector, and that the Toronto market, in particular, with its penchant for contemporary design and style, along with an environmental

conscience, is one that most companies are eyeing,” he explains. That’s good news for Prime. She likes to hear stories about how Toronto and its green waterfront initiatives are separated from the pack.

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“By employing the best global practices and made-in-Toronto solutions, the city’s new waterfront communities will protect and enhance our natural environment,” she says.

“Ultimately, we’ll be given further recognition as global models for innovation and sustainability.”

She says the organization has developed a number of strategies to achieve those objectives (most which utilize metrics to allow for accurate tracking of performance), including: • The Sustainability Framework (2005).

• The Minimum Green Building Requirements (MGBRs).

• Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Report (CSRSR).

• The Carbon Tool.

• Smart and innovative infrastructure.

• Ultra-broadband technology.

“Most recently, the release of our CSRSR as a microsite in 2013 allowed us to share transparent reporting on 21 core performance measures that cut across each of the pillars of sustainability – environmental, social and economic.

That also means that beyond requiring energy efficient buildings, she says, all new waterfront neighbourhoods are being designed and built to promote green and healthy living and the conservation of the environment and WINTER 2014

natural resources.

At the same time, she says Waterfront Toronto is continuing to innovate in community design and look for opportunities for sustainability. And she pointed to some upcoming green projects as examples.

“For buildings I would point to our parks and our pavilions, which are small but innovative,” she adds. “In Corktown Common we have an open air pavillion, which features year-round use including a fireplace and movable walls as well as solar panels.

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FEATURE STORY

A FINE LINE ALONG THE CUTTING EDGE “Sherbourne Common includes LEED Gold certification and a unique UV treatment process integrated into it for the park art and stormwater feature.

“Our parks in general include a full example of incorporating sustainable practice for

water, lighting, natural landscape and multiple social recreational opportunities.

“Then look at our green building partners – Urban Capital, Great Gulf and Tridel – all of which have great progressive building designs.” In a nutshell, it’s onwards and

Centra Homes incorporates green features that blend newest techniques with consumer demands

upwards for Waterfront Toronto, says Prime.

“We continually engage our new community, so I think you will continue to see the results realized in future work.” www.waterfrontoronto.ca

C

entra Homes may be a relatively “young” company, but its president has already learned a very valuable lesson – never settle for the status quo.

“With each project we build, we are seeking to implement newer and more effective green building strategies,” says Paul Lorusso, President of Centra Homes, with head offices in Toronto. “The green building industry is always on the cutting edge of green initiatives, however some of these initiatives may not have been adopted, or accepted yet, by the home-buying market.

“Our goal is to implement the newest products and techniques available while maintaining a keen sense of the energy efficiency initiatives that our buyers value in a new home.”

Paul Lorusso, President of Centra Homes

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Royal York Shores is a new high rise community located along the majestic Etobicoke waterfront, providing serene views of the lake, with unobstructed sight lines of the Toronto skyline.

With over 500 homes built by its principals, Centra Homes also tries to utilize a blend of contemporary design and materials, while maintaining an old-world craftsmanship. The company

“

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

4250 Weston Rd. Suite 208 Toronto ON, M9L 1W9 416.742.2882

has keyed on creating communities, such as the now-open Mills Collection in Richmond Hill, and the coming-soon Village Square Condominiums in Oakville and Royal York Shores in Etobicoke.

The Mills Collection, for example, features a boutique community of 26 detached homes, on 41-foot, 43-foot and 50-foot lots, surrounded by an established executive community, close to Richmond Hill’s abundant amenities. That way, the company says, homeowners can enjoy the best of life, with schools, shopping, entertainment, libraries and community centres – all within easy reach.

A little north and a little nicer is how residents of Richmond Hill describe where they live and now that option is being offered to others, and there are individual collections with The Mills Collection named The Ellsworth, The Levendale, The Oxford, The Richmond, The Carrington, The Regent, The Altamira and The Bridgeford.

So The Mills Collection combines the best of two worlds – exciting new home designs located in the heart of an established, vibrant urban town.

As mentioned, Centra also has two other developments coming soon to Oakville and Etobicoke. Oakville’s Village Square Condominiums is a one-of-a-kind condominium community located in the heart of Kerr Village and is inspired by urban living with an historic setting.

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All of Centra’s low rise homes are currently Energy Star rated – which is the mark of highefficiency products in Canada, says Lorusso.

“We also take a few extra steps to implement

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first year of a new home when frequent watering is needed for freshly laid sod.”

Furthermore, he says, Centra Homes also provides accessibility for future solar panel

installation.

“We encourage our buyers to take advantage of these features, once they take possession of their home,” he adds.

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tives thus far, there is always more that can be done in this regard.

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TRUDEL & SONS ROOFING LTD. “Serving Communities for over 35 Years”

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Centra Homes and its principals have been in the residential home building industry since 1985.

Their communities and projects are at the forefront of design, functionality, and locations most coveted by today’s most discerning new home buyer. And the unique Centra Homes’ approach extends well beyond simply bricks and mortar. With over 500 homes completed by its principals to date, Centra strives to implement a high level of customer service and personal devotion to each home they build.

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MVRDV

A LITTLE BIT OF THIS, A LITTLE BIT OF THAT Multi-use building in Jakarta combines need for green space with higher density development

Not an easy task, any way you look at it.

But Karya, on behalf of owner banker/printer Peruri, persevered, bringing in architectural teams from the United States and the Netherlands to work hand in hand on the project.

The result has been called Peruri 88, and it’s to be situated on a block formerly used as the government mint right next to a future metro station. Plans for the landmark project were put together by MVRDV, a Rotterdam, Netherlands-based architecture and urban design practice, in conjunction with the Jerde Partnership, a U.S.visionary architecture and urban planning firm.

The mixed-use project features a wide variety of options for usage, from large offices to living/working units. There are lofts, there are townhouses and they range from terraced houses to patio living.

Each of these examples are stacked urban blocks with a semi-public rooftop park, an abundance of gardens, playgrounds, spas, gyms, outdoor restaurants and swimming pools.

In short, a little bit of everything, to be enjoyed by both residents and office employees.

Partway up the 400-metre tall building, a luxury hotel takes over, and on top, at the 88th floor, there will be a panoramic restaurant and viewing platform.

A commercial area that extends to the 7th floor has both retail and shopping sections connected by a series of escalators. This podium also reflects Jakarta’s historic island with reflective bodies of water and landscape leading to the public street levels, while integrating a garden plaza.

T

he developer of a site in Jakarta, Indonesia was confronted with a quandary.Wijaya Karya, of Benhil Property, wanted to design a building that would combine Jakarta’s need for green space with higher density development. On top of that, respect had to be given to the area’s current urban fabric.

About MVRDV MVRDV was founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The practice engages globally in providing solutions to contemporary architectural and urban issues. A highly collaborative, research-based design method involves clients, stakeholders and experts from a wide range of fields from early on in the creative process. The results are exemplary, outspoken projects, which enable our cities and landscapes to develop towards a better future.

Renderings by RSI-Studio

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MINTO: After 60 years in Canada, it’s not a coincidence.

It’s a plan.

W

hat does it take to win the coveted title of Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA) Builder of the Year twice in three years? Try innovation, ingenuity and community engagement. With a companywide commitment to all three, it’s no surprise Minto is about wrap its most successful year yet.

For the second time since 2012, the OHBA awarded Minto the Builder of the Year award, recognizing outstanding professionalism and integrity within the business, industry and community.

The result of a culmination of an incredible run of success for the family-owned business, the award also recognizes outstanding green innovation leadership.

With record-breaking sales and an ever-expanding portfolio of leading edge green communities, Minto is proving that a focus on sustainability is fundamental to building a better business.

“We want to change the way that people think about building communities.

We want to deliver products that the customer can depend on, that are more sustainable, and have great value.

A record-breaking year of sales, and the honour of being named OHBA Builder of the Year, tells us that we’re on the right path,” says Daniel Bélanger, Senior Vice President, GTA.

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In a year full of noteworthy high-rise and low-rise projects, the highlights begin with the unprecedented launch of Minto Longbranch. With over 330 sales and 8,000 registrants in less than one year, Longbranch is the most successful debut in the company’s history. The numbers are a testament to Minto’s decision to re-introduce affordability along Toronto’s iconic Lakeshore West in the Long Branch neighbourhood.

In North Oshawa, Minto Kingmeadow was singled out as the Community of the Year by The Durham Region Home Builders Association, and new releases were ramped up to keep pace with surging demand.

Minto Orchard Park was another notable success, selling 262 homes in less than one year.

But success can be measured by more than just sales.

To date, Minto has qualified over 2,600 low rise homes under the ENERGY STAR® standard. Following a commitment in 2005 to build high rise homes to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, Minto built the largest LEED for Homes Silver community in Canada. In 2009, Minto built the largest LEED Gold certified condo in North America, raising the bar for subsequent developments.

“Building high quality and more sustainable communities is at the heart of what we do,” says Dave Stewart, President of Minto Communities, Canada.

In 2014, Minto775 was the first building to meet the Tier 2 requirements of the Toronto Green Standard, a voluntary certification designed to help reduce the environmental impact of buildings in the City by reducing energy consumption and light pollution, improving storm water management, and improving waste diversion during construction.

Some of the standout features in the residential project include rainwater harvesting bird friendly glazing, high energy and water efficiency, and heat recovery systems that bring fresh clean air directly in to suites.

Sustainability touches every element of Minto’s corporate culture, WINTER 2014

from reducing operational energy consumption, to having as many “green” elements as possible in the communities that it builds.

Based in Ottawa, Minto’s corporate headquarters at 180 Kent became the building with the single most LEED certifications in Canada this year – thanks to work with commercial tenants to certify their own spaces. The 20-storey commercial building was also the first and largest LEED® Platinum Core and Shell office tower in Canada.

Entering the gleaming office tower, a luscious green wall in the public atrium hints to the building’s sustainable design, and is paired with a green roof and electric vehicle charging stations. But some of the most impressive features are hidden from view, for example, a regenerative elevator harnesses energy from its own momentum to pump back into the power grid and rainwater harvested from the roof is used to flush toilets on the buildings’ top four floors.

And the company holds itself accountable: Minto’s annual sustainability reports are made publically available. In a rare and progressive corporate initiative, environmental performance is a significant element of annual executive compensation.

“We’re constantly striving to improve by introducing new ideas to make the next project even better than the last,” says Brent Strachan, Senior Vice President, Ottawa.

“For the past 60 years our focus has been on creating value for our customers through delivering well built, energy efficient homes in thoughtfully designed communities. That vision becomes more vivid with every project that we build. It represents our past and present and it is our enduring goal for the future.”

From land acquisition to building occupancy, sustainability is the first and last thought in every building that Minto brings to market. As part of employee development, junior as well as senior employees are encouraged to become LEED accredited professionals.

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Minto’s leadership in construction has not gone unnoticed; previously, Minto won the OHBA Green Builder of the Year award in 2008, 2010 and 2011 after continuously delivering environmentally friendly building designs, leading-edge waste management strategies, a strong internal culture and support of the sustainable building industry.

In 2012 the criteria for the Green Builder of the Year award were incorporated into the Home Builder of the Year award, with Minto being awarded the prestigious title in that year.

“It all starts with a simple question. What can we do to design a product that will have mass appeal, but still emphasizes quality, still emphasizes the environment and still puts the purchasers and communities first,” says Amanda Wilson Watkins, Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

This reputation for sustainable building is why Minto was selected to build five zero energy homes as part of Natural Resource Canada’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII).

By building leading-edge homes Minto aims to explore ways to bring affordable zero-energy homes to the market, reflecting the company’s boundary-pushing approach to sustainable building.

“We are constantly thinking about what’s next: what we’ll be doing three, five, and ten years from now to progress the future of green building,” says Alison Minato, VP of Sustainability.

Looking towards the future, Minato says Minto is turning its attention beyond the physical building structure, to developing communities that are more walkable, that integrate park space, that allow parking for bikes, and that are nearby to transit.

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Daniel Bélanger, Senior Vice President, GTA, Minto Communities - Canada Brent Strachan, Senior Vice President, Minto Communities - Ontario David Stewart, President, Minto Communities -Canada

“If you want to be successful in steering your corporate culture towards a focus on sustainability, it’s important to understand and accept that it’s a balancing act. You can’t change everything all at once,” says Minato.

“Figure out what you can do, and innovate on that.”

The year ahead looks bright for Minto with no signs of slowing down.

Anticipated launches across the GTA include Minto Westside, arriving at the corner of Toronto’s Front and Bathurst, and Minto Queen’s Landing, a new community that will make its home in the lush countryside of accessible East Gwillimbury.

The recent launch of Minto Yorkville Park, in Toronto’s prestigious Yorkville neighbourhood, saw phenomenal sales of its opening release, illustrating the remarkable project demand. The boutique 25-storey condominium tower builds on Minto’s impressive legacy in Yorkville and is set to become Minto’s fifteenth LEED project.

About the Minto Group: The Minto Group is a family-owned, fully integrated real estate development, construction and management company with operations in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and South Florida.

The Minto Group has built more than 70,000 new homes, manages more than 17,000 residential rental homes and apartments, and carries a commercial portfolio of more than 2.5 million square feet of office, retail and industrial space.

In addition to these holdings, the company owns and operates Canada’s largest portfolio of executive furnished suites.

For more information visit www.minto.com WINTER 2014

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A LIVING TOWER

AN ECO-HOTEL AND VERTICAL FARM IN PUERTO RICO TO SUPPORT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY

Interior view of tower unit.

T

he promotional bumpf for the Graft Tower, a conceptual eco-hotel and vertical farm envisaged for San Juan, Puerto Rico, lets the cat out of the bag right away.

“Let us be optimists,” the prepared product information says – and that says a lot, as it turns out.

As a futuristic dream, it almost stands alone. Architects Tyler F. Wallace, Diego Taccioli and Sizhe Chen have come up with an idea – as yet unrealized, it should be noted – that has garnered both attention and kudos.

They looked at San Juan’s uncontrolled 34

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

urban sprawl and ecological damage and simply figured out a better way to live, then came up with an option which could eventually work not only on the Caribbean island, but elsewhere around the world.

Their vertical tower would not only provide water, food and energy for Santurce, the nearby neighbourhood, but generate revenue to subsidize the building and attract new jobs to the area.

At the top of the 38-floor structure would be an eco-tourism hotel and living units for permanent residents. On the ground levels would be a commercial base and services to support a light

rail hub.

It’s the in-between section where things get really interesting. Wallace points out that the construction would be unprecedented in methods and materials. Inosculate fibres, essentially intertwining, would be grafted around the basic frame of the housing and commercial units.

Then organic material would spread upward and around the frames.

Then, at scheduled intervals, the structure would be manually strengthened by adding carbon fibre reinforcement. The building would then “organize itself” as the structure grows up the individual frames.

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Upper level view of the tower. Each unit is two stories WINTER 2014

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MVRDV

Picking tomatoes. Sensitive plants are grown inside the greenhouse units.

As a result, a kind of twisting tower would be created, with permanent residents’ living units stretching toward the west. Water, to be used for the vertical farming, would be collected at the bottom of each unit and dispersed.

Residents would help maintain and assist with the agriculture.

They would access water and plants would end up growing sporadically as they seek both watery nourishment and sunlight. Again, residents would help to nurture the hydroponic network, which would grow as the building does. A multi-purpose meshwork, present

throughout, would distribute water throughout the tower and also manage the temperature.

A typical problem in Puerto Rico – humidity and condensation – would be managed by this meshwork system. As explained, certain parts of the system would produce and distribute liquid ethanol, fueling the energy needs of the building. The tower would take advantage of the island winds for cooling, as well, with open vertical and horizontal circulation systems in place.

To further control the environment’s humidity and temperature, different crops would

be put into the mix. Pests could be kept at bay and toxic fertilizers would not be needed.

To the architects, the Graft Tower would be a self-sustaining ecosystem where crops are protected, water is recycled, jobs made available to local residents and fossil fuel usage is greatly reduced.

With stewardship of the building’s structure and vertical farming subsidized by the eco-tourism hotel, it’s believed the “network of organically-responsive parts make a unique building which supports the entire community.”

THE VERTICAL VILLAGE Folie Richter Montpellier

S Street level showing commercial plinth.

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ince the 18th Century, the follies of Montpellier have been markers for the architectural history of the city. The Follies helped to add new ways of living, new features, new programs in the city, giving it a significant value and broadening its appeal for both residents and visitors.

Follies of the 21st Century are an opportunity to affirm the centrally metropolitan Montpellier while reaffirming its commitment to creativity, innovation and architectural audacity, forming new urban landmarks whilst providing added value to the city.

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They are objects that are therefore used as reflections of the innovative attitude of the city.

What Follie should be built in the 21st Century?

What story shall it tell and how? How could this form react with the site, with its neighbourhood and its territory? Could we reflect, in some way, the current state of urban Montpellier?

Through this project, MVRDV tries to answer all of these questions, The Vertical Village is the result of a meeting between the Montpelliér Follies (existing and future) and surrounding areas.

Situated between the historic district of Antigone and the new neighbourhoods of Port Marianne,

it represents a link between the two. The architectural composition will unify and bring together the different lifestyles and urban characteristics of Montpellier. From its low density housing in the suburbs, to its densely populated areas such as the Port Marianne district.

How can a building reflect this mixture? The architecture must express this richness and diversity of neighbourhoods in the image of the city of Montpellier. To achieve this composition, it is necessary to create a collection representing qualities and intrinsic values of each: social, formal, relational.

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A series of neighbourhoods is imagined: patio homes, houses on the street, collective houses with communal areas and gardens houses.

One can imagine one, two or three levels, of different sizes, from one to twenty houses. And they may have different appearances, different facades and different gardens. A true collection that can adjust to market demand and to attract different people. This collection of neighbourhoods is also programmatic - the developed program is a mix of activities; student halls, medium to high price housing, all catering to a mixture of generations and social groups.

The program is organized into clear and recognizable entities forming neighbourhoods and promoting social and community cohesion. The tower expresses the individuality of each volume

and diversity (shape, surface, different orientation). The building becomes a multifaceted image of the city of Montpellier, which is also composed of various cells.

Stacking these neighbourhoods with each other, creates outdoor spaces, gardens, squares and terraces. The overall result is a vertical village.

Breaks between volumes bring in natural light and views which sometimes lead to collective terraces. The different neighbourhoods are articulated in different colours ensuring that each programme is visually enhanced and easily identified.

The integration of the building into its environment is a decisive factor in the creation of public space. The tower is anchored to the neighbourhood by its ground floor which focuses shops, activities and inputs of housing.

Different entities of the foot of the tower have their own courtyard / gardens extending their gateways to the site boundaries. These courts express and emphasize the programmatic mix within.

The housing supply for the area must be improved to meet the growing needs of the population. As part of a process of innovation in housing and quality of life, the Vertical Village project reveals the individuality of each unit and induces a greater freedom in the approach to housing. It offers quality and attractive environments, both unique and suitable for all types of users, both young and old, singles and families. The collection allows districts to focus on the quality of each housing typology by including shared communal spaces. Unique and recognizable housing, housing and more comfortable with private or communal outdoor spaces naturally take place in the pits induced by the changing shape of the volumes of these neighbourhoods.

To reinforce the concept of accumulation of neighbourhoods and identities, a set of typologies was proposed: the apartment balcony - more confined and are arranged around a common loggia, the terrace apartment – which have an outdoor terrace beside each room of the house, and the Penthouse – apartments with a real outdoor garden opening up to the surrounding landscape.

The top of the tower is occupied by a Sky bar enjoying the panoramic views of the city and its surroundings for everyone, whether resident or neighbour. The richness and quality of the project in terms of diversity and openness is part of a long-term vision. The accumulation of various neighbourhoods emphasizes individuality. At the same time, this pure stack turns into a coherent sculpture, its silhouette forming a true landmark within the skyline of Montpellier.

Images: MVRDV - Antonio Coco

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Reid’s Heritage Homes first builder to break ground in national Net Zero Energy homes demonstration project

O

n September 29, 2014 Reid’s Heritage Homes hosted the first groundbreaking ceremony for a national Net Zero Energy (NZE) homes demonstration project.

Present to mark the occasion was Harold Albrecht, Member of Parliament for Kitchener— Conestoga (Ontario), on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. He was joined at the podium by City of Guelph Mayor, Karen Farbridge, executives from Reid’s Heritage Homes and representatives from Owens Corning Canada and The University of Guelph.

The project involves five Canadian homebuilders constructing a total of 25 NZE homes. The project will be active in Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and is funded in part by the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII), with conWINTER 2014

tributions from each participating builder, industry suppliers and Owens Corning Canada. NZE homes are designed to consume less energy than they generate on-site from renewable sources.

“Our government is proud to invest in programs like the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative which create high-quality jobs and further strengthen Canada’s reputation as a worldwide leader in energy innovation,” said Mr. Albrecht.

“We remain committed to supporting companies that are finding solutions to protect the environment and lower energy bills for all Canadians.”

The project’s 25 homes, five from each builder, will increase the total number of NZE houses in Canada. While many people agree that net zero is the future of the home building industry, a barrier has been that many current NZE homes are custom-built projects, using elaborate designs,

with complex and expensive heating, cooling and generating technology. This project aims to make NZE homes accessible to more consumers than ever before, using existing, often “off the shelf” high-performance equipment, insulation and building materials.

“Reid’s Heritage Homes has accepted this exciting building challenge with the goal of advancing the awareness and science behind sustainable building practices, by determining optimal innovative systems that will work in the ultra-efficient Net Zero homes,” said Blake Seeberger, Senior Vice-President of Residential, Reid’s Heritage Homes. “Most importantly, we have taken on this challenge so that we can provide Canadians with homes that will improve their lives. These homes will be healthy, safe, comfortable and durable, and will hedge against increasing energy costs.”

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Pollard, a reflection of Canadian quality.

Reid’s Heritage Homes has a long history of building energy-efficient homes. The home builder constructed Canada’s first and second Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum-level home in Canada (Guelph and Waterloo Region), was the first home builder in Canada to receive the ENERGY STAR® participant of the year award, and built Ontario’s first Built Green home.

“Owens Corning Canada is proud to be associated with this project. The project’s success is a product of the group’s vision and dedication,” said Andy Goyda, Canadian Builder Lead and Marketing Development Manager for Owens Corning Canada. “Net-Zero homes no longer need to be one-off projects; they can be built by production builders. This groundbreaking is an important milestone in our quest to prove this.”

“Congratulations to Reid’s Heritage Homes for being chosen as one of just five builders across Canada to construct Net Zero Energy homes,” said Guelph’s Mayor at the time of the groundbreaking, Karen Farbridge. “Not long ago, the idea of a 40

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

Net Zero home would have been thought of as a pipedream. Yet today we are breaking ground for one in our city. Reid’s Heritage Homes has a well-earned reputation for innovation and sustainability, and together with their project partners and sponsors, is helping Guelph distinguish itself on a national scale.”

Reid’s Heritage Homes expects all five homes to be fully constructed by 2016.

About Reid’s Heritage Homes A modern approach to traditional homebuilding. Built on a solid reputation of quality, integrity and service, Reid’s Heritage Homes is one of Ontario’s leading builders, with a history of homebuilding that dates back to 1947.

The same enduring values that motivated our founder, Orin Reid, inspire our many diverse communities today. Our commitment to these values applies across the Reid’s Heritage Homes’ family of companies, including Williamsburg Homes with a community in Kitchener, and Sherwood Homes, with

communities in Collingwood.

About Owens Corning Canada Owens Corning Canada is part of Owens Corning, a US$5.2 billion company with 15,000 employees worldwide, including 654 in Canada.

Owens Corning and its family of companies are a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass-fiber reinforcements, and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune® 500 company for 60 consecutive years, the company is committed to driving sustainability by delivering solutions, transforming markets, and enhancing lives. Owens Corning operates 4 plants in Canada, manufacturing PINK™ insulation and other energy-saving products.

The ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII), announced in the 2011 Budget, is a $268 million program searching for long-term solutions to eliminate air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from energy production. Eligible projects must be demonstration or research & development.

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For over 65 years, Pollard Windows has been a Canadian manufacturer of quality products for building professionals. All of our products are designed in our own Research and Development department and have earned the ENERGY STAR®. Our windows and doors are being used in some of the most state-of-the-art LEED® homes in North America. Whether you’re designing for new construction or renovation, Pollard Windows has the windows and doors that you need.

Ask us about our professional installation.

Call: 1.800.263.6616 www.pollardwindows.com

®

Proud supplier of Reid’s Heritage Homes since 1983.

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