Vancouver Home Decor & Renovations - Fall 2019

Metro Vancouver Fall 2019

LANEWAY HOMES small spaces Making

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Home & PD Moore Homes Inc.

KITCHEN INNOVATIONS:

HOT TRENDS FOR THE HEART OF THE HOME

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contents

FALL 2019

FEATURES

10 Lane Homes ER COV RY STO

This highly functional housing option is popping up around Metro Vancouver

BY STEPHANIE MACDONALD

20 The Passive House

High performance with all the comforts of home

10

BY MICHELLE HOPKINS

ADVICE

14 Ask the Experts

Tips, trends and solutions from the best in the business

INSPIRATION

6 Top 5 New Kitchen Trends

BY JAMIE BANFIELD

9 Market Place

Go green with these home accessories!

BY SARA DUCK

24 Storage with Style

BY MICHELLE HOPKINS

28 Take it Outside

BY ALEX DAFOE

28 20 4 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Susan Legge susan.legge@nexthome.ca ART DIRECTOR

Tammy Leung EDITOR

Stephanie Macdonald CONTRIBUTORS

Michelle Hopkins Alex Dafoe MEDIA CONSULTANT

Brenda Everitt 604.910.5526 brenda.everitt@nexthome.ca SALES & MARKETING COORDINATORS

Gary Chilvers, Sarah Khan DISTRIBUTION

distributionteam@nexthome.ca ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

accountingteam@nexthome.ca DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid–Sachs GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Sandra Hanak–Vujnovic Johannah Lorenzo Mike Terentiev Kathleen Walker Alice Wu Published by

nexthome.ca Advertising Call 1.866.532.2588 for rates and information. Fax: 1.888.861.5038 Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution system aimed at homeowners looking to renovate using street level boxes and racking, plus door-to-door insertions in key audience segments. Call 1.866.532.2588 to discuss distribution opportunities.

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Fall into the cozy season

W

hether you lament the passing of the surfing/sailing/ hiking/golfing season, or are eager to let your secret “indoorsy” side loose, fall brings the focus back into the home and hearth. So, grab a cup of tea or pour a glass of your favourite red and settle in to find out the latest and greatest in home décor, renovations, and much more.

Our cover story this issue focuses on a company which has made it big, by building it small. Lane homes are popping up everywhere you go, providing owners options for aging-in-place, the benefits of multi-generational living, and potential rental income in our increasingly expensive city. Laneway homes are great for communities as well, gently increasing density while retaining the character of the neighbourhood, and construction of a modular lane home creates up to 70 per cent less carbon emissions than traditional construction.

Another breakthrough for sustainability is Passive House design. A movement that began in Germany, Passive House technology and construction can be used in building from the most modest little shed to towering high rises, and though it costs approximately five per cent more to build upfront, creates energy savings, increased livability and environmental benefits for the lifetime of the building.

People always talk about spring cleaning, but fall is a perfect time to evaluate your clutter and to distill what you really want to have and what can go, but storage doesn’t have to be boring! Read ahead for both practical and artistic ways to create a clean, organized home.

Make sure you check out the Home Show as well for more great inspirations and ideas!

STEPHANIE MACDONALD Editor stephanie.macdonald@nexthome.ca

nexthome.ca 5

TOP

NEW

KITCHEN TRENDS

1

by JAMIE BANFIELD

MIXING METALS

THOSE WHO SAID YOU CAN’T wear black and brown together were mistaken, and they’re likely the same people who think you can’t mix metals in your kitchen. Let’s live a little! After considering the colour scheme in your kitchen, pick your predominant metal, and then a secondary accent metal. Following this image as an example: a classic chrome finish on a bigger plumbing fixture accentuated with matte black pulls and knobs on the cabinetry. Small details such as mixing metals are what make a space uniquely individual, so have fun with it.

6 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

2

DACOR

WE DIDN’T MISSPELL DÉCOR, but rather we are talking about Dacor; a manufacturer of luxury kitchen appliances. We are especially enthusiastic about their 48” Double Oven Dual Range. Aside from all the bells and whistles provided within the appliance, what we are loving at the moment is the option for a Graphite or Black stainless-steel finish. Silver and grey are classic kitchen finish options; and while they are timeless, it is exciting to explore all the beautiful ways these finishes can accentuate a design. These are quality crafted appliances with integrated function and technology encased in a sleek stainless steel exterior. Once it’s in your kitchen it will result in the ultimate decor piece.

Proudly Canadian for over 45 years, Trail Appliances offers the largest selection of brand name appliances in Western Canada. Our team of Product Experts work with you every step of the way to ensure you receive the best shopping experience from start to finish. With our excellent everyday pricing, we’ll help you find the perfect appliance to fit your home, budget and lifestyle.

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SLAB OR TILE?

IF YOU HAVEN’T YET, CONSIDER using the same slab you’ve selected for your countertop and bring it up the wall as a backsplash. This modern trend has been growing increasingly popular over recent years, and it’s safe to say that it is here to stay for a while.

If you are on a tighter budget, this look is also achievable by matching a large scale tile to the countertop of choice.

A larger tile will help minimize grout lines resulting in that sleek, tailored look.

5

4

TERRAZZO

TERRAZZO IS HAVING A MOMENT right now. Both a fine or large-scale aggregate will bring texture and visual interest to a modern or contemporary kitchen. Minimalistic kitchen design is very popular, and the use of a terrazzo surface is an easy way to warm it up and give it character with some earthiness.

FACE FRAME

8 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

IF A TRANSITIONAL KITCHEN IS YOUR STYLE, then face frame is for you. Face frame is a very sharp and tailored way to “frame” and highlight the millwork in your kitchen. The frame is strips of millwork that encases the individual drawers or cabinets. It’s a beautiful custom style of millwork that is certainly trending but also guarantees a timeless feel.

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COVER STORY

The joy of...

STAYING IN YOUR LANE

by STEPHANIE MACDONALD

LANE HOMES PROVIDE WONDERFUL OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES, SENIORS, COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

10 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

While “staying in your lane” commonly means “minding your own business,” Paul Binotto, president of the company My Lane Home, has quite the opposite definition. “Creating density with lane homes is a great way to make communities more accessible to aging people and families, more affordable, more safe, and more enjoyable to live in. And they are great for the environment. We all benefit from that.” Paul knows what he is talking about, his company has been building lane homes and coach houses all over Metro Vancouver for the last six years, and the response from homeowners, their families, and neighbours has been tremendous.

But why do people choose to build lane homes? “There’s so many great reasons,” says Paul. “One of the most common reasons is aging-inplace.” Many seniors would like to stay in their neighbourhood, but also want to downsize. Building a lane home gives them the option to live in an accessible, manageable space on their property, opening up the original house to their children for multi-generational living, or perhaps as a rental property. Young people moving into a single-family home can build a lane home for rental

revenue or use the lane home as their house on a family property.

“Lane homes give people options,” explains Paul, “and bring affordability back into neighbourhoods. And, not insignificantly, building one is about half the cost of buying a condo of a similar size.” æ SITE-BUILT HOMES

My Lane Home specializes in creating beautiful, efficient, and environmentally responsible housing choices using both site-built and modular processes. Sitebuilt homes are built with partner builder PD Moore Homes Inc., run by Perdip Moore, a builder with over 20 years of experience as a boutique builder in Metro Vancouver, specializing in custom homes, duplexes and laneway homes. Site-built means that the home is built at the site, using the traditional method of building. Paul explains this fruitful collaboration, “We continually develop and learn of new, better building and design processes. We are proud to continue

to work with cities and organizations to provide affordable functional homes that are both sustainable in how they operate, as well as how they are built.”

Together, Paul’s and Perdip’s companies supported and built the first social housing laneway home in BC for the Aunt Leah’s Foundation, an organization that helps prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless and mothers in need from losing custody of their children, by providing supported housing, job training, and coaching on essential life skills. Sharing a strong commitment to social causes is a key to the My Lane Home and PD Moore Homes Inc. partnership and they look forward to working on more of these projects together.

Paul says, “I congratulate the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and BC Housing for their accomplishments and ongoing efforts and commitment to affordable housing.” nexthome.ca 11

“

Building a lane home creates options for families and seniors to live in an accessible and affordable space on their property. It can be used to help the kids out through multi-generational living, to age in place, or for rental.

”

æ MODULAR HOMES

“We believe in building exceptionally livable, affordable housing with less emissions, less waste, less stress to the community, neighbours, and the family,” says Paul. My Lane Home’s modular home program was developed as a result of this philosophy. Beautiful homes built in a factory, and assembled on-site in one day, can this be real? “Since lane homes are completed off-site in a factory-controlled environment, site emissions are reduced by up to 43 per cent and unnecessary construction waste is mitigated by up to 70 per cent. With sustainable, energyefficient systems in place for heat, our lane homes are low-cost to operate and have a carbon neutral footprint with RNG. And all of this, is made in locally in BC,” he explains.

The process for building a modular home begins in the factory-controlled environment, where sections of the home are manufactured to the highest building standards, using the same quality materials as on a site-built custom home. This takes approximately eight weeks, and in the meantime the site is being prepped. Modules are then craned in place and assemble in a single day.

A “buttoning” crew will then come on site and ensure that all the homes seams are taken care of. For modular homes, My Lane Homes works closely with Horizon North, a pan-Canadian company that provides a range of industrial services and modular construction solutions. Their modular construction factories, including two in BC, produce high-quality building solutions for commercial and residential clients.

12 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

Another important My Lane Home partnership is with the Manufactured Housing Association of British Columbia, who are advocates of innovation in this burgeoning industry.

“As homeowners and municipalities look for more sustainable designs for improved environmental impact, modular construction is inherently a natural fit,” explains Gord Rattray, Executive Director of MHABC Spokesperson. “MHABC is focused on addressing the challenges for their members and advocating for awareness and assisting with new legislation.” Bringing awareness to the reductions in on-site construction time is also a major focus of the organization. “Many communities are becoming proponents of factorybuilt housing as the actual on-site construction time is so much less, resulting in less inconvenience for adjacent homeowners in the denser communities. Further, the avoidance of having construction personnel having to travel to the site daily for multiple months substantially decreases energy demands and carbon creation associated with personal vehicle usage.”

My Lane Home also works closely with FortisBC to ensure that every home is efficient, and low-cost to run.

“By building modular, we have cut the carbon footprint for building to approximately half, and with RNG, our homes are effectively carbon neutral to operate. We install durable efficient heating and plumbing equipment that is mostly run off of natural gas that is both environmentally friendly as well as affordable to operate,” says Paul.

FortisBC’s efficiencies of natural gas equipment makes home heating and operational affordable for families and seniors, and they have shown a true commitment to supporting BC’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Doing this successfully entails creating a balance between financial, environmental and social factors.

The ease, affordability and sustainability of lane homes aside, what’s it like to live in one?

Dianne Jackson had her home built on the lot of what was once her grandparent’s home in North Vancouver. She says, “One of my sons moved into the big house with his family and I’m in the new lane home, and I really love it.” As

a former builder herself, Dianne is really impressed with the quality and the finishings of her new home.

“This is a really solid and functional home, and the building process was really easy,” she explains, “we worked together, and they took all of my suggestions, so it’s wonderful. I want to live here forever.”

Kaki and Trevor Chan built their custom lane home in the back of Trevor’s parent’s house in South Vancouver. Kaki explains the process they went through to choose the right builder for their project. “To make the

initial decision, we really looked at the past projects of each company, as well as what their values are. We chose My Lane Home because we liked the look of their past homes and were very impressed by their commitment to sustainability. In our culture we like to keep family close, and in this expensive city this arrangement is really a win-win.”

For those not convinced that a laneway home will work for them, My Lane Home and PD Moore Homes Inc. have built a laneway home in their newly finished office

in Burnaby. “People always ask “how big is a laneway home?” This is the perfect place to answer those questions,” says Perdip Moore. With this as an option, anyone who is even considering building a laneway home can take a tour and see for themselves if this choice makes the most sense for their family.

Visit My Lane Home and PD Moore Homes Inc. at the Vancouver Fall Home Show on Thursday, October 24 to Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Booth #334.

MHABC The factory-built housing industry is committed to energy efficiency.

This is reflected is the continual improvement of construction standards and adoption of evolving technologies. The industry will continue to increase our market share of homes to BC purchasers because of the construction convenience, greater energy efficiency, lower carbon creation and optimal use of construction materials.

A detailed study by MSERC of the North Ridge Place Seniors’ Residence, St. Albert, revealed:

The CO2 impact of modular verses conventional construction (on-site construction) resulted in a scheduling savings of 55 per cent, and a 43 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

Conventional construction results in 14.3 months and 98.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions, while modular construction takes only 6.03 months and results in 56.3 tonnes of CO2.

nexthome.ca 13

Ask the EXPERTS

Photo: Trail Appliances/Bloomberg

Shopping for appliances Before thinking about style, colours, finishes or appliances, Lucila Diaz, Founder and Creative Director, Harmony Sense Interiors Ltd. says “The first step in creating a great kitchen is to make sure that the functionality for the end-user has been well thought through,” noting “It is important to first consider the task areas, working triangle, storage, cooking, and lifestyle needs, to make sure that the space works, is safe, and takes into consideration the limitations of the space and the client’s budget.”

Once you have the design in place, Lucila says then it’s time to consider your appliances. The Product Experts at Trail Appliances recommend you spend time in store, before you buy, to touch the controls, explore the settings and hear the appliance working.

14 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

2. HOOK UPS — Make sure you

WHEN SHOPPING FOR APPLIANCES, TRAIL RECOMMENDS TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION: 1. SPACE AVAILABLE - In the case

of a refrigerator - the best thing to do is measure your space, not your current fridge. Measure from side to side, the depth of the cabinet and from the floor to the top of the cabinet.

have the necessary connections available, specifically your electrical and water lines. Will your new fridge have an ice maker or a water dispenser? Moving your dishwasher to a kitchen island?

You’ll need a water line for the hook up, and that new wall oven may require 220V instead of the standard 120V. 3. DOOR SWING: Know how doors on new units will open, checking pathways and countertop height to ensure a good fit. Remember to measure!

4. DELIVERY: What path will your new appliances take to be delivered? Make sure you’ve checked the width in your hallways and especially the doorways to make sure everything will be able to fit into your kitchen.

Outdoor living in Vancouver?

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Adding outdoor fireplaces with gas or electric heaters can make your space comfortable, even when the temperature goes down. But, according to Greg Baarts, Project Manager at Grenor Homes, the most important feature for year-round usage, in addition to heat, is shelter.

“Extending a roof over a deck can make a big difference as it keeps the heat in, and the rain out. With options like sleek aluminum frames, or rustic post and beam timber, a roof is an accent to the outdoor space, and should always be considered.” Greg notes “Permanent, versus seasonal, coverage allows for much more versatility in use of the space. Take lighting and sound for example.

Building a fixed roof, you have the option for dedicated lighting and sound that will greatly increase your enjoyment of the outdoor space.”

Another investment consideration is the long-term value of the exterior cover when you sell your home: the next buyer will be looking at it as extended living space, versus a potential chore to set up and take down, let alone store somewhere in the home.

The women behind the company Designs by Katerina and Silvie always have their eye on space saving solutions. Katerina suggests “When designing your outdoor space, big or small, you must select material that can withstand any environment. For outdoor cabinetry we often think of stainless steal due to its durability.

Using a marine-grade polymer can introduce some colour to the kitchen.

Another solution is Consentino’s Dekton ultra compact surface, resistance to UV rays, making it ideal for outdoor applications. Dekton can also be used for countertops, backsplash and even to clad the cabinets themselves.

Photo: Deckton, by Cosentino

Photo: Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens

nexthome.ca 15

Ask the EXPERTS

Stepping up to high-performance building At Kemp Construction, we build beautiful, high-performance homes and renovations that maximize your comfort, enhance your well-being, and lower your energy costs.

At every stage of your project, we build with the kind of quality and care that doesn’t just meet code, it exceeds it. Our projects are stunning – inside and out – but they’re also smart investments, with significantly lower operating costs, a higher ROI when you sell, and greater durability.

Got a project in mind?

Visit us at the Vancouver Fall Home Show booth #1415 WINNER

604.948.1124 KEMPCONSTRUCTION.CA

The Smart Enclosure offers a 21st century guide to advanced high-performance building assemblies. It’s toolkit to maximize the positive impact of your building project, providing optimized comfort, safety, energy efficiency, and negative carbon emissions.

Download free details and guides for all Smart Enclosure assembly types at

475smartenclosure.ca

16 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

The Province has committed to taking incremental steps to increase energy-efficiency requirements in the BC Building Code to make buildings netzero energy ready by 2032. Currently, the required Energy Step Code within all participating Cities in BC is Step 1, however, as of 2022, all new homes being built in BC will be required to be built to Energy Step Code 3.

What does all of this mean to you, the homeowner, considering your dream home build?

It often takes months or even years to plan for a new home and to secure the required permits. This means Step 3 is a reality, now.

Steve Kemp, President/Owner of Kemp Construction, notes homes built to Step 3 and higher have many benefits – lower energy costs, cleaner air, a cleaner home, create less pollution, offer more comfortable living conditions, and ultimately offer a higher resale value on one of the largest investments in your lifetime.

Steve suggests when looking for a builder you “check their qualifications, and experience with building-high performance homes,” noting, “be sure to talk to your builder about the products and systems recommended, and the anticipated energy savings.”

Lucila Diaz, of Harmony Sense Interiors Ltd., says trends in high-performance homes are mainly achieved by using superior windows, high levels of insulation and a heat recovery ventilation system.

But a smart selection of appliances is also required to keep the energy consumption low and control the fluctuations of temperature. Induction cooktops, dishwashers that have energy-saving factors above .85 or higher, and heat pump dryers that do not need venting to the outside, are all considerations to reaching the overall energy target.

High-Performance homes also use automatization and smart design switches to help minimize the energy consumption caused by electronics to try to avoid the “phantom loads” that big electronics such as TV’s have while they are not being used.

Sound technical? Definitely! Houses are no longer just about building, they have become a science too. Step up and connect with the experts early in the planning process to protect your investment for 2022 and beyond.

Photo: Abstract Homes & Renovations DESIGNS BY KATERINA AND SILVIE TIP:

As living quarters are getting smaller investing in storage is KEY! Entry closet, bench seats in a kitchen or living area, entertainment units, hutch/bar area will store all the practical items, while also displaying some of the pretty ones too.

DESIGNS BY KATERINA AND SILVIE TIP:

Panel Ready Compact Appliances. Using 24� compact appliances; Fridge, Wall Oven & Cooktop will free up valuable storage space. Paneling the fridge and dishwasher with cabinet fronts will disguise them, making the overall design feel lighter and more pleasant.

Photo: Designs by Katerina & Silvie

With the purchase of cabinetry, Designs by KS will select all finishing products at no extra cost: w Countertops w Tiles & Flooring w Light Fixtures w Plumbing Fixtures w Paint Colours w Decorative Hardware

www.designsbyks.com 778.896.1778 Instagram @designsby_ks Facebook: Designs by KS Houzz: Designs by Katerina & Silvie nexthome.ca  17

Ask the EXPERTS

The design build process

WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO

At Best Builders, we're dedicated to building and renovating homes with the finest quality craftsmanship. It shows - in our multiple awards, in our stunning homes and, most importantly, in our clients' faces.

CONNECT WITH US: 604 943 2378 | bestbuilders.ca 103 - 5461 12th Avenue, Delta, BC

enquire today!

Looking to renovate or build your dream home? Not sure where to start? Best Builders Ltd. owner Todd Best recommends starting with the design and budgeting process, suggesting you first “create an idea of how your home is going to work for you and your family. Simple design ideas and photos of what’s important to you and the way you live is a good start.”

Todd notes, “We are lucky to live in a vibrant building community that offers many building professionals. Take the time to interview builders and find the team that gives you the confidence to pursue and enjoy the build process while they handle the logistics (and hopefully you will have some fun along the way too)”.

When interviewing builders, Todd recommends ensuring you are on the same page when it comes to how the project should flow. “Think about what’s important to you, and ensure the builder retains your confidence throughout the project. Ask yourself, will you be able to face adversity together? Does their management process make you feel comfortable and confident? Do the builder’s ideals and excitement match your own?”

Best Builders doesn’t believe it’s important your designer and builder have worked together before. Todd says “It’s more about chemistry between builder and designer or architect. I believe working with new people sparks new ideas and innovated thinking about how to approach

Having trouble visualizing it?

Our virtual reality services allow you to step into a room and experience it, before committing to the design.

Visit harmonysense.com to find out more.

Photo: Best Builders Ltd. 18 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

the project. It also ensures you don’t fall into the same old routine, and encourages creative problem solving throughout the process.”

The Homebuilders Association of Vancouver (HAVAN) represents over 1,100 professional members, so you can be sure to find a team that is the right fit for your project.

Whether you are looking for a professional renovator, designer, custom home builder, or home building supplies, check out the member directory on www.havan.ca — it’s a good starting point. HAVAN. Your source for Trusted.

Local. Homebuilders.

TIP:

Another good source to connect with builders is home shows, where you have the chance to meet multiple people in one place. Check out HAVAN’s Ask the Expert Stage at Vancouver’s Fall Home Show, featuring 17 HAVAN endorsed experts presenting seven panel discussions to help homeowners with practical applications to realize their dream homes.

Maximize your investment with small living design When planning your micro-living space, you will want to work with a designer to maximize every square inch.

Small homes need to include all the required features of a regular home, but with more emphasis needed on designing clever use of storage spaces. Sandro Stefanucci, President and CEO, Abstract Homes and Renovations notes ‘it takes a lot of thought to ensure your small home is one that both functions and appeals to your lifestyle.’ He also recommends incorporating a lot of natural light into the design to enhance the feeling of space, with good flow.

So, just how big can a micro home be? Determining the size of a laneway home is calculated on the allowable square footage on your lot. Size is determined by calculations of the existing main home, and on your municipal RS zoning. Sandro advises that builders and renovators can provide a homeowner with a property summary, which will include information based on the local building bylaws, and he emphasizes not to start any project with out the required permits or a contract.

TIP:

Choose a builder familiar with your municipal building codes to save you time and money.

Vancouver Westside Builder ‘Celebrating Excellence’

Vancouver Builder Sandro Stefanucci and his team at Abstract Homes and Renovations snagged a series of wins at the Canadian Home Builders Association 2019 Georgie Awards and The Homeowners Association of Vancouver (HAVAN) Ovation Awards this year. Winning the Georgie for Best Single Family Detached Home Up To 2300 Sq. Ft. Under $500,000 – Production, as well as double finalist in that category and Best Condo Renovation under $250,000. In the Ovations categories, Abstract Homes was a Double Finalist for ‘Best Renovation under $200,000’ and ‘Best New Small Scale Home’.

Book a consultation with Sandro by visiting our website

www.abstracthomes.com 363 West 6th Ave, Vancouver nexthome.ca 19

HIGH PERFORMANCE HOMES FOR THE FUTURE

by MICHELLE HOPKINS

20 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

drafty, noisy, century-old home in East Vancouver. Initially, the landscape architect and his wife were going to renovate, but after speaking to Bryn Davidson, architect and principal Lanefab Design/Build, they opted on a new build. Not just any new home, a Passive House (PH).

“After Bryn explained to us what a Passive House was, I did more research and I was in,” says Brumpton. “We felt it was the right thing to do for the environment because it reduces gas emissions.”

Brumpton loves that their new home has no drafts, is cozy yearround and better yet, they don’t hear “the sirens wailing or the neighbour’s happy dog.”

“I believe Passive Houses are the future,” Brumpton adds. “We should

PHOTOS BY WWW.BRETTRYANSTUDIOS.COM

PASSIVE HOUSE RULES

GRANT BRUMPTON lived in a very

be supporting healthier homes and creating an opportunity for contractors to do better work.”

Essentially, a Passive House is designed to be extremely energyefficient so that it doesn’t take a lot of power to heat or cool. So says Sandra Rohler, architect AIBC and co-founder Passive House Canada.

“In very simple terms, a Passive House focusses on the house’s envelope, meaning walls, floors, windows, doors and roofs,” explains Rohler. “These houses are airtight and super insulated, so there is very little heat loss.”

A Passive House reduces our carbon footprint and energy consumption, so the houses are not only green, they require very little energy to run them. According to a Passive House Canada brochure, research has shown how sustainable they are – the energy consumption for heating and cooling in Passive House buildings is roughly 80 per cent lower than in conventional buildings.

“Built for the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler’s Austria House was the first Passive House building in B.C.,” says Rohler. “It costs approximately $290 per year to heat … that is amazing considering it’s a coffee house and rental building today.” nexthome.ca 21

Although a Passive House does translate into lower operating costs, Rohler says there’s no comparison in comfort between living in a passive and conventional home.

“The best thing you can do in terms of savings and comfort is to live in a Passive House,” adds Rohler.

When Davidson – who built Brumpton’s house – founded Lanefab a decade ago, it was with a desire to build healthier, greener homes. A few years later, when he discovered Passive Houses, it became “our default standard for all of our homes.”

“We were already creating homes with a lot of Passive House features, but in 2015 we decided to build only PH,” says Davidson. “So far, we’ve built three and we have six more under construction.”

Davidson explained that Passive Houses are designed with superinsulation, high performance windows, an airtight building shell and the use of a high efficiency ventilation system with heat recovery (HRV), which exchanges the interior air with fresh outside air.

“The cost to build a Passive House is about 5 to 8 per cent more, but you can save between $120 to $150 on your utilities,” Davidson adds.

Passive Houses are certainly gaining momentum in B.C. Steve Chandra, principal of Alley Lane Homes Construction, began building PH’s in 2003.

“A client requested a Passive House and it was really in its infancy in B.C.,” Chandra says. “It existed but it was not practised much by builders. I was intrigued and now all the houses I build use PH guidelines.”

Chandra admits it is still a hard sell with some home owners.

“We still have to educate them on the benefits but normally, once they understand, they are sold,” adds Chandra.

22 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

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Storage style WITH

INNOVATIVE AND ARTISTIC STORAGE SOLUTIONS

by MICHELLE HOPKINS

24 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

JUDSON BEAUMONT has made a career out of challenging our preconceived notions of what storage should look like. The artist and founder of Straight Line Designs Inc. proves that storage doesn’t have to be boring to be functional.

“I think of storage and ask, why does everything have to look the same?” says the veteran Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design graduate. “I want furniture to have personality, yet still be very functional. I want people to question why storage should be traditional looking.”

Certainly, no one would accuse Beaumont’s furniture of being anything but works of art or whimsical sculptures. “My customers aren’t just buying a dresser,” says Beaumont.

“They are buying one with curves, waves, ones to appreciate and enjoy, so when you go to open your sock drawer you should smile at the same time.”

Today’s storage solutions certainly don’t have to be drab, says Theresa Thom, franchise director, Stor-X Organizing Solutions. More importantly, homeowners don’t realize how many unused areas can easily be transformed into innovative storage spaces. For example, the small closet at the front door is often a landmine of clutter.

“You can pull that door right off and create a mudroom, complete with bench, shelves, a couple of drawers and hooks,” says Thom. “Now, that awkward closet is a much more functional one.”

Wolf Nickel, president and founder of Stor-X adds: “There is also so much wasted space in laundry rooms. You can make the laundry room so much more efficient by adding a built-in folding table with hanging space, as well as shelving for brooms, mops and laundry supplies.”

Before you place your belongings in your new chest of drawers or your curios in your new cabinet, nexthome.ca 25

Heather Knitel, owner, Good Riddance Professional Organization Solutions, says: “Envision your space and how you would like it to look.”

This is not only good advice for your storage, but a great opportunity to de-clutter. With the holidays soon upon us, the more you create space, the more relaxing and inviting your home is.

Knitel suggests you systematically go through room to room. Everything should get pulled out of drawers, cupboards and countertops and sorted into three piles — donate, trash, keep. “Eliminate what you aren’t using,” says Knitel. “But stay very focused on the task at hand, meaning don’t go zigzagging, stay in the room until it is done.”

Many of us hoard magazines, books and newspapers. Recycle those old newspapers. Then, purge yourself of those magazines and books by giving them to a hospital or other charitable organization that could put them to good use.

26 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

Clothing PURGE, PURGE & PURGE SOME MORE

“Eighty per cent of the time, we wear only 20 per cent of our wardrobe,” says the veteran organizer.

When it comes to clothing, a good rule of thumb is, if you haven’t worn it for six months or for a season, get rid of it.

“Most of us have to change the way we think, we tend to hold onto to things way too long for emotional reasons,” says Knitel. “For example, that sweater grandma gave you five years ago that you have never worn … place it in the charity bin.”

Another way to de-clutter is to examine your buying habits.

“With all of our online shopping, our carbon footprint is growing… we’ve become a throwaway society,” says Knitel. “We need to be more conscientious consumers.”

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Take it

OUTSIDE THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR YOUR PATIO WITH THESE POSH PIECES

by ALEX DAFOE

One of the great things about west coast living is that thanks to a temperate climate, we can enjoy our outdoor space for the better part of the year.

And what better way to enjoy those coveted spaces than with some of the beautifully built, stylish and pricey offerings from some of Vancouver’s top purveyors of outdoor luxury.

According to Albert Yee, sales associate at Vancouver’s Livingspace, “After a certain price point, the high quality and craftsmanship of a piece of furniture is going to be assumed.

What you’re paying for is the art of

28 Home Decor & Renovations | Fall 2019

the product, the designer’s vision and creativity. All of these high-end brands have a uniqueness, not just in their design but in the details of how they’re manufactured.”

The Paola Lenti collection at Livingspace is an example of devotion to the art and the experience offered when aesthetics and design are front and centre.

Lenti’s pieces use a colourful pallet of fabrics made of varyingly gauged handwoven, waterproof, bacteria and mold resistant rockclimbing ropes. The pieces are built to order and offer a cutting-edge aesthetic for outdoor lounging and entertaining. One of the collections stand-out pieces is the Orbitry basket chair which swivels on its axis thanks to the ball bearing mounted on its base of its steel frame. Cool, comfortable and contemporary, it’s also available as a hanging swing. Orbitry retails at a price that could also buy you a pretty decent car, so this beautifully crafted piece might be one you want to keep the kids and pets off of.

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PAOLA LENTI ORBITRY AT LIVINGSPACE $29,810

At a price point that’s a little more down to earth, and featuring a more classic, familiar aesthetic is the Roda collection, also available at Livingspace. One of the founding notions of the Roda collection, and one of the reasons for its success, is their focus on blending and blurring the ideas of indoor and outdoor. It’s a trend Yee is seeing more and more, featuring materials and styles that work just as well in the indoor living room as the one outside. The Roda Arena Day Bed – a comfortable, inviting, woven basket topped with soft, lightfast, mildewresistant upholstery that would be perfect for cuddling up on in front of a fire pit or an outdoor (or indoor, for that matter) screen. If you’re looking for more snuggle-space, the Arena can be mated with a twin, ideal for an afternoon snooze or a night on the outside staring up at the stars.

RODA ARENA DAY BED AT LIVINGSPACE $17,980

If the Roda and the Paola Lenti pieces are little too staid for you, check out the And Bench from Spain’s Vondom.

Available at North Vancouver’s Ginger Jar Furniture, at first glance, this envelope-pushing piece of outdoor luxury comes across more as a piece of sculpture than something you might sit on. Made from polyethylene resin, it’s modular and available to order in a variety colours, but according to Nerissa at Ginger Jar, white has been the overwhelmingly popular choice.

AND BENCH AT GINGER JAR FURNITURE $9,650 LIVINGSPACE

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