And the Winners are

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

THE 12TH ANNUAL HAVAN AWARDS FOR HOUSING EXCELLENCE WINNERS

by SUSAN M BOYCE

Vesta’s Latimer Heights wowed judges with inviting streetscapes and contemporary style.

It takes more than a global pandemic to put a damper on the enthusiastic vibe that buzzed through Metro Vancouver’s housing industry on April 30. This was the second year the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) Awards for Housing Excellence gala took place on Zoom, and the entire staff eagerly embraced the chance to get imaginative.

“The gala is our signature event every year,” says Ron Rapp, HAVAN’s CEO. “Members were clear they still wanted the opportunity to participate and showcase their work — even though everyone’s at home. So we thought: rather than creating a faux-live event, why not turn it into a virtual house party.”

Streaming live from an award-winning custom home in West Vancouver, the event was a perfectly choreographed blend of winner reveals and engaging entertainment… with a few surprises to enhance the party vibe. Popular local band Ten Souljas provided a lively, musical intermission created to get viewers dancing — even if it was just in their own living room. And since no gala is complete without food and drinks, Yosh

Wilder Crossing by Infinity Properties blends the best of modern interiors with a natural setting.contemporary style.

Eterno by Raicon wowed South Surrey buyers.

Narrow Perspective by Nick Bray Architecture is a showcase of environmental stewardship.

Kasahara, executive vice president of Alabaster Homes and renowned foodie @yoshfood demonstrated an authentic Japanese Wagyu beef appetizer chosen to complement the intriguing cocktail recipes Mainland Whisky’s mixologist shared with everyone present.

It was, as always, a night to remember.

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

With a total of almost 400 entries, competition was stiff in all categories, but two companies, Infinity Properties and Vesta Properties, propelled Langley into the spotlight by each taking top honours in four categories and dominating the prestigious Grand Awards with two awards each for best residential community and homebuilder of the year categories. Infinity struck gold in the multi-family categories for Wilder Crossing, while judges gave Vesta the nod in singlefamily production homes to Latimer Heights.

Tim Bontkes, Infinity’s owner and proud to be someone who’s lived his entire life in Langley, believes Wilder Crossing’s focus on preserving and enhancing the natural setting plus floorplans designed for contemporary families were significant factors to the judges.

“It was a difficult site because it’s bisected by a ravine with a creek,” Bontkes says. “We connected the two halves with a pedestrian path with a lovely, curved bridge — which is a hassle for the developer but fantastic for the homeowners. And we were able to retain a third of the property as greenspace.”

Christine Turner, marketing manager, says the single-family neighbourhood that’s part of Vesta’s 75-acre Latimer Heights community features eye-catching exteriors that pay homage to the location in what was once an important agricultural hub. Inside, though, they are a showcase of contemporary, family-oriented design. And it was this combination that won the judges hearts.

As anticipated, A Narrow Perspective by Nick Bray Architecture (with Project Mint Developments) converted their four finalist spots to gold for excellence in energy efficiency and functionality. Elegant and minimalist, this 25-foot-wide passive house is built on a 33-foot-wide city lot yet feels spacious and inviting.

LOOKING AHEAD

While everyone missed the camaraderie and networking of a live event, the virtual houseparty once again raised the bar for outstanding production values. “And because you didn’t have to be at a specific location at one, specific time, people are watching the gala when it suits them,” Rapp says. “Like everyone, I hope next year we will be able to gather together in person to celebrate the award winners. But the team and I also look forward to offering a hybrid version that incorporates the best of live and virtual.”

It goes without saying that with the creative muscle and commitment to innovation, the staff at HAVAN will make it all happen. Until next year, stay safe and enjoy your home — whether it’s new, new to you, or renovated to your dream specs.

For a complete list of winners and finalists in new home, renovation, and interior design categories, visit havan.ca/awards.