The greenest way to build is to improve the existing building stock, where possible.
In this case, we turned a 50’s bungalow with basement in the Commercial Drive area of Vancouver, Canada, with a sound structure to build on into a durable, modern and efficient home.
We have added a half storey maximizing the allowable living area (FSR) with the focus on improving the overall energy efficiency, using environmental friendly materials and ensuring a healthy indoor environment for this young family to enjoy. At the same time we gave it a new and exciting look.
For us, it is common sense to plan along the Passive Design principles, which essentially means optimizing solar gain, optimizing insulation, ensuring an airtight envelope, installing a high performance heat recovery insulation system and making the house as energy efficient as possible.
A great end result with thoughtful attention to detail - with this project builder Naikoon Contracting received the GEORGIE AWARD 2013 for best residential renovation; $300,000 - $499,000.