It s easy BEING GREEN

Transcription

1 It s easy BEING GREEN STORY MELISSA HARE PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG W We work hard on our homes. Why shouldn t our homes work for us and the wider world around us, too? That s the idea behind the Net Zero Homes by WrightHaven Homes in Elora. This model, the Solhaven, is not just a beautiful residence: it operates almost solely off renewable resources and features a wide array of earth-friendly technology. A net-zero home produces at least as much energy from renewable sources as it consumes on an annual basis, says WrightHaven Homes president Steven Wright. This super-efficient model boasts exceptionally low utility bills but can also run completely off the grid and stores two days worth of energy demands if the power goes out, everyone else might be in the dark, but this home won t be. Continued on page 30 ABOVE: Wood beams frame the entrance to the kitchen and dining area from the great room and the doorway on the Juliet balcony from the master bedroom. OPPOSITE, LEFT: A wide open space to the left of the foyer is large enough for a sitting area and small desk nook. RIGHT: This model has been decorated with lots of wood furniture: it s rustic yet refined. 28 ourhomes SPRING 2016 ourhomes SPRING

2 And it s not just electrically efficient. Rainwater collection and grey-water recycling mean homeowners could save about 30 per cent on their annual water bills. Someday our grandchildren will be aghast to know that we used good drinking water to flush toilets, says Wright. We are collecting water from the rain, a natural resource, and utilizing it to flush the toilets. Located in the SouthRidge development, a residential community set amongst the rolling farmland of picturesque Elora, this 2,080 sq. ft. model home is as fascinating as it is stylish. Known for their premier craftsmanship, WrightHaven Homes is offering homeowners more than a qualitybuilt home they re offering progressive, energy-independent living. As one of the few Ontario builders certified to build to R-2000 standards (which means they exceed building code requirements for energy efficiency, indoor air quality and environmental responsibility), Steven Wright was determined to create a sustainable house able to perform on its own. Driven by both knowledge and passion, Wright did just that. ABOVE: Beams on the slanted ceiling tie in with the wood trim and doors throughout the home. On the outside, solar panels harvest energy from the sun. RIGHT: Steven Wright, owner of WrightHaven Homes, stands proudly in part of his model Net Zero Home s utility space between batteries and grey-water tanks. TOP: Floating shelves in the kitchen are the ideal spot to display favourite dishes. ABOVE: A bright laundry room just off the kitchen houses an energyefficient washer and dryer set. ABOVE RIGHT: A breakfast bar is the perfect spot for casual meals, while there is enough space for a larger dining table as well. It s all about reducing dependency on fossil fuels and creating a smaller carbon footprint, explains Wright. A lot of factors go into the planning of a home like this. Everything was designed based on how it would interact with technology. Wright describes the home as a system in which every detail has been precisely planned with optimal conservation in mind. For instance, the size and location of each window was determined based on the need to maximize solar gain. The expansive sloped ceiling, spanning the main living space, is not just an interior design feature. In actuality, it plays an integral role in the home s operation: on the outside, it s where Wright installed the home s solar panels (from Bluewater Energy). Continued on page ourhomes SPRING 2016 ourhomes SPRING

3 ABOVE: This home features lots of built-in shelving. Large windows and open spaces mean no energy is wasted on running lights during the day. LEFT: This home is set and ready for potential owners. WrightHaven Homes model Net Zero Home is as beautiful as it is functional. Pair eco-friendly appliances with high-end counters and cabinets and you appeal to a very wide audience. In a home of this calibre, there s often more than meets the eye. The temperature feels noticeably comfortable, considering it doesn t have a traditional furnace system. This is thanks, in large part, to the unique ductwork and insulation. Custom ducts are installed in each room, ensuring the duct size matches the specific needs of the area, providing a more even temperature throughout. Thick insulation and spray foam fill the large wall cavity, creating an airtight seal. Combine these with an advanced air filtration system and you have an extremely cleanfeeling environment. It s easy to marvel at this home s top-notch energy efficiencies, but the unique design and layout do not go unnoticed. From solid oak stairs by Acorn Stair & Railing Company Inc. to natural barn beams adorning the passageway between the living room and kitchen, this home offers interesting elements and a practical floorplan. The décor and finishes are neutral, including paint from Robinson Painting & Decorating, so future homebuyers have the perfect palette to start with. Continued on page ourhomes SPRING 2016 ourhomes SPRING

4 Sliding wood doors separate the master bedroom from a Juliet balcony that overlooks the great room. BELOW: It may be built to be earth-friendly, but this master bath isn t missing anything it has his-and-hers sinks, a large soaker tub and a dreamy glass shower. Gemini Pools Is An Award Winning Full Service Swimming Pool Company Offering The World s Best Fiberglass Pools & Vinyl Liner Pools Hwy #89, Unit #2, Primrose Plaza, Mulmur ON geminipools.ca Rich oak hardwood floors, from Superior Hardwood Flooring, continue from the den to the light-filled living space where barn beams from Century Wood Products Inc. (installed by Jason Horne Carpentry) add visual interest on the sloped ceiling. A discrete oak mantel rests above a modern gas fireplace, the only piece of equipment in the home that requires gas. The spacious kitchen features white cabinetry from The Bamco Group, retro pendant lighting from Chatelaine Lighting and a large farmhouse sink. Open shelving and a built-in china cabinet provide ample room to display kitchen treasures. Naturally, all of the appliances are high-efficiency. Conveniently located just off the kitchen is a large laundry and mudroom, with access to the double-car garage. Continued on page 36 CALEDON ORANGEVILLE TORONTO BOOKING POOL INSTALLATIONS NOW! SWIM BARRIE COLLINGWOOD MUSKOKA 34 ourhomes SPRING 2016

5 Helping You Get the Most from Your Backyard! A charming master suite is just one of the three bedrooms located on the upper level. A Juliet balcony, overlooking the living room, is hidden behind a rustic sliding barn door. A quaint sitting nook and a timelessly designed en suite, with double sinks and a large glass shower by Cre8tive Glass & Showers, make this room the perfect retreat. The useable living space continues in the basement, which includes a home gym the ideal place to work out before cosying up to the custom-built bar (by The Bar Store) and entertaining area. Underfoot you ll find ceramic tile, an unexpected flooring choice for a basement, from Ceramic Decor. An in-floor heating system installed by Tri-Mech Inc. adds warmth to the inviting lower level. Another example of the home s sophisticated plan, the in-floor heat is actually a by-product of the home s air-to-water heating system. Continued on page 38 Repairs, Cleanings and Inspections Family-owned and operated and proudly servicing the Erin community for over 30 years, Ed Peavoy Septic Service Inc. cleans, pumps and repairs septic tanks, holding tanks and aerobic tanks for both residential and commercial customers. We offer yearround and emergency services, as well as power flushing, locating and digging services. We have been approved by the Ministry of the Environment, and we offer baffle inspections. For further details on our capabilities, please visit us on-line: CALL TODAY Book Your POOL OPENING Today! Visit our new store: 78 First St., Orangeville (beside the CAA) ddpools78@gmail.com 78 First St., Orangeville, ON Pool Installations Maintenance Repairs Openings/Closings Retail Store Open 7 Days a Week Authorized dealer for Big Green Egg and Weber Grills ABOVE: One secondlevel bedroom has been designed with a wee princess in mind. A basement bedroom currently has the perfect set-up for a young man. LEFT: A third upstairs bedroom has been staged as a beautiful guest space. MANUFACTURING STORAGE MOBILE WELDING REPAIRS MANUFACTURING RAILINGS & GATES MOBILE STORAGE UNITS Sixth Line, Belwood, ON 36 ourhomes SPRING 2016

6 URBAN BARNHÄUS DESIGN RIGHT: A basement bar sets the tone for a great entertaining space. BELOW: It s just as important to treat your own body right as it is to treat Mother Nature with kindness. Take care of yourself in this home gym! BOTTOM RIGHT: Although all of the home s special systems are housed in basement utility rooms, there s still plenty of space for a den or man cave. reclaim + repurpose + reinvent Design Furniture for indoor or outdoor use! All of our furniture is made from 100% solid, reclaimed barnboard, removed from century-old barns. Home Staging Interior Consulting Custom Framing Kitchen Design Finish Selection In-home Professional Picture Hanging Jacqui Viaene - Owner/Operator jacqui@barnhaus.ca Showroom inside/beside Via Trailers Hwy 50, Bolton, ON STAIR & RAILING COMPANY INC. Now in Fergus! Providing quality stair and railing work for over 30 years. Specializing in wood or metal balusters, or for a modern look - glass. Whether it s a new house or a stair/railing replacement, call the experts at Acorn Stair & Railing Company Inc. to step up in quality and rise above the rest Gregson Court, Fergus ON Proud supplier to Wrighthaven Homes Limited. Wright has thought of everything in this truly remarkable home. From larger details, like harvesting solar power, to the finer details, such as LED lighting (from Greencor Electric Ltd.) throughout and drought-resistant plants in the landscaping, this home is as environmentally innovative as they come and still manages to be a beautiful, comfortable, modern home. OH 38 ourhomes SPRING 2016