A design for life. - Net-Zero/Green Homes · and learning about how to make our homes healthier,...
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A design for life. Thanks to the increase in awareness about energy efficiency and environmental conservation, home- builders now have a chance to show-off their creative mettle by finding ways to combine environmental responsibility with impeccable design. Edmonton’s Effect Home Builders Ltd. (“Effect”) does just that. With their 15 years of building experience in tow, Effect builds upscale and refined energy efficient homes. “It’s more than a house. It’s how you choose to live,” says Les Wold, marketing manager at Effect. “You can have a positive effect on your surroundings that respectively affects you and your lifestyle in a good way. “At the forefront [of our design] is practical green so- lutions for today’s lifestyle. We’re always researching and learning about how to make our homes healthier, quieter and more comfortable.” Which they have done in their 2,423 sq. ft Crest- wood showhome (14504 Mackenzie Drive), set to open to the public in June. Affectionately called The Mackenzie, this house “seamlessly blends energy efficiency with design excellence,” explains Wold. And by approaching homebuilding and design that way, they’re able to create beautiful green homes that aren’t obviously green. Effect breaks their green solutions into five categories. The Katherine Ball-designed showhome highlights some of the corresponding features: The Building Envelope includes features like • Plasti-Fab insulating concrete form (ICF) walls which have nearly twice the insulating rating as traditional 2x6 wood framing, air-locked entrances, superior attic insulation using cellulose from recycled materials, fiberglass doors that are more insulating than traditional wood doors and ultra efficient triple-pane low-E argon-filled windows; Water Conservation includes dual-flush toilets, • restricted-flow showerheads and faucets and rain barrels for water collection (think watering your garden and indoor plants); The Solar category involves things like solar • panels to heat water and south-facing windows to collect passive sunlight; Lighting includes the installation of compact • fluorescent light bulbs throughout the home, strategically placed windows, and; Exterior involves low maintenance stucco, recy- • cled exterior cladding materials, native landscaping species and preservation of existing trees. On the outside, the craftsman-style home has a gorgeous wrap-around veranda, quaint dormer windows, and all the style features that a discerning homeowner would want. But it’s also what’s inside that counts. There, practical and modern energy efficient solu- tions blend effortlessly with design elements you’d find in a typical 1920s home. The front parlour’s fireplace—complete with a Victorian tile surround, traditional wood mantle and coal inserts—sets the mood of the era but with the benefits of new technology. The authentic 1920s style fixtures are illuminated by efficient light bulbs, while the con- ventional piano window over the bed in the master bedroom lights the room through a triple-paned, low-E, argon-filled window. The Arts and Crafts pewter taps flow with water warmed by the sun using the solar panels that are neatly tucked away on the roof of the house. “The solid construction and ability to save energy makes it a responsible choice for you, your family and the environment.” Are all of Effect’s environmentally-conscious homes built in the craftsman-style? Not necessarily.
Transcript of A design for life. - Net-Zero/Green Homes · and learning about how to make our homes healthier,...
A design for life.Thanks to the increase in awareness about energy effi ciency and environmental conservation, home-builders now have a chance to show-off their creative mettle by fi nding ways to combine environmental responsibility with impeccable design. Edmonton’s Effect Home Builders Ltd. (“Effect”) does just that.
With their 15 years of building experience in tow, Effect builds upscale and refi ned energy effi cient homes. “It’s more than a house. It’s how you choose to live,” says Les Wold, marketing manager at Effect. “You can have a positive effect on your surroundings that respectively affects you and your lifestyle in a good way.
“At the forefront [of our design] is practical green so-lutions for today’s lifestyle. We’re always researching and learning about how to make our homes healthier, quieter and more comfortable.”
Which they have done in their 2,423 sq. ft Crest-wood showhome (14504 Mackenzie Drive), set to open to the public in June. Affectionately called The Mackenzie, this house “seamlessly blends energy effi ciency with design excellence,” explains Wold. And by approaching homebuilding and design that way, they’re able to create beautiful green homes that aren’t obviously green.
Effect breaks their green solutions into fi ve categories. The Katherine Ball-designed showhome highlights some of the corresponding features:
The Building Envelope includes features like • Plasti-Fab insulating concrete form (ICF) walls which have nearly twice the insulating rating as traditional 2x6 wood framing, air-locked entrances, superior attic insulation using cellulose from recycled materials, fi berglass doors that are more insulating than traditional wood doors and ultra effi cient triple-pane low-E argon-fi lled windows;
Water Conservation includes dual-fl ush toilets, • restricted-fl ow showerheads and faucets and rain barrels for water collection (think watering your garden and indoor plants);
The Solar category involves things like solar • panels to heat water and south-facing windows to collect passive sunlight;
Lighting includes the installation of compact • fl uorescent light bulbs throughout the home, strategically placed windows, and;
Exterior involves low maintenance stucco, recy-• cled exterior cladding materials, native landscaping species and preservation of existing trees.
On the outside, the craftsman-style home has a gorgeous wrap-around veranda, quaint dormer windows, and all the style features that a discerning homeowner would want. But it’s also what’s inside that counts.
There, practical and modern energy effi cient solu-tions blend effortlessly with design elements you’d fi nd in a typical 1920s home. The front parlour’s fi replace—complete with a Victorian tile surround, traditional wood mantle and coal inserts—sets the mood of the era but with the benefi ts of new technology. The authentic 1920s style fi xtures are illuminated by effi cient light bulbs, while the con-ventional piano window over the bed in the master bedroom lights the room through a triple-paned, low-E, argon-fi lled window. The Arts and Crafts pewter taps fl ow with water warmed by the sun using the solar panels that are neatly tucked away on the roof of the house.
“The solid construction and ability to save energy makes it a responsible choice for you, your family and the environment.”
Are all of Effect’s environmentally-conscious homes built in the craftsman-style? Not necessarily.
showhome on June 7th and 8th from noon–4pm. The home will be showing throughout June on weekends and by appointment.
For more information about Effect Home Builders Ltd., please visit www.effecthomes.ca, call 780-450-1399 or email [email protected].
Effect Home Builders is an R2000 builder and member of the Canadian Home Builders Association – Edmonton and is a member in the National Home Warranty Program.
Whether you come in with pre-drawn plans or just a concept, Effect can build what you want. “We’re completely custom, so we can build exactly what our client is looking for.”
Regardless of individual design requirements, they prove that you can bring class and style to a home, while still incorporating green solutions.
Don’t take our word for it, though. Effect Home Builders invites the curious, the intrigued and the rapt to the grand opening of The Mackenzie
The Mackenzie ShowhomeGrand Opening June 7 & 8 14504 Mackenzie DriveShowing Weekends Noon to 4pmthroughout June or by appointent.
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www.effecthomes.ca
