Are you looking to reduce your heating and cooling costs and minimize your home’s effect on the environment?
You could install energy-efficient windows that eliminate drafts, or beef up your home’s insulation. Want to take things a step further? Why not install an electric car charger?
A Nanaimo family working with local builder Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd. chose those elements and more when they replaced a 1960s home on Stephenson Point Road with a three-storey West Coast contemporary home.
“This house was all about the view, so there are way more windows than usual in a super energy-efficient home,” says Pheasant Hill owner/general manager Ken Connolly. “Windows tend to lose a lot more energy than any other point in your home, but we bought the best windows we could – twice as efficient as traditional models.”
The homeowners are proud of the efficiency of the home, noting, “it’s exceptionally airtight, and in mid-winter our gas bill was only $60!”
Working together with your builder makes sense
The homeowners had definite ideas of what they wanted, Connolly says, and that proved beneficial. “It’s a family home and they wanted it to be their forever home, so they really put a lot of thought into the design,” he says. “We always enjoy working with clients who have a good idea of what they want.”
On the modern side, the owners chose such features as in-floor radiant heating and an efficient natural gas-fired boiler, as well as accommodating for future hookup of solar panels. Having worked on similar projects, the award-winning team at Pheasant Hill were ready to work with them on their vision.
Upcyling materials part of the plan
Modern design of the building was one thing, but the owners took recycling to the next level with this project. They deconstructed the old home and used the wood for the dock and bridge structures, and interior wood features such as counters, beams and stair treads used wood sourced from the property.
Industry trending toward your comfort
The Stephenson Point project is a prime example of how Pheasant Hill has worked to meet growing demand for more comfortable, efficient homes. “Especially as people age, they don’t want to feel drafts, or have high levels of humidity that could make their home uncomfortable, or cause moisture damage. They also want lower utility bills moving forward,” Connolly says. “It takes a little more investment initially, but in the end you’re going to make that back.”
End product a diamond
Of this home, Connolly says, “It’s a very fine example of what we can do. “The finishings, the architecture and the details are exquisite and we take a lot of pride in that.” He adds that contributions from the client, the Pheasant Hill team, Raymond DeBeeld Architect and the subtrades made this “an outstanding build.”
To learn more about turning your new home dreams and visions into reality, contact Pheasant Hill through their website, or call to set up a consultation at 250-618-6880.
