Ellenwood Homes Named Finalist for Built Green Maverick Innovation Award

Posted by Holly Schweitzer – April 3, 2024

We are excited to share that Ellenwood Homes has been selected as a finalist for the inaugural Built Green Maverick Innovation Award. This recognition celebrates our commitment to sustainable building practices and innovative solutions in the construction industry, with a spotlight on one of our recent builds, the Mountain-View Homestead.

About the Home

Ellenwood Homes’ Mountain-View Homestead, nestled in the serene landscapes of Slocan Park, BC, exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and construction. This single-family home showcases a harmonious blend of eco-friendly features and cutting-edge technologies, setting new standards for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Innovative Features

From the outset, our goal was to create a home that not only harmonizes with its natural surroundings, but also meets an elevated standard for sustainable living. The Mountain-View Homestead boasts an array of innovative features, including:

  • A centrally-located soapstone mass heater with a bread oven, providing warmth throughout the home.
  • A wood-fired cooker in the kitchen, eliminating the need for gas and promoting the use of renewable resources.
  • An air source electric heat pump with HRV for heating, cooling, and ventilation.
  • Triple-glazed fiberglass windows, enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort inside the home.
  • Eco-friendly finishes, such as zero VOC paint, LED lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Challenges and Benefits

Implementing these innovations presented various challenges, from ensuring air tightness to supporting the weight of the mass heater. However, the benefits have been substantial, with a 46% reduction in energy use intensity compared to a typical house, as well as significant cost savings for the homeowners.

Ongoing Innovation

At Ellenwood Homes, innovation is at the core of everything we do. We are continuously exploring new avenues for sustainable construction, from reducing operational carbon emissions to incorporating advanced net-zero building methods. Moving forward, we remain committed to exceeding energy outcomes in all our projects and making green building more accessible to homeowners.

Looking Ahead

Being named a finalist for the Built Green Maverick Innovation Award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team at Ellenwood Homes. We are immensely proud of the Mountain-View Homestead and the impact it has made in advancing sustainable building practices. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our journey towards greater sustainability and innovation in the construction industry.

Stay tuned for further updates as we await the announcement of the award winners. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement!