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Green is in: Net Zero Homes impress in the 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Today’s homes increasingly prioritize energy efficiency – whether it be through high-efficiency windows, energy efficient appliances, or a tighter building envelope. So, it’s no surprise that Net Zero Homes are gaining popularity among home buyers and homeowners.

Last week, the finalists of the 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence were announced – and Qualified Net Zero Builders/Renovators from across the country put on their best show yet. Increased interest in the Net Zero Home award in the last year resulted in this year’s competition incorporating TWO Net Zero Home Award categories – one for Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home, and another for Best Production Net Zero Home!

To enter the competition, builders/renovators submitted their Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Homes qualified under the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program, which provides home buyers, homeowners, and the industry with a clearly defined two-tiered technical requirement that recognizes new and renovated Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes. The label requirement for the Net Zero Home award categories ensures that all homes entered have met the technical and energy efficiency requirements, levelling the playing field for entrants while allowing the judges to focus on the design characteristics of each home.

 

Shattering Myths in Net Zero Home Design

This year’s finalists showcase an eclectic range of style, architecture, and finishes, shattering the myth that beautiful design takes a backseat to the technical requirements of Net Zero Homes. From contemporary to industrial, budget-friendly to luxe, and new builds to renovations, Qualified Net Zero Builders and Renovators from coast-to-coast showed that today’s Net Zero Homes are pushing the envelope in design, construction, and renovation. So, without further ado, the finalists in each category are:

Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home

The entries in this category are all either custom new homes or renovations. They’re one-of-a-kind designed, built or renovated for a specific homeowner or lot.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a large black island with three white chairs, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and light wood flooring. This beautifully designed space exemplifies the quality celebrated by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. Open entryway and part of a white sofa visible on the left.
A modern white house with dark trim sits on a grassy lawn, surrounded by tall evergreen trees—a stunning example of Housing Excellence. Solar panels are positioned on the right side of the image, highlighting innovative features worthy of recognition from the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. The sky is clear and blue, completing this picturesque scene.

J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd., Courtenay, BC: “Black and White Luxury”

A two-story gray house with white trim is lit warmly at dusk, featuring large windows, a curved porch, and a double garage, surrounded by trees and a manicured lawn—a perfect example of Housing Excellence worthy of recognition at the CHBA National Awards.
Modern living room with high ceilings, large windows, two white sofas, two armchairs, a red patterned rug, a marble fireplace with a TV above, and a view into the kitchen—an inviting space that reflects Housing Excellence worthy of CHBA National Awards recognition.

Kemp Construction Management Ltd., Delta, BC: “Net Zero Nest” with Innotech Windows + Doors, Inc., JRG Building Engineering Inc., and Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

Modern two-story house with a stone turret, large windows, and three cars parked in an open garage. The house is lit warmly from within, and the driveway is paved with gray bricks—a striking example of Housing Excellence recognized by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.
Modern white kitchen with marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, pendant lights, and hardwood floors. Open layout leads to a living area with a fireplace and a vase with purple flowers on the mantel—a stunning example of Housing Excellence worthy of CHBA National Awards recognition.

Naikoon Contracting Ltd., North Vancouver, BC: “White Rock Net Zero” with Capital Home Energy Inc.

Modern two-story house with stone exterior, large windows, two black garage doors, and FORTY FIVE above the garages—a true example of Housing Excellence. Green lawn, young tree, and potted plants in front. Neighboring houses visible on either side.
A modern living room with light gray sofas, a wooden coffee table, a wall-mounted TV above a sleek fireplace, shelves with decor, and large windows letting in natural light—an inviting space that exemplifies Housing Excellence as celebrated by the CHBA National Awards.

Sinclair Homes, Waterloo, ON: “White Pine Project”

A modern house with gray siding and a three-car garage sits on a sloped gravel driveway, surrounded by pine trees and a blue sky. A low stone retaining wall is in the foreground, reflecting the superior design often recognized by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.
Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dark cabinets, light granite countertops, wood beam ceiling, and large windows letting in natural light—an inspiring space that exemplifies Housing Excellence worthy of recognition at the CHBA National Awards.

STW Cutting Edge Carpentry Inc., Windermere, BC: “Middelveens”

Best Production Net Zero Home

The entries in this category are all production homes, which means they’re new homes that are designed without a specific buyer in mind, and usually with the intent to reproduce them. For example: a builder has several models to choose from so that you can pick the floor plan that works best for you.

A two-story beige and brown apartment building with white railings and steps leading to two entrances, green grass, and a small bike visible on the right side showcases a commitment to Housing Excellence.
Modern living room with a black leather sofa, turquoise pillows, a round glass coffee table, a large patterned wall art, and a potted plant—an inviting space that embodies Housing Excellence. In the background, a small dining area with four chairs completes this award-worthy setting reminiscent of interiors celebrated by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

Big Block Construction, Saskatoon, SK: “Willowview Heights”STW Cutting Edge Carpentry Inc., Windermere, BC: “Middelveens”

Modern two-story house with dark siding, stone accents, and a wooden garage door. The yard is unfinished dirt. Pine trees and a blue sky are visible in the background—an inviting scene reminiscent of homes recognized by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a large refrigerator, built-in microwave, oven, and a white marble island with a sink and pendant light, illuminated by recessed ceiling lights—a space that embodies the standards of Housing Excellence recognized by the CHBA National Awards.

Kingwell Fine Homes, Guelph, ON: “Beau Soleil – The Ray”

A modern two-story house, recognized for Housing Excellence, features a gray roof, white siding, a red front door, a wraparound porch, and a spacious three-car garage. A white SUV is parked in the driveway, and the yard is neatly landscaped under a blue sky—an inviting example that reflects standards celebrated by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.
Modern dining room with a dark table, eight black chairs, a wood sideboard, large mirror, potted tree, two windows with brown shades, and a layered rattan chandelier. Decor includes vases and a bowl on the table—a sophisticated space that reflects the style celebrated by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

Minto Communities, Ottawa, ON: “The Caraway” with Building Energy Inc. and Tanya Collins Design

A modern house with gray siding, large windows, and a covered porch—this stunning property embodies Housing Excellence. Warm lights illuminate the exterior, while a spacious two-car garage and lush green lawn complete the home’s inviting appeal. Surrounded by trees, this residence represents the style celebrated by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a large island with sink, stainless steel appliances, brick backsplash, wood flooring, pendant lights, and a sliding glass door opening to a deck with trees outside—an inviting space designed for both beauty and functionality. This kitchen exemplifies the attention to detail and style celebrated by the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

RND Construction Ltd., Ottawa, ON: “The Walnut” with Hobin Architecture

A single-story modern house with a two-car garage and front porch, decorated with holiday wreaths and garland. Snow covers the roof, yard, and trees, creating a winter scene reminiscent of homes featured in the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.
Modern kitchen with marble island, four gray chairs, stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, range hood, plants, and decorative items on top of cabinets. Bright lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere in this space that exemplifies Housing Excellence recognized by the CHBA National Awards.

WrightHaven Homes Ltd., Fergus, ON: “Almora”

Overall, this beautiful display of homes shows that Net Zero Home design is inspired and that builders/renovators in Canada are taking energy efficient home design to new heights. If you’re considering a Net Zero Home, there are affordable and luxury options to choose from. Learn more about the benefits of Net Zero Homes or find a Qualified Net Zero Builder in your area here.

The 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence showcases the latest in new homes, renovations, community development, and residential marketing. This year, the competition garnered a record 800 submissions from CHBA members across Canada. Winners will be announced on May 13, 2022. Learn more at chba.ca/housingawards.

Can’t get enough of the latest home and design trends? Follow @chbanational on Instagram for daily content featuring beautiful and unique homes from CHBA members across Canada.

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