Setting the Standard: The Church Residence Wins Canada’s First-Ever Best Adaptiv Home Award

When the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) introduced the Best Adaptiv Home category as part of the National Awards for Housing Excellence, the intention was clear: to recognize projects that go beyond accessibility checklists and thoughtfully design for real lives, real change, and long-term independence. The Church Residence, completed by Pinnacle Group Renovations by Design Ltd. of Calgary, does exactly that, and has been named the inaugural winner of this new national award category.

This recognition is significant not only for the homeowners and renovator involved, but for the broader housing industry. As CHBA’s Adaptiv Home program emphasizes, homes must be designed to adapt with people through injury, disability, progressive illness, or aging without sacrificing comfort, dignity, or beauty. The Church Residence sets a powerful benchmark for how those principles can be seamlessly translated into the built environment.

A Proactive Approach Rooted in Adaptiv Home Principles

What sets the Church Residence apart is that its Adaptiv Home journey began before renovation ever started. Prior to purchasing the home, Pinnacle’s team conducted a full Adaptiv Home–informed feasibility assessment, a best practice strongly encouraged by the program. This early evaluation ensured the two-storey home could realistically support long-term accessibility goals.

Rather than reacting to mobility challenges after they occurred, the project demonstrates the Adaptiv Home philosophy of planning ahead, making informed design decisions early to avoid costly or disruptive changes later. This proactive mindset is at the heart of the program’s approach to aging in place and adaptable living.

Designing an Elevator That Enhances the Home

One of the project’s most defining decisions was the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom vestibule. Instead of having the elevator open directly into a private bedroom, a common but less-than-ideal solution, the team relocated the bedroom door to create a shared, central landing for the elevator.

This single design move transformed the elevator from a purely functional addition into an intentional architectural feature. It improved circulation, preserved privacy, and ensured the elevator felt integrated into the home’s natural flow rather than retrofitted as an afterthought. This approach aligns directly with Adaptiv Home teachings around design solutions, circulation flow, and dignity-focused accessibility.

Because the home had been pre-assessed for feasibility, the elevator shaft required minimal structural intervention, protecting both the project budget and the home’s existing character.

“From the beginning, we wanted the elevator to feel like it had always belonged in the home. Rather than treating it as an afterthought, we reworked the surrounding layout to create a natural connection between spaces and maintain clear circulation paths. We carefully relocated adjoining rooms and reconfigured the landing areas so the elevator became part of the home's architectural flow. The result is a solution that provides accessibility without drawing unnecessary attention to itself, preserving both function and aesthetics.” - Pinnacle Group Renovations by Design Ltd

Adapting As Needs Changed: A Bathroom Rebuilt for Dignity and Safety

Midway through the renovation, the homeowner’s Parkinson’s disease progressed more rapidly than expected. This change required an immediate and compassionate response another cornerstone of the Adaptiv Home program, which emphasizes communication, empathy, and flexibility when working with vulnerable clients.

The project scope evolved to include a complete ensuite rebuild to fully accessible standards. Drawing directly from Adaptiv Home bathroom design fundamentals, the team delivered:

• A true curbless shower with recessed pan
• Integrated grab-bar reinforcement, concealed within the walls
• A roll-under vanity that supports current and future mobility needs

Crucially, the space avoids a clinical appearance. Warm finishes, modern fixtures, and thoughtful lighting ensure the bathroom feels like a luxury ensuite and not a medical environment.

“Adaptability became one of the guiding principles of the project. As the homeowner's needs evolved, we revisited the design with a focus on preserving independence and quality of life. Every decision was made collaboratively, ensuring the homeowner remained at the center of the process. Rather than viewing the changes as limitations, we treated them as opportunities to create more thoughtful solutions that enhanced comfort, usability, and long-term livability while maintaining the home's character and sense of dignity.” - Pinnacle Group Renovations by Design Ltd

Managing Complexity with Clarity and Care

Beyond physical design, the Church Residence also excelled in client experience. Both homeowners were understandably overwhelmed and relied heavily on their adult child, who lived out of province, to guide decisions. Pinnacle’s team leaned on Adaptiv Home communication principles, structured updates, clear explanations, and empathetic guidance to maintain trust and alignment throughout the project.

This human-centred approach ensured that evolving needs, budget realities, and construction challenges were handled transparently and respectfully. It’s a reminder that Adaptiv Home success depends as much on process and relationships as it does on technical solutions.

Why This Project Matters

 The launch of the Best Adaptiv Home award reflects a growing national need. Nearly 22% of Canadians aged 15 and older live with a disability, and the vast majority of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age. The Adaptiv Home program exists to ensure our housing stock can support that reality, safely, beautifully, and sustainably.

As the first-ever winner of this category, the Church Residence sets a new standard. It shows that accessible design can be elegant, that planning ahead pays off, and that truly adaptable homes are built on empathy as much as expertise.

For renovators, builders, and homeowners alike, the message is clear: an Adaptiv Home isn’t just about responding to change, it’s about designing for life, in all its stages.

“Being recognized as Canada's first Best Adaptiv Home is incredibly meaningful because it represents a shift in how we think about accessibility and residential design. The goal was never simply to meet accessibility requirements. It was to create a home that supports changing needs while remaining beautiful, functional, and deeply personal. This recognition validates the idea that accessible design can be innovative, aspirational, and seamlessly integrated into everyday living.” - Pinnacle Group Renovations by Design Ltd