Planning & Designing Sustainable Green Homes

Learn why prioritizing the building envelope over mechanical systems is the key to energy efficiency, lower costs, and long-term home resiliency. Envelope first: future-proofing and resiliency The term 'envelope first' is a very simple design concept that leads to homes that excel in the area of energy efficiency…

Applying the KISS philosophy of 'Keep It Super Simple" is what will help you build the best home you can on a budget. Find out which design features are the most complicated, expensive and risky for durability. The most cost-effective home design is the most basic one. Building a home that suits your lifestyle and…

Protect your home from the 'silent killer' with our guide to carbon monoxide sources, mitigation strategies, and choosing between dedicated or combination detectors for maximum safety. Carbon monoxide prevention and detection: protecting your air quality from dangerous gases Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to…

A definitive guide to developing a resilient, sustainable, and equitable eco-community, covering everything from finding land and people to establishing governance and financing models. How to build an off-grid eco-community: Eco-community building, where groups of like-minded people come together on a plot of land…

Intelligent home devices allow you to control your home remotely, and send you notices of problems. Smart homes take advantage of smart phone technologies to provide you with automated control of your homes systems such as heating and lighting. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the key aspects of this…

Learn how the WELL Building Standard is different from green certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and Passive House by focusing on 10 concepts that directly advance human health and well-being. The WELL building standard - how is it different than other green building rating systems? The focus of a lot of green home…

The complete guide on when to hire an architect, how to find green design experts, typical costs, and the difference between architects, technologists, and design/build firms. The first step towards designing and building a home: Should you hire an architect? Knowing where to turn first to design and build a custom…

The definitive guide to BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Understand the scoring, categories (Energy, Water, Materials), certification process, and how it compares to LEED for new and existing projects globally. What is the BREEAM rating system and should I get my home…

How to leverage 'as-of-right' zoning to build up to three units on your residential lot, navigate the Ontario Building Code, and estimate costs related to Bill 23. The Ontario homeowner's guide to 'as of right' zoning of laneway homes, garden suites & Bill 23 The Canadian federal government as well as provincial…

How to navigate municipal bylaws, PIIA architectural requirements, and construction costs to build a legal secondary suite or "UHA" in Quebec. The Quebec homeowner's guide to ADUs, multi-generation & backyard tiny houses How to navigate municipal bylaws, PIIA architectural requirements, and construction costs to…

Everything Canadian homeowners need to know about planning, permitting, and building Garden Suites, Laneway Homes, and Secondary Units for rental income and multigenerational living. The complete guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Canada As housing prices soar and the need for urban density increases, the…