2023 Embodied Carbon Award Winner

Our Sechelt Inlet project is a shining example of sustainable design and construction in action. Working with our client, the Program Head of BCIT’s Sustainable Business Faculty, we were committed to prioritizing sustainability from the very beginning. Our unwavering dedication paid off with resounding success. The project was honored as the Small Buildings Award Winner, British Columbia, at the Carbon Leadership Forum’s 2023 Embodied Carbon Awards. The home stands as a testament to the possibilities achievable when embodied carbon reduction is at the heart of a project’s values.

We were tasked with creating a cozy, West Coast contemporary custom home on a steep lot for a young working professional. In line with sustainable principles, our design focused on avoiding excess, resulting in a 1,200 sqft cabin that can be expanded to over 2,400 sqft through a future addition without requiring structural rework.

The execution of the project exceeded standard construction practices, achieving Step Code 5 by focusing on reducing both embodied and operational carbon. Biogenic materials were utilized throughout the home, from insulation and millwork to flooring. The exterior’s stunning reclaimed cedar cladding, sourced from UnBuilders, was carefully hand-planed by the homeowners, showcasing their dedication to sustainability.

Nestled within the picturesque landscape of British Columbia’s west coast, the home’s low-sloping rooflines blend seamlessly with the surrounding trees. The generous overhangs keep moisture at bay, minimizing maintenance and ensuring longevity in the region’s temperate rainforest climate. With annual precipitation in Sechelt sometimes exceeding 50 inches, moisture management is essential.

Our design emphasizes energy efficiency and capitalizes on solar gains while maximizing the breathtaking views offered by the lot. The open-plan living space boasts clean lines and simple proportions, with every detail carefully considered to ensure the use of sustainable materials throughout.

This Sechelt Inlet project demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and serves as an inspiring example of the potential for environmentally responsible design in contemporary custom homes.

Click here to read the Pique Newsmagazine article that features the Embodied Carbon Award

Building Design – GNAR Inc
Builder – Lincoln Construction
Sustainability Consultant – CarbonWise
Panel Supplier – BC Passive House
Completed Date – Spring 2023
Details – 2 beds / 2 baths / 1,028 sq. feet / BC Energy Step Code 5 / 0.9 ACH