In the Poet’s Corner cul-de-sac of Lynn Valley, North Shore-based builder Shakespeare Homes and Renovations is constructing an energy-efficient house that’s earned national recognition.
Fittingly named “Poetry,” the home, which happens to be located on Shakespeare Avenue, comprises a main house and laneway house both designed to meet Energy Star qualifications. The designation is given to new homes that are 20 per cent more energy efficient than homes built to the local building code and Shakespeare president Mark Cooper says, “We are already beyond the minimum requirements.”
The Poetry project, as well as Shakespeare’s overall commitment to sustainable housing and community involvement, earned the company the 2016 Canadian Energy Star Builder Recruit of the Year Award. Cooper was in Winnipeg last month to accept the award from Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr.
According to Natural Resources Canada, Energy Star awards recognize organizations that offer consumers the most energy-efficient products and technology available on the market. Shakespeare was the only builder to receive the award this year.
With some 6,000 square feet of living space, the Poetry home and coach house use unique construction, powerful insulation and a variety of heat-recovery and energy-saving features. Highlights include insulated concrete forms, space and water heat provided by a combined high-efficiency gas-fired system, and four solar panels that can provide enough power to get an electric car around town year round.
Over the past year, North Vancouver high school students in the Trades Discovery program have been making regular site visits to learn more about the project.
When the Poetry home is finished in September, Cooper says he and his family may move in and allow prospective clients to tour the space.
