As the desire for extremely energy efficient homes grows in popularity across Canada, many homeowners are asking Qualified Net Zero Builders/Renovators to deliver their Net Zero dream homes. 

Builders and renovators who submitted projects into this year’s CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence – Canada’s foremost competition for new homes, renovations, community development, and residential marketing – did just that, serving up gorgeous Net Zero or Net Zero Ready Homes qualified under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program.  

Last month, we highlighted 2024’s top 5 award-winning projects in the Best Production Net Zero Home category. In this blog post, we’re showcasing the top 5 projects for Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home. 

WINNER: “Quarry Park Modern” by RND Construction Ltd. with Hobin Architecture 

RND Construction Ltd., with Hobin Architecture, built this award-winning Net Zero Home in Ottawa, ON.

This exquisite and innovative Net Zero Ready Home by RND Construction Ltd. with Hobin Architecture, showcases remarkable energy performance, meeting their client’s sustainability goals while providing all the comforts expected from a custom home.

Truly a “forever home,” the thoughtful bungalow design provides flexibility and adaptability, accommodates a growing family, multi-generational living, work-from-home needs, and aging in place, fulfilling all of the needs of their clients’ lives as they evolve over time.

Nestled on a lot with plenty of privacy thanks to a 20-foot rock face and a densely treed ravine, the home harmoniously blends with nature, boasting a strong connection to the surrounding landscape through strategically framed views of the exterior from inside. A 600-square foot raised terrace, 14-foot ceilings in the main living area, oversized windows, and clerestory windows flood the space with natural light throughout the day.

 More than simply a beautiful home, “Quarry Park Modern” uniquely satisfies their client’s demand for luxury and environmental sustainability by integrating cutting-edge technologies for energy efficiency and comfort. As a Net Zero Ready Home, “Quarry Park Modern” features low-SHGC windows, passive solar heating, superior insulation, high-efficiency heat pumps, and smart automation controls for heating and cooling. The large, flat roof was designed to accommodate a future solar array to generate renewable electricity and reduce reliance on conventional power sources.

Overall, this Net Zero Ready custom home embodies the builder’s motto of “sustainability with style,” blending eco-conscious living with modern comfort. Given its stunning architecture and innovative features, this project clearly earned its title of Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home in 2024.

A close race

Other beautiful Net Zero projects made this award category a tight race. Four other finalists submitted creative and functional Net Zero Homes, giving “Quarry Park Modern” some tough competition. The other finalists are:

“West Oakville Lakefront” by Chatsworth Fine Homes

First up, “West Oakville Lakefront” by Chatsworth Fine Homes took modern, minimalist Net Zero Home design to the next level. 

This Net Zero Home boasts “best in class” high-performance living, paired with unmatched design and luxurious finishes.

Outside, Japanese burned cedar cladding contrast dark metal panels and large expanses of glass. Inside, simple organic finishes, like wood grains, are punctuated with lime-washed walls and earthy stone and metal notes. Soft earth tones and clean neutrals evoke a clean, holistic feel, fulfilling their client’s vision of having their home feel like a “retreat.” 

“Island View” by LIDA Homes Inc. 

LIDA Homes Inc. put forth another great example of elevated Net Zero Home design.

Built for professionals with a young family, this Net Zero Home exemplifies their “dream home.”

Design-wise, the clean palette and striking natural views afford a peaceful environment for LIDA Homes Inc.’s busy, outdoor-oriented clients. The contemporary, cubic style of the home with black contrasting elements stands out on a sloped, oceanfront landscape, while the natural palette of cladding materials connects it to its natural surroundings. 

Warm white walls, complemented by deeper-toned wood grains and hints of black throughout, connect this home’s interior and exterior features – an important design connection for the homeowners. 

Given climate concerns and the rising cost of heating, solar panels and heat pumps were employed to reduce monthly energy expenditures and increase the comfort level of the home.

“Heritage Modern Beauty” by Maison Design+Build

Next up is this thoughtful Net Zero Ready Home by Maison Design+Build. 

Located in Saskatoon, SK, “Heritage Modern Beauty” was designed as a “forever home” on a “forever street.” 

Classic architecture with a curved sloped front room, dormers, gables, painted brick, and limestone patios complement the home’s infill location. 

Inside, this Net Zero Ready Home features a soft white colour palette with heritage-inspired accents, such as unlacquered brass plumbing, lighting, and door hardware, tobacco-coloured oak floors, vintage terra cotta and marble mosaic floors, and solid oak doors. 

Not only beautiful, but energy efficient, this home’s Net Zero Ready features include triple-pane fiberglass windows, an air source heat pump, a tankless water heater with smart recirculation, and more.

“Balmoral Green” by RND Construction Ltd. 

Finally, RND Construction Ltd. scored a second nomination for their Net Zero project, “Balmoral Green.” 

“Balmoral Green” is a seamless blend of luxury and sustainability, where the exterior design elegantly aligns with eco-friendly principles, while the interior’s soft, natural tones foster a serene and relaxing environment. 

Notably, the home showcases remarkable innovation – the solar panels are integrated into the exterior wall of the home, representing a forward-thinking approach to sustainable energy generation. Moreover, the design of eaves on the roof exceeds the standard size to reduce solar gain in the summers, while allowing entry of lower winter sun into the home. 

Given the beauty and creatively of these projects, it’s no wonder why they were named this year’s top 5 custom or renovated Net Zero Homes in Canada. Every year, builders and renovators across the country raise the bar with their Net Zero projects, and more and more homeowners are getting onboard. Interested in building or renovating your Net Zero dream home? Find out more about the benefits of living in a Net Zero Home on CHBA’s website.

Want the latest home and design trends? Follow @chbanational and @chbanetzero on Instagram for content featuring beautiful and unique homes from CHBA members across Canada.