Eco-Modern
STORY KRISTIN SCHNELTEN
PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY
An idyllic setting, close to town but surrounded by forest, is what drew Ben and Kirsten Gabriel to this Collingwood-area property. Tucked into a tree-filled corner of the Castle Glen neighbourhood, the lot was the perfect location for their modern eco home, built by Ben’s company, Hudson James & Co.
“We instantly fell in love with the natural surroundings. When we envisioned what it would be like to walk down to the water, we were excited to build here,” remembers Ben.
After living in the Southern Georgian Bay area for a few years in a home they designed and built, the couple had a clear vision of their next project. Ben created the plans for their new space, saying, “The end design ended up being bigger than expected, as we had so many features we wanted to see incorporated.”
The resulting 5,500 sq. ft. home is spacious and airy, allowing for multiple living areas, including a games room and great room. “It creates a calm dynamic, allowing everyone to have their own separate space.”
The sleek kitchen (Stephan Bouliane) with an expansive waterfall island (with countertops by Discount Granite Plus) is perfect for entertaining, and welcomes the outside in through west- facing, floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Abtron Automation completed the electrical throughout the home.
Just beyond the kitchen and dining area, the L-shaped backyard gives a courtyard feel to the pool and surrounding grassy spaces.
Overlooking the pool and leading to the great room is a long, window-clad hallway leading to a large guest wing with two bedrooms, each boasting a reclaimed-wood feature wall and each with its own en suite – providing much-appreciated privacy for friends and family.
Two staircases, built by Don Breary of Howie Welding, sit on opposite ends of the home to allow better flow to the second storey, where another hallway filled with light passes the master and secondary bedrooms. The hardwood flooring came from FloorCrafters. All tile was sourced at Georgian Design Centre, along with kitchen and bath fixtures.
Hidden within the landscaping (installed by Anderson Bros. Landscape Co.) in a corner of the yard is an underground cistern, which holds greywater captured from the roof for non-potable use outdoors, including watering gardens and filling the pool and hot tub. This smart and sustainable water system is indicative of other choices made throughout the home’s design and construction.
Particular roof expanses feature green roofs covered in lush plantings, providing insulation
in both summer and winter and protecting the roofing membrane from the elements. Says Ben, “It also provides an aesthetic benefit, when peering down onto one of these sections from a higher window in the house.”
Hudson James & Co. installed reclaimed rigid insulation – diverted from landfills after factory demolitions – in walls and around the foundation, complementing the radiant in-floor heating. Additional insulation includes Foamsulate Eco, a corn- and soy-based product.
Throughout the home, Ben and Kirsten chose water-based solutions with zero off-gassing, including paints and cabinet finishes. And the house boasts a completely engineered frame – avoiding old-growth lumber.
“Not only were those products eco, we insulated to a standard much higher than required by building code,” says Ben. “In addition, snow on the flat roof provides free insulation in the months you need it the most, and we added a one-kilowatt solar array to help with energy use.”
Ben says the completed home is not only healthy, it’s the perfect size. “It really gives everyone room to roam, inside and out.”
Out on that lush lawn and spilling into the house, Ben and Kirsten held their wedding ceremony and reception two years ago. “It was truly the perfect venue for our wedding. It was the highlight of our time here, and something we’ll always remember.” OH
