Three EnviroHome openings were held this spring, showcasing some of the best healthy homes on the market. Dabrro Homes of Edmonton, Alberta, opened its Montebello EnviroHome in May. An infill project, this ICF bungalow combined a traditional craftsman style home with the benefits of the latest building science technology.

Recycled, maintenance-free materials were implemented for decks and landscaping, a hydronic radiant heating system was installed in the basement slab, and a solar thermal system will heat approximately 70 per cent of the domestic hot water needs of a family of four. Gordon Tobey Developments opened its second EnviroHome, the Mill Pond EnviroHome, also in May. Set in a lovely retirement subdivision in Brighton, Ontario, this custom slab-on-grade concrete home boasts many energy efficient upgrades, and is wheelchair accessible throughout. A solar pre-heater is used to offset some of the heating requirements, large energy efficient windows were installed to capitalize on passive solar gain and many existing trees were left onsite. In June, Halliday Homes celebrated the opening of Envir07. What makes this project distinctive is that 14 students from two area high schools played a key role in its success. Built just outside of Ottawa, under the leadership of the Halliday Homes' team, these students applied state-of-the-art construction techniques that enabled them to build a superior product. To learn more about EnviroHome, e-mail Jack Mantyla at the CHBA National Office, or visit the EnviroHome Web site. HB