Deep Green Developments topped the Small Buildings Category for transforming a 117-year-old Vancouver heritage home into three Net-Zero family dwellings, a standout retrofit that sets a national example for low-carbon urban densification. The project goes beyond building reuse, integrating salvaged old-growth wood from the original home and two additional locally deconstructed houses into offsite-fabricated wall panels, insulated with carbon-storing materials like wood fiber board, cellulose, and hemp batt. The team impressed with their commitment to circularity and community impact, supporting a local circular economy through partnerships and material reuse, while advancing low-carbon construction by engaging with academia and national pilot programs, advancing both best practices and broader learning. By also being a part of the City of Vancouver NearZero2 research and incentive program, the team is providing the City with detailed feedback regarding the process, challenges, and lessons-learned throughout their design and construction.

This award category is for small new developments or a substantial renovation on a small building such as a single-family home or laneway home. The building(s) must be considered a Part 9 building by the municipality or permitting authority. The project must demonstrate excellence in low embodied carbon design and construction and must be in B.C..

Lead Judge: Mélanie Trottier