We recently completed an exciting exterior renovation project for some fantastic clients in Garibaldi Estates. The primary goal was straightforward: modernize the look of their single-family home while significantly improving its energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. The end result was a fully integrated energy-conscious transformation.
Elevating the Exterior
The visual impact of the project is immediate. The home’s exterior was completely refreshed, giving it a clean, modern look that better reflects the surrounding mountain setting. Alongside aesthetics, performance was a key driver.
We installed:
- New building wrap, improving the air tightness of the building.
- New triple-pane windows, dramatically improving thermal performance and comfort.
- Two inches of continuous exterior insulation, reducing heat loss and eliminating many thermal bridges.
- New Hardi plank siding, on top of its great looks. Hardi siding also helps protect the home from the increased threat of forest fires.
These upgrades not only enhanced the home’s appearance but also created a tighter, more efficient building envelope—laying the groundwork for the advanced mechanical and energy systems that followed.
Transitioning to Clean Energy Systems
A major focus for the homeowners was reducing their carbon footprint and reliance on traditional energy sources. To support this, we replaced the existing gas-burning furnace with a high-efficiency electric heat pump.
This change delivered two major benefits:
- Lower emissions, aligning with the client’s sustainability goals
- Year-round comfort, with efficient heating in winter and cooling during the summer months
The result is a more versatile, future-ready mechanical system that supports both performance and environmental responsibility.
Solar Expansion and Energy Independence
The home already had a solar setup, but the clients wanted to take it further. We expanded their system with:
- Additional solar panels
- Two Tesla Powerwall batteries
With these upgrades, the home has reached a remarkable milestone: it is now fully self-sufficient in electricity production. In fact, the system often generates surplus energy, which is fed back into the grid—allowing the homeowners to sell power back to BC Hydro.
Smart Energy Management
One of the most powerful aspects of this project is the level of control and insight the homeowners now have. Using a mobile app, they can:
- Monitor real-time energy production and consumption
- Strategically decide when to draw from batteries versus solar generation
- Optimize charging times for their electric vehicle
This level of transparency allows them to actively manage their energy use and maximize efficiency on a daily basis.
The Result
This project is a great example of how thoughtful design and modern technology can work together to create a home that is not only visually improved but also future-proofed.
What began as an exterior renovation evolved into a net-zero capable home—one that:
- Consumes significantly less energy
- Produces its own power
- Reduces environmental impact
- Improves comfort and livability year-round
