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Fernie builder scoops top CHBA BC awards
Fernie-based LWE Builders won two of the most prestigious categories at the 2017 Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC) 25th anniversary Georgie Awards.
The annual award ceremony, held in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency this past March 11 saw LWE walk away with the awards for Best Custom Home valued between $1,300,000 – $1,900,000 and Best Certified Custom Home.
LWE successfully beat competition from all over the province with a high concentration of homes from very well established builders in the Vancouver and Lower Mainland regions. Further recognition has been given in the form of reaching the finals of the National Awards for Housing Excellence 2017 to be held in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador.
LWE owner Steve Whelan said; “We are extremely proud to have won both of the awards. Our team works hard and creatively to make our client’s projects come to fruition and winning in both of these categories really showcases that approach.
“The competition in both categories was of a very high standard and it is great to be able to bring the award back to our region as we truly feel that the quality of construction here is as good as anywhere in the country. We are really looking forward to the National Awards in St. John’s which will be a homecoming for me.”
LWE work on a wide variety of projects and budget levels covering residential, commercial and municipal government and apply the same approach to every build. Fundamental to success is the ability to exceed expectations through an innovative methodology that focuses on client needs and making the most of the budget to achieve the very best standards possible.
Neil Moody, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC said; “This multiple-Georgie-Award winning project represents the innovation taking place in the industry for energy-efficiency and design. LWE Builders and all members of its team who contributed to this project should be proud of this achievement. We congratulate them on their winning entry.”
The Georgie Award for Best Certified Custom Home considers applicants that have achieved ENERGY STAR, BUILT GREEN, R-2000 and/or Net Zero ratings.
“LWE Builders’ win at the Georgie Awards shines a light on their progressive approach to building. This is demonstrated by their achievement of A BUILT GREEN Platinum certification for their Kootenay Haven build,” says Built Green Canada Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Christenson. “Our certification takes a holistic approach to sustainable building that addresses energy efficiency and then goes beyond to include materials and methods, indoor air quality, ventilation, waste management, water conservation and business practices.”
Russ Trand, LWE Construction Manager said; “Winning this award is very satisfying, the home was designed to be very energy efficient and we focused on the client’s wishes for this from the start of the process. The design takes advantage of natural light, utilizes specifically selected building materials and new technologies that resulted in an EnerGuide rating of 85 Gj/yr and BUILT GREEN Platinum standard.
“We have tried to stay ahead of the curve on energy efficiency and high performance homes and have been using certain emerging techniques for many years. Airtightness, efficient heating and super insulated building envelope all contributed to success.”
Ian Larsen and Steve Whelan will now head to CHBA’s 74th National Conference at the St. John’s Convention Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador with high hopes of bringing home a national award.
Lead image: Rep Travellers Insurance (award sponsor) Andre Bloemink (LWE), Steve Whelan (LWE – owner), Marcelain Blancette (LWE), Ian Larsen (LWE – owner), Jan Schulze (Pacific Homes – materials supplier). Photos submitted
Submitted
