Inovative IDEA: Decorative interior and exterior millwork
Sustainable Condo™: Exhibit Re-location to Downsview Park
canühome @ the CNE
Still have not seen the canühome? You can come see it, first-hand, at the Canadian National Exhibition!
With energy-efficient appliances and a technological, cutting-edge design, the canühome is a tangible example of how Canadians can reduce their carbon footprint and help the environment. Since it was first showcased in April of 2008, the canühome has been toured by over 100,000 Canadians in cities all over the country. The exhibit will be on display for the duration of the CNE (August 21 – September 7) in Hall A of the Direct Energy Centre.
The most interesting new décor pieces added are from artisans in Montreal;
PORCELAIN IS NATURAL.
The components of porcelain--kaolin, feldspar and quartz--are extracted from the earth, crushed, mixed, shaped, and then fired at extremely high temperature.
PORCELAIN IS ETERNAL.
Discovered at the beginning of our era, porcelain comes down to us today as a precious heritage that can be passed on for generations.
Porcelaines Bousquet is the only Québec company making hard porcelain.
Respecting the exacting, traditional art of porcelain-making, Louise Bousquet creates a dazzling collection of tableware uniquely her own.
Monika Collini: www.sleep123.com
hand made organic pillows and mattresses
Certified Organic mattresses filled with wool, horsehair and hemp, crafted by hand in Canada. They are water resistant, natural fire retardant, anti allergic, 0 V.O.C, toxic free and of course ecologic and 100% recyclable. Our products are made to last for life time.
Jennarose:www.jennarose.ca
hand made organic textiles, blankets and bags
THE ‘IDEA’ BUILDERS
Case studies in innovative housing solutions
For its sheer ingenuity and resourcefulness despite a tough economy, you could say that today’s building market is standing on the threshold of a Renaissance. From foundations and frames to finishing touches, building systems are at last becoming environmentally sustainable, and there are more hyper-efficient, cost-saving DIY solutions than ever, giving builders the freedom and creativity to accomplish virtually any project they can dream up.
In addition to the challenges of extreme geography and weather (temperatures range from 95 F in hot, humid summers to - 40 in wind-driven, icy winters), the Canadian housing industry faces one of the strictest building codes in the world.
But with great challenges come great innovations, and through years of research and experience, the Canadian housing industry has developed housing systems and associated building products that are durable, cost-effective and adaptable to diverse environments and locations.
Canada is also a pioneer in Healthy Housing™ practices, which focus on building safe, comfortable homes that meet high standards for occupant health, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, environmental responsibility and affordability.
We spoke with the stakeholders of six of Canada’s most successful building product exporters to learn how they carved out their niches, the challenges they faced along the way and how their innovative ideas are changing the way we build.
Two of them are featured below. The others will be featured in upcoming issues.
Identifying a need
Because of its classic look, there has always been a demand for cedar roofing products. But in recent years there has been a problem sourcing quality “old growth” cedar. Additionally, cedar or pine shakes have long been recognized as a fire hazard for homes, a fact that has caused many builders to look for safer alternatives, even when a cedar roofing solution is available. In fact, North America is one of the few remaining places where asphalt is the dominant roofing product. So it was clear that there was a strong need for a high-performing, environmentally friendly, safe roofing product that had the aesthetic benefits of cedar.
Development/market challenges
Early on, we faced a challenge in manufacturing — that is, how to perfect a process that produces a consistent quality product when using inconsistent recycled materials. Then, once we had refined our process, we faced a very expensive marketing proposition in building awareness, making sure all levels of decision-makers knew about our product and its inherent benefits for the builder and homeowner.
Product innovations
The key thing that distinguishes Enviroshake is its formulation and manufacturing process. The Enviroshake composite blend is a mixture of post-industrial plastic(s), recycled rubber elastomers and cellulosic fiber materials. We’re proud to say that 95% of the material used in the product is from reclaimed materials and that our operation fulfills all the components of the 3R environmental agenda: reduce, reuse and recycle. The Enviroshake is designed to replicate the look of an antique cedar shake roof, a feature that builders and consumers appreciate immediately. Its major performance benefits include increased durability, UV protection, and wind and hail resistance, combined with superior mold-, mildew- and insect-resistant properties. Additionally, Enviroshake can be installed efficiently with less waste than traditional cedar, does not require any pretreatment and, once installed, is maintenance free. There are no added expenses for preservatives or coatings that are traditionally recommended for wood and other products. It’s built to retain its look and physical properties for decades.
Target buyers
Our product is typically sold through building supply distributors, and the target buyer would be a homeowner with a 10-to-20-year-old home with a cedar or pine roof, or a commercial property with a similarly sloped roof. There are a few other companies that make a synthetic or composite roofing product, but whereas they offer a half-pound injected molded process, Enviroshake makes a more durable 2 ½-pound recycled shake in a pressed format.
Market performance
We’ve had terrific performance to date. In the 10 years we’ve been in business, we’ve had very few warranty issues. We’re developing a real sense for green building concepts in the roofing category, and the market has been very responsive.
Looking to the future
In the future we will be developing additional products to complement our existing shake, including a slate product. Of course, we’d like to see continued government support for the green building initiative in general, including consumer rebates for green building. With more support and awareness, we think environmentally friendly products like Enviroshake can continue to break through in the marketplace and change building standards for the better.
Identifying a need
In the mid-1980s, many builders wanted to build homes that had “curb appeal,” having the look of custom millwork at production prices with a quick turnaround. To meet this need, we invested in tooling technology and produced custom-looking millwork in molds, for quick production, that is lightweight and easy to install, which saves time and money in labor. The products are made from moisture resistant polymer materials, which make them maintenance-free and longer lasting than wood, plaster and other traditional materials.
Development/market challenges
Initially, because we were basically creating a new product category, there was no awareness and acceptance by the end users. So we put a lot of effort into educating builders, architects and trades people on the features and benefits of our products, and we trained installers. As the industry became familiar with us, we started to get the response we were looking for. We also partnered with national distributors, dealers and box retailers to distribute our products to a broader marketplace.
Product innovations
We offer a full line of both interior and exterior products produced using advanced molding technology that creates sharp detailing and deeper reliefs. The close cell structure, a moisture resistant material, will not rot, warp or crack, which makes the product maintenance-free. It’s also very easy to install and saves the consumer money on the product, labor and callbacks. We also offer the added benefit of being a single manufacturer that can take care of all the customers’ decorative interior and exterior product needs, and our manufacturing abides by the highest standards for health and safety and environmentally sound practices.
Target buyer
Our target buyers include the do-it yourself home remodeler, the retail industry, and the professional and builder markets throughout North America. The key advantage to our product is that it is suitable for all types of environments and all types of projects, residential or commercial.
Market performance
We have over 20 years of retail experience in the box-store environment for the DIY and retail markets, and the business is very strong. We find that customers in general are well-informed about the features and benefits of our products and are likely to choose our products over similar offerings for their needs.
Looking to the future
We will continue to develop new product designs using a variety of materials, including “green products” that utilize renewable and sustainable raw materials and manufacturing techniques.
Sustainable Condo™: Exhibit Re-location to Downsview Park
A national urban park
The exhibit is a full-size 24’ x 40’ condominium-style living space which displays green technologies and sustainable products currently available in the local marketplace. It was created by EcoSmart Foundation in 2004. Since 2006, CMHC has teamed with EcoSmart Foundation in spearheading a market transformation initiative through the placement of this compelling full-scale exhibit at high traffic venues to educate consumers about ways they may save energy, reduce their utility bills, improve their indoor air quality and help the environment through changing behaviours or purchasing the products in keeping with sustainable living.
Recently, a new group of partners assembled to refresh and relocate the exhibit to The Hangar Indoor Recreational Facility within and owned by Downsview Park.
At The Hangar, the exhibit will serve as a tool to explain the impact housing has on the environment and demonstrate how simple choices can affect positive change for the environment and long-term opportunities for financial rewards.
Parc Downsview Park Inc., a Federal Crown corporation, is mandated to build "a unique urban recreational green space for the enjoyment of future generations" on a self-financing basis on 231 hectares (572 acres) in the geographic centre of the Greater Toronto Area.
The creation of Downsview Park, formerly a military base, includes construction of a network of linked park areas on the majority of the lands, as well as new mixed-use areas to create a model of progressive sustainable urban development. Over time, connections to the existing surrounding communities will increase public access to Downsview Park and become a role model for sustainable living and a healthy lifestyle.
Parc Downsview Park Inc. has developed the Sustainable Community Development Guidelines document to provide a description of PDP's plans for the creation of Canada's national urban park in the Greater Toronto Area—Downsview Park.
The Sustainable Condo will serve as a tangible expression of PDP’s Sustainable Community Development Guidelines and contribute to the evolution and growth of Downsview Park in to a national urban park.
