Slipper orchids for your home
Surround yourself with the beloved blooms
There is something about orchids that has enthralled the human race for over 150 years. The words "mysterious... captivating... beautiful..." are just a few of the adjectives most often used in describing orchids. Of the more than 20, 000 different orchid species, the three slipper orchid genera, with their prominent lip . . .…
Twin peaks (and dips)
Identical homes compare energy-saving measures
It looks like a scene from the movie Pleasantville dropped in the middle of Ottawa's National Research Council campus. There are two family homes, complete with lawns and driveways. But no one lives here -- these are labs. Built by Minto almost 14 years ago, the houses are part of a program . . .…
The man behind the R factor
Engineer pioneered energy-efficient buildings
A $25 investment in 1963 for extra-fat insulation batts was the smartest decision Harold Orr has ever made. Almost five decades ago, the man behind Canada's respected R-2000 program hired a Saskatoon contractor to build a modest 1, 100-square-foot bungalow for him, his wife, Mary, and a young family that would . . .…
Grey-water recovery saves cash
Quick, someone take a shower -- I need to flush the toilet! It's not actually like that at Kristina Rudnitski's home in the Ottawa neighbourhood of Alta Vista, but when she and her husband, Christopher Cooper, had their new home designed by Ottawa's Jane Thompson Architect, they did include a grey-water . . .…
Take environmental pitches with a major grain of salt
Trying to make environmentally sound choices when renovating or building new can leave your head spinning. These tips will get you started. -- When considering upgrades in energy efficiency, such as new windows or more insulation, get an energy audit first. A professional can pinpoint where you'll get the best return . . .…
After earning degree, mortgage can be next
If you have just graduated from university with student debts, the prospect of buying your own home may seem remote. Advisers suggest formulating a plan early on to help get on track to qualify for that mortgage. "For new graduates, once they've got their job and regular income, they need to . . .…
Let's all replace NIMBY with harmony
Early in the first act of the musical Avenue Q, the characters sing a song entitled Everyone's a Little Bit Racist that essentially states that no matter how honourable our intentions, we all harbour some form of preconceived prejudice that surfaces from time to time. Playing on that theme, I would . . .…
The little house that could
Space, style and flexibility
When Hilton Homes' Spencer Curtis talks about 214 Tychonick Bay -- a.k.a. the Ashwood VII -- he refers to the 1, 792-sq.-ft. cab-over design in affectionate terms. "I call it our little house, even though it's not that small at just under 1, 800 sq. ft., " he said. "Actually, it's . . .…
Code green
Building requirements toughened to be more energy-efficient
Changes to provincial building codes to improve energy efficiency mean other programs that currently exceed its standards -- such as Energy Star and R-2000 -- will now get much tougher, too. The aim? Slash consumption and save on energy costs. The greening of the housing industry has gone mainstream, with Manitoba and . . .…
Home has bright idea
Stylish South Pointe beauty takes glass content to new level
With window technology becoming increasingly energy efficient, it's no surprise today's new-home designs feature increasing amounts of glass. However, not all homes are created equal when it comes to the number of windows they contain. Suffice it to say, Gino's Homes has taken glass quotient to an another level with its . . .…
Country quiet, city home
Charleswood house offers peaceful, spacious luxury
Over the past several years, bedroom communities around the city in areas such as La Salle, Stonewall and Oakbank have been gaining in popularity. The reason is simple: People want peace and quiet when they arrive home. And if that peace and quiet is accompanied by space (both outside and in), . . .…
SOLD & OFFERED: Feb 18-12
Harbour View South Address: 99 Golis Bay Asking Price: $329, 900 Sold Price: $320, 000 Taxes: $1, 093.56 Square Footage: 1, 474 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Listing Agent: Apee Panchhi RE/MAX executives realty, 985-1450 Osborne Village Address: 530 River Asking Price: $638, 000 Sold Price: $648, 100 Taxes: $5, 846.63 Square Footage: 4, 008 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 Lot Size: 80 x 100 Listing Agent: Michael Dubienski, RE/MAX . . .…
New home, historic setting
Louis Riel House is backyard neighbour
It's something you don't see often these days: a recently built home situated in a setting as mature and historic as 88 Settlers Rd. in the picturesque St. Vital enclave of River Pointe. "This is virtually a new home -- it was custom built in 2010, " said Chris Pennycook of . . .…
Sold & Offered: Feb 11-12
SOLD St. Vital Address: 202-549 St. Anne's Rd Asking Price: $194, 900 Sold Price: $205, 100 Taxes: $2, 009 Square Footage: 1, 142 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Listing Agent: Vijay Guliani, Realty Plus Inc, 897-0800 Amber Trails Address: 107 Verona Drive Asking Price: $349, 900 Sold Price: $345, 900 Taxes: $4, 603.24 Square Footage: 1, 605 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Listing Agent: Apee Panchhi, Re/Max Executives realty, 985-1450 North . . .…
Greens with envy
Bright family home features views of area golf course
So, you've got a big family and you're looking for a family-friendly home in a quiet, safe location. Look no further than the satellite community of La Salle, said Sutton Group-Kilkenny Real Estate's Jeff Brown. "I've got a 2, 413-square-foot, four-bedroom bungalow that has it all at 89 Kingswood Drive, " he . . .…