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Kurt Westergard
T: (403) 923-2996
NW
Calgary, Alberta
(403) 923-2996
Home renovation company and general contractor specializing in full service design-build renovations of residential and commercial buildings and new construction of commercial and residential buildings. Our expertise lies in renovating homes and commercial spaces into well-designed, high quality, energy efficient modern spaces
A Calgary a full-service renovation company and general contractor specializing in design, the turnkey commercial renovations, full home renovations, custom homes and additions. Check out our website for tip and ideas.
Filtering by Category: sustainable design
Midcentury modern has been a very popular style as it offers a simple yet elegant mix of space and character that suits modern, eco-friendly living. Many bungalows build in 50s and 60s carry many elements of the style, therefore, a renovation to with a modern twist.
Here is a great example of a midcentury bungalow remodel with a modern twist we love "San Carlos Mid-Century Rescue" by Klopf Architecture:
Read MoreSmaller footprint houses such as mountain cabins can provide valuable lessons in eco-friendly design, construction innovation, and eco-friendly materials. Anyone who has faced the challenges of limited living space will find inspiration in this selection of the latest trends in environmentally sensitive, small-scale home design. Most of the projects prove that that small-scale efficiency, as well as beautiful, thoughtful design, can overcome the apparent constraints of a small footprint.
Read MoreOver the years we became increasingly interested in new building construction, home renovations and retrofits that consume less energy by adopting many "passive" building techniques. The huge benefit of this approach in building construction is a substantial reduction in energy used, exponentially friendlier buildings to the environment and overall healthier living environment for people.
Here is the list of the passive design techniques that will greatly cut the energy consumption and reduce building environmental footprint.
Read More
With much greater emphasis on energy and materials preservation efforts, the housing and renovation trends for 2016 emphasize design and building techniques that sustain our natural resources.
Read MoreWe recently completed a trip through Canadian Pacific Coast (mainly inland British Columbia and Vancouver Island). During our trip we searched for an interesting architecture than can serve as an inspiration and a reference for future projects.
With its lush forests, rugged coast and long rainy season, the Pacific coast has developed a style that is informal, organic, rustic and above all eclectic.
Here, we noticed overlapping elements of architecture:
While the styles vary, sensitivity to the environment and a desire to accentuate the natural beauty of the region lie at the heart of almost every design
We love this style here are some photos. Enjoy!
Natural, rustic architecture
Natural, eclectic, architectural elements
This restaurant was built from salvaged materials
The exterior also incorporated salvaged materials and artwork
Wonderfully eclectic entryway - all materials and artwork salvaged
Future italian restaurant - also is build from salvaged materials and artwork
Use of native materials and artwork
Design as a tribute to nature
Vivid colours in Pacific Northwest architecture
Banff Town Hall - example of natural materials, and neutral tones combined with bright colours
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Sustainability doesn’t have to be a buzzword. By implementing well thought out design strategies in commercial and residential design and construction, we can make very meaningful, earth friendly, and resource efficient improvements that will also contribute to much healthier living environment and more efficient maintenance practices. The greatest sustainability gains can be achieved through well planned design even before the construction begins.
Sustainable design provides authentic, sensual and tactile experience that is grounded in what is real - what we experience through our senses. As such, sustainable design is less focus on abstract, instead it references cultural history, natural world, diversity in colours and textures, simplicity and honesty.
In addition to engaging traditional sustainability tactics such as energy efficiency, daylighting, and the use of healthy materials, the following are key to sustainable design approach:
Here are example of some inspiring projects that adhere to sustainable design principles:
The reception and mountain cafe by Harmony Home Projects
The sustainable design features includes: opening of walls, changes to layout to maximize the use of daylight and to reduce energy consumption, LED lighting, use local materials and natural finishing, to achieve durable, simple, low maintenance and timeless design.
The project received LEED Platinum/Net Zero certification and features high performance air-to-air heat exchangers; photovoltaic panels for electricity; solar thermal panels for hot water; ultra low flow/dual flush fixtures for water conservation; LED lighting; radiant heating; and IPE rain screen siding.
The sustainable features include: open floor plan to maximize natural light, clerestory windows, natural, simple elements, and timeless design.
Sustainability feature: constructing a green roof that you can potentially intercept a major portion of the storm water runoff before it gets to the impervious areas on your site. It also lessens the load on other sustainable systems you may be using, like rain gardens and permeable paving.
Resources and Photo Credits:
Photos: http://www.houzz.com
Sustainable Residential Interiors By Stelmack, Annette
Using natural objects, neutral colours, and simple architectural surrounds is a great way to achieve timeless, serene and eco-friendly design of any interior. This concept is not only applicable in residential, but also commercial renovations of public spaces and in new construction projects.
Read MoreMore and more commercial products are making it into residential homes and are changing the way consumers looking at building new or renovating homes.
Due to a growing number of homeowners working from home, workplace products and technologies are being used in residential construction. Commercial spaces, rental prices, and long commutes, have made working from home more attractive. We recently finished a project building a recording studio in a residential new inner-city home.
Read MoreFrank Lloyd Wright was a pioneer of holistic, eco-inspired design years ahead of his time. An architect and designer of far-reaching vision, it is not surprising that Frank Lloyd Wright anticipated many of the hallmarks of today’s green movement. The desire to work and live with nature to create livable homes and cities is an ongoing theme of American architecture and planning.
In this blog we explore Wright’s lessons for building greener homes: on how climate, sustainability, sunlight, modern technology, local materials, and passive environmental controls can become the inspiration for excellent design.
Read MoreMore and more people want homes that are healthy to live in, are inexpensive to operate, and fit harmoniously within the environment. In this issue of Harmony Home Projects’ blog, we explore different methods for producing a durable, environmentally friendly, and healthier finishes in an interior environment.
Read MoreIndustrial influenced design is not only super cool, but also, one may argue, environmentally-friendly and sustainable. Find out more what are the key principles of industrial design and how to apply them.
Read MoreAs the cost of urban land rises and the space available for development is shrinking, building a new home in the city is becoming more of a challenge than ever before. However, there is still a great deal of opportunity for building a comfortable infill within the Calgary area. By applying the skills and innovative design solutions, it is possible to build a modern and functional infill that reduces urban sprawl, the resource consumption and yields excellent rewards for the homeowner.
Here are some great examples of urban infills that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional:
Front to Back Infill by Ottawa's Colizza Bruni Architecture
The First Avenue Semi-detached by Ottawa's Colizza Bruni Architecture
Best Custom Urban Infill – 2011 by Ottawa's Christopher Simmonds Architects
Contact us now for a consultation and risk-free assessment of your property, whether it is a family home, apartment, or a commercial building. We will be able to assess your building for development potential.
Should you have any specific queries about the planning process, or you require assistance with a major renovation or new construction projects please call us at (403) 923-2996.
Resources and Photo Credits:
Photos: http://www.houzz.com
