Description

Approved by BC Housing for 1 CPD

Agenda:

12:45pm – registration

1pm – 2pm: Presentation Phoenix House Mid Construction – Lessons Learned.

2pm – 3pm: Tour plus light refreshments

2:45pm – potential (pending demand) second registration, with light refreshments.

3pm – 4pm: Second Round presentation

4pm – 5pm: Second Round Tour

Course/ Event Outline: 

Course Duration: 1 Hour (1 CPD Credit – Pending), followed by 1 hour site tour.

Presented by: HAVAN’s Women’s Council & E&T Technical Advisory Group, and the Phoenix House Team

Sponsored by: Best Builders, Nick Bray Architecture, Capture Energy, AI Technology & Design

Available Spots: 30 Note: If demand is there, a second presentation/tour will take place from 2:45pm – 5pm with an additional 30 spots (TBC)

Course Overview:

In the wake of a devastating house fire, the homeowners of The Phoenix House saw an opportunity to rebuild—not just for today, but for a more resilient and sustainable future. Their journey led them to embrace the Integrated Design Process (IDP), bringing together a team of experts to achieve a home that goes beyond energy efficiency. The result? Canada’s first Zero Carbon Certified multi-generational Step 5 home.

Now at the mid-construction stage, this project presents a unique opportunity to explore real-world applications of low-carbon building strategies, energy-efficient design, and the collaborative power of IDP. Join HAVAN and the Phoenix House Team for a session that provides an inside look at the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned along the way.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understanding IDP: Learn how the Integrated Design Process brings together stakeholders—builder, architect, energy advisor, and homeowner—to optimize project outcomes.
• Zero Carbon Homes: Explore what defines a Zero Carbon Certified home and why this standard is critical for the future of residential construction.
• Reducing Carbon Impact: Gain insights into low-carbon building strategies, including energy demand reduction, greenhouse gas emissions management, and embodied carbon considerations.
• Lessons from the Field: Hear firsthand experiences from the professionals involved, discussing real-time problem-solving and innovative solutions.
• PLUS! Construction Site Tour: Get an up-close look at key elements at the mid-construction stage, including:
  • Foundation
  • Wall assembly (featuring hemp insulation)
  • Mechanical system installations
  • Windows and air-sealing details
  • Potential blower door testing insights

Key Takeaways:

• Meet and learn from the Builder, Architect, Energy Advisor, Technical Advisor, and Homeowner
• Gain practical insights into Step 5 construction and zero-carbon building
• Understand the impact of IDP on project success
• Learn how to quantify and reduce embodied carbon in home construction
• Explore innovative low-carbon materials and mechanical systems in action

Join us for this insightful session to see The Phoenix House come to life—where collaboration, sustainability, and innovation converge.

Speakers:

Todd Best, President and Owner of Best Builders, is a passionate craftsman with a deep appreciation for thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship. His journey began working alongside his father restoring heritage buildings, which inspired his dedication to his craft. At 24, Todd founded his own homebuilding company, earning a Red Seal certification in carpentry and tackling challenging projects with creativity and determination. Today, Todd is renowned for creating extraordinary homes that blend functionality with unparalleled craftsmanship and unique design elements.

Nick Bray, Principal Architect of Nick Bray Architecture Ltd., is a skilled architect with over 20 years of global experience, specializing in sustainable design. Since moving to Vancouver in 2010, he has led award-winning projects and managed a property development company. His firm focuses on creating efficient, low-carbon buildings while promoting environmental and social responsibility. Nick also contributes to industry advancement through lectures, panels, and committee work.

Mike Freedman, Founder, Principal, AIT Technology & Design., is not the world’s most interesting person…but he is close (officially, he is the world’s 9^th most interesting person)!  He has done it all from being a radio personality to working for record labels, iconic audio brands, founding companies, writing books, podcasting, being a TEDx speaker and even working as a body guard for high-profile celebrities. In 2000, after finishing his education at University of Windsor, Mike pointed his truck west and set off in search of adventure with a few suitcases and very little else.  Now entering his 25^th year as a BC resident, he is glad to call the west coast home and resides in South Surrey, White Rock. Originally planning on continuing his radio career in BC, Mike accidently found himself doing something completely different!  What started as a dream of owning a coffee company morphed into an accidental career – along the way helping to launch Beats headphones in Canada and becoming one of the founding fathers of Sonos Canada. Few have had as much fun as Mike, having spent most of the last 2 decades working for world leading audio companies such as Sonos and Beats as well as iconic brands like Linn, Tannoy, PMC, Parasound, Sennheiser and many others.  After nearly 20 years of life on the road, he retired from Sonos in 2017 and founded AI Technology & Design in 2019 to help address some of the longstanding pain points created by the industry he loves. He also found a new industry to love!  Mike is a proud member of HAVAN and credits HAVAN with the inspiration to start AI and for making him want to join both the construction and design communities.  He sits on several committees, volunteers and is often the booming voice you hear at events.  He was the HAVAN member of the year in 2021.  He also co-hosts their hit podcast Measure Once, Cut Twice which is now in its 10^th season! Mike’s first novel Retail: Redemption at $8.25 an Hour was published in late 2023 and he is currently working on a kids book set on the beach in White Rock. When he isn’t working, Mike has a busy family life with 2 teenage sons and a 10-year-old daughter who pretty much runs the house.  He also does a lot of sweeping with 3 black labs and a pair of 7-month-old kittens.  Mike listens to a lot of music with a massive vinyl collection, does BBQ on his 11 smokers and tries to get out camping in his ‘spare time’.