Sustainability

From the outset, the design of the resort was planned to ensure low impact on the environment. Many steps have been taken to achieve this. One of the first steps was to select a site within easy walking distance of the Madeira Park town centre, which reduces reliance on the automobile.

Compact Development
Creating multiple story homes has allowed us to maximize the potential of the site while still keeping the footprint small (the development has less than 20% site coverage whereas the original zoning allowed for 50% site coverage). As well, building on a previously developed site helps to preserve wilderness areas.

Reduced Site Disturbance
One of the key principles for design has been respect for, and integration with, the natural environment. A habitat consultant and arborist were members of the planning team. One of the core strategies was to minimize the overall footprint of the built areas and locate buildings, roads, parking, and other facilities so that natural features and vegetation would be retained with minimal disturbance. Trees, boulders and other natural features were surveyed prior to commencing design work.

Automobile Infrastructure
Road widths are as narrow as possible and are mainly comprised of permeable surfaces with no curbs and vegetative swales at the edges.

Water Efficient Landscaping
Rain gardens are being incorporated to take advantage of rainwater for irrigation and native, drought resistant plants make up the majority of the landscaping.

Waste Water and Sewage Protection
Water saving features such as dual flush toilets and front loading washers have been incorporated. The sewage treatment facility is designed to far exceed Ministry of Environment standards, separating residential from commercial effluent. Flows go through a clarifier and UV disinfecting system and then are distributed to a ground field. Noise and odour control has been extensively considered, using in-ground bio-filters and vault systems.

Storm Water Management
Paved areas are limited and the use of pervious surfaces for road shoulders and parking areas will result not only in reduced quantities of water, but will also create a marked improvement in quality for storm run-off flows leaving the site when compared to the original conditions. The drainage system includes swales (sometimes referred to as rain gardens) that are part of the driveway construction. These bio-swales maximize infiltration and are particularly suitable to the well draining soils in this location. This simulates the natural hydrology of the area, which is important for tree retention, and also provides water quality benefits.

Construction Waste Management
The old cabins, for the most part, found new homes, and materials from other existing structures were recycled as much as possible, rather than contributing to demolition waste. This was much more time-consuming than simply demolishing the structures. As well, construction waste is recycled wherever possible.

Envelope Durability
The homes are designed with state-of-the-art "rainscreen protection" with building envelope consultants employed to control quality and details. Highly durable, long lasting, and low maintenance materials have been used for all exterior finishing.

Regional Materials
Wherever possible regional materials (within 800 kilometers) have been incorporated into the construction of the buildings and furnishings. Some examples include:

• wood products supplied by local mills
• rather than purchasing from China, which is very typical, furniture was custom designed specifically for this project and is locally manufactured in Kelowna by a family owned and operated company
• framed prints are all scenes of the BC Coast and were created by local artists from the Sunshine Coast
• a local potter provided a number of special pieces like the teapots, vases, and coffee mugs

Recycled Materials
Recycled content has been specified in insulation and drywall.

All of the residential heating is powered by electricity. BC Hydro is consistently one of the lowest greenhouse gas emitters in the North American electricity industry. One of BC Hydro's business objectives is to rank among the top 25% of North America's energy companies in terms of their sustainability performance. BC Hydro has an abundant renewable foundation - their large hydroelectric generating facilities - upon which to build an energy portfolio with clean and green resource components.

The homes include all of the following energy saving features:

• Double sealed, low E, argon filled, rain shield casement windows have been used throughout.
• R2000 insulation standards with R20 in walls, R28 in vaults and R40 in flat ceilings.
• Caulking has been painstakingly applied around all openings to decrease air leakage.
• Energy Star rated appliances.
• Compact florescent and halogen lighting throughout.
• The Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating system provides even, comfortable warmth with no drafts. The warmest air is at the floor where it is desired (and not at the ceiling) and there is reduced heat loss through the ceiling and walls.

Low Emitting Materials
Sealer is being applied to all exposed and unexposed faces of material containing formaldehyde glues. VOC and chemical content of all interior paint surfaces conform with LEED standards for new construction.

Water Purification
Water treatment and filtration systems are installed in each building to ensure a high quality and crystal clear water supply.

For more information, please contact our sales office at 604-883-2456.