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The Change Builders series was featured in LIV Magazine (Issue 02, August–September 2025) shining a spotlight on the visionary builders and renovators quietly transforming residential construction across Vancouver Island. These leaders prove that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of affordability or homeowner choice. Instead, they are pioneering smarter, more durable, and energy‑efficient homes that respond to the realities of today’s market and the evolving needs of families and communities.

In an industry navigating shifting regulations, economic pressures, and growing environmental urgency, Change Builders stand out by balancing sustainability with practicality. They know that true responsibility isn’t about following trends it’s about offering diverse fuel options, performance‑driven solutions, and, above all, respecting client priorities. These builders demonstrate that better building is possible today, not years down the road.

Nanoose Bay Passive – Pheasant Hill Homes, Nanaimo

Pheasant Hill Homes continues to raise the bar for high‑performing, accessible homes. In 2024, they earned the FortisBC Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency in New Construction, highlighting their commitment to practical, energy‑conscious design.

Their award‑winning project, Cliffside Modern, shows that comfort, style, and affordability can coexist. Every detail—from energy‑efficient systems to traditional craftsmanship—is designed to keep homes livable while controlling energy costs.

The Nanoose Bay Passive home further embodies this philosophy. Winner of the 2024 Golden Blower Door Award at the Vancouver Island Building Industry Awards for airtightness and energy performance, this home reflects Pheasant Hill’s holistic approach: working closely with clients and trades to balance aspiration with accessibility. For Pheasant Hill Homes, energy efficiency isn’t a lofty goal—it’s a daily standard.

Woodland Haven – J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd., Courtenay

Sustainability meets luxury in Woodland Haven, the award‑winning Courtenay project by J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd. Recognized with the 2025 Vancouver Island Building Industry Award for Best Environmental Initiative, this home sets a new benchmark for energy‑efficient residential construction. Certified Net Zero, Built Green, and BC Energy Step Code 5, Woodland Haven proves that building responsibly doesn’t mean compromising design or comfort.

From engineered hardwood floors and hickory cabinetry to radiant‑heated bathrooms and granite countertops, every element of Woodland Haven reflects intentional, thoughtful design. The home also earned the 2025 Golden Blower Door Award, celebrating exceptional airtightness and performance. At Woodland Haven, sustainability isn’t just technical, it’s a lifestyle.

Why Change Builders Matter

The Change Builders series celebrates those who aren’t chasing perfection but are creating homes for real families, in real communities, on real budgets. They show that meaningful progress in construction doesn’t happen in extremes, It happens through thoughtful, responsible decisions.

Projects like Nanoose Bay Passive and Woodland Haven demonstrate that innovation, beauty, and sustainability are inherently connected. On Vancouver Island, Change Builders are proving that high performance, energy efficiency, and affordability can thrive together—today, not some distant future.