At the 2024 Vancouver Island Building Industry Awards, Pheasant Hill Homes was recognized with the FortisBC Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award for a home that masterfully blends modern design with measurable performance.

Cliffside Modern is more than a contemporary residence perched above breathtaking views, it is a disciplined exercise in building science, energy conservation, and long-term comfort.

Designed to meet Step 4 of the BC Energy Step Code and achieving an impressive In, this home demonstrates how thoughtful design and integrated systems can deliver both beauty and efficiency.

Designed for Performance From the Start

Cliffside Modern was engineered with energy conservation as a priority, not an afterthought. Key performance metrics include:

• BC Energy Step Code – Step 4
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• EnerGuide Rating of 33
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• Triple-pane windows and doors
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• Continuous exterior rock wool insulation to reduce thermal bridging
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• High-performance ceiling membrane to maximize airtightness
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• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) foundation system
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• These envelope strategies reduce heat loss, control air leakage, and create a stable interior environment year-round.
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• Exterior rock wool insulation plays a particularly important role by reducing thermal bridging — one of the most common performance weak points in conventional construction.

The result is a home that requires less energy to maintain comfort — regardless of the season.

Integrated Energy Systems

Cliffside Modern incorporates a carefully coordinated mechanical strategy that balances efficiency, redundancy, and performance.

The home features:

• Air-to-water heat pump
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• Hydronic in-floor heating
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• Ships
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• High-efficiency hot water on demand
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• Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system
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• Solar panels covering nearly half of the home’s electrical requirements

The hydronic in-floor heating system delivers even, comfortable warmth, while the HRV ensures continuous fresh air exchange without sacrificing energy efficiency.

The Navien combi gas boiler provides high-efficiency backup support, creating a resilient and adaptable heating strategy.

Solar panels reduce reliance on external energy supply and offset a significant portion of electrical demand, further lowering operational costs.

This integrated approach is not about a single system, it’s about coordination.

Cliffside Modern includes:

• Energy-efficient appliances
• LED strip lighting throughout
• Hardwired LED lighting systems
• On-demand hot water

High-efficiency mechanical equipment

Recessed LED strip lighting highlights architectural features while minimizing electrical demand.

Every appliance selection was made with energy conservation in mind, ensuring operational efficiency without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.

Passive Design Meets Modern Architecture

The home’s orientation, layout, and form were intentionally designed to reduce HVAC demand.

Performance-driven design elements include:

• Triple-pane wood tilt-and-turn windows
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• Large doors and glazing positioned to maximize winter light
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• Solar shading to minimize overheating during summer months
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• Exterior insulation strategies to maintain consistent interior temperatures
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• Exterior shading devices reduce unwanted summer solar gains, while expansive glazing captures winter sunlight and maximizes views.

The simple, efficient form factor enhances performance while supporting the home’s contemporary West Coast aesthetic.

Responsible Site and Landscape Integration

Cliffside Modern’s environmental responsibility extends beyond the building envelope.

The property was landscaped exclusively with native plants that require minimal irrigation, reducing water demand and maintenance.

Additional sustainability measures include:

• Stormwater leach field with debris catchment system
• Salvaged materials from the existing house donated for reuse
• Low-maintenance landscaping
• Strategic building placement to maximize views and natural light

By integrating native landscaping and minimizing site disruption, the home enhances rather than competes with its surroundings.

Designed for Living — Today and Tomorrow

Cliffside Modern was designed with long-term functionality in mind. The main living area and primary bedroom are located on the main floor, supporting aging-in-place principles. Large openings and thoughtful layout maximize connection to the outdoors while maintaining accessibility. Cable railings were installed to preserve uninterrupted views, ensuring that the dramatic landscape remains the focal point. Inside, natural timbers and stainless accents create a warm yet contemporary aesthetic. A spacious kitchen, complete with a cozy nook and generous pantry, balances practicality with style.

This is not just a performance home, it’s a livable one.

Winning the 2024 FortisBC Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award recognizes the integration of:

• Advanced envelope detailing
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• High-performance mechanical systems
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• Renewable energy generation
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• Passive solar design
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• Water-conscious landscaping
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• Resilient and adaptable heating strategies

Cliffside Modern demonstrates that energy efficiency is not a limitation on design — it is a framework for smarter decisions.

With nearly half of its electrical demand offset by solar panels, an EnerGuide rating of 33, and a Step 4 energy performance level, this home stands as a model of what modern, high-performance construction can achieve on Vancouver Island.

It captures the view, It respects the site and it performs well beyond standard construction.

That is environmental leadership in action.