At the 2023 Vancouver Island Building Excellence Awards, Pheasant Hill Homes was honoured with the FortisBC Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency in New Residential Construction for a project that proves high performance and West Coast design can coexist seamlessly.

Creekside Comfort is a modern West Coast home thoughtfully positioned along a creekside property. Designed to meet Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code, this residence prioritizes energy conservation, water efficiency, and low environmental impact, all while delivering privacy, beauty, and year-round comfort.

This is performance-driven design at its best.

Designed for Step 5 Performance

Achieving Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code requires advanced building science, tight construction practices, and careful coordination between design, trades, and energy advisors.

Creekside Comfort incorporates:

• Larson truss system on exterior walls, allowing for continuous insulation and minimizing thermal bridging
• Euroline triple-pane windows to reduce heat loss and heat gain
• Highly insulated, airtight building envelope
• Thoughtful orientation to maximize winter solar heat gain and reduce shoulder-season demand

By focusing on envelope performance first, the home significantly lowers overall heating and cooling requirements — reducing long-term operating costs and mechanical load.

Intelligent HVAC & Energy Systems

The home’s HVAC system was selected to complement its high-performance envelope:

• Zehnder HRV system, over 90% efficient, delivering continuous fresh air throughout the home
• 1.5-ton Daikin heat pump for efficient heating and cooling
• Navien high-efficiency on-demand hot water system

The Zehnder HRV ensures balanced ventilation while recovering heat from exhaust air, maintaining indoor air quality without sacrificing efficiency.

A drain water heat recovery unit installed from the ensuite shower further reduces domestic hot water energy demand — capturing heat that would otherwise be lost.

These systems work together to minimize overall energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort.

High-Efficiency Appliances & Lighting

Energy efficiency extends beyond the mechanical room.

Creekside Comfort includes:

• Energy Star-rated appliances
• Café induction cooktop with convection oven
• High-efficiency Navien hot water on demand
• Hardwired LED lighting throughout

These selections ensure reduced electrical demand while enhancing performance and user experience.

Water Conservation & Site Stewardship

Water efficiency was also a core priority.

The home features:

• 4,500-litre water collection system stored in cisterns within the 5-foot crawlspace
• Collected rainwater used for garden irrigation and food production
• Efficient plumbing fixtures throughout

By capturing and reusing water for landscaping, the homeowners reduce reliance on municipal supply while supporting on-site food production.

This integrated approach supports both sustainability and long-term resilience.

Passive Design in Action

Creekside Comfort was designed using passive principles to reduce HVAC demand:

Simple, efficient form factor

Strategic building placement

Large overhangs and sun shades

Expansive glazing positioned for winter solar gain

The placement, shape, and orientation of the home maximize solar heat gain during winter months and minimize unwanted heat gain in summer.

These architectural elements do more than enhance curb appeal — they actively reduce energy use.

Performance by the Numbers

• Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code
• EnerGuide Rating of 44
• Continuous exterior insulation
• Triple-pane windows
• High-efficiency mechanical systems

Together, these features create a home that performs far beyond standard code construction.

Privacy, Simplicity, and Connection to Nature

Beyond energy metrics, Creekside Comfort demonstrates thoughtful design sensitivity.

The home was positioned to:

• Maximize privacy from neighbouring homes to the east
• Orient living spaces toward the creek
• Blend into the natural surroundings

The simple West Coast form enhances performance while creating a calm, modern aesthetic that complements the site.

A Model of Responsible Building

Winning the FortisBC Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency in New Residential Construction reflects more than just technical achievement.

It recognizes:

• Advanced envelope design
• Integrated mechanical strategy
• Water conservation measures
• Waste reduction and thoughtful material use
• Commitment to performance targets

Creekside Comfort demonstrates that energy efficiency is not a trend — it is a disciplined approach to design and construction.

By combining passive solar design, continuous insulation, high-efficiency systems, and responsible water management, Pheasant Hill Homes delivered a project that sets a benchmark for high-performance residential construction on Vancouver Island.

This home doesn’t just sit beside the creek.

It respects it.

And that’s what environmental leadership looks like.