The Construction Source

determinants of health, and one concept that resonated with me was the significant impact our living environments have on our well-being,” she says. “After completing my education, I gained experience working in emergency medicine, long-term care, and community medicine. These experiences led me to establish a company with a primary focus on creating functional and healthy environments.” In 2016, Marlaina began studying building science, net-zero building, passive home designs, and permaculture. Through these studies, she says she realized that those concepts represented “the future of home design and development.” “I learned to work with the land and design according to its principles, minimizing environmental risks and utilizing the land to our advantage.” “With my background in wellness and newfound knowledge in design, I transformed a music studio into a wellness clinic and a home accessory store into a yoga studio in Wolfville, Nova Scotia,” she continues. “This reignited my passion for design, particularly in creating spaces that prioritize wellness.” In 2017, Marlaina founded River Tree Developments Inc. She commenced the company by purchasing a large parcel of land in Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia, and then developing it. Their first project was a custom passive solar home, where they worked closely with the client from the land sale to the home’s design and construction. That project received positive feedback and testimonials. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Misty Jean Photography

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