From there, however, the onset of the pandemic prompted the company to shift focus to designing and building their first net-zero home. River Tree Developments then became a member of the Canadian Home Builders Association and one of the first registered net-zero homebuilders in Nova Scotia. Their first net-zero build received the Certificate of Excellence award in 2022 for its well-built passive solar and netzero design. That home was not only energy-efficient but also designed to accommodate aging in place, with the ability to divide the home into two separate units. “Functionality and practicality are essential aspects we strive for in all our designs,” Marlaina says – and that first net-zero home was a strong example of those values in action. Recently, River Tree partnered with Chris Robinson, a heritage carpenter and owner of Verus Construction. This collaboration allows them to offer clients a full-service from design to construction, and allows them to take on various project types, including land development, new builds, and renovations. Together, they can also take on commercial projects – in recent years, they have taken on projects such as yoga studios, ice cream parlours, and multi-unit affordable housing projects. “Home builds are our specialty,” Marlaina clarifies, “but we’re flexible. We do a variety of things and we can provide a variety of services.” These days, no matter the project scope or typology, she says River Tree is set apart by their “green energy mindset.” The clients that choose them, MARCH 2024
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