APRIL 2025 Looking ahead, Raphael is focused on how technology and innovation can further enhance sustainable building. Prefabrication is one of the techniques his company is eager to expand. By constructing key elements in a controlled environment and then assembling them on-site, HSS Design Build is able to achieve unparalleled precision while reducing waste. “We’re definitely using prefabrication, and we want to do more of that,” he states, noting that this method not only speeds up construction but also maintains a high level of quality control essential for passive housing. Material selection is another area where HSS Design Build is thinking ahead. Raphael is particularly excited about hemp insulation—a product he believes could revolutionize the industry if more widely adopted. Hemp grows rapidly and sequesters a significant amount of carbon, offering a sustainable alternative to more conventional insulation materials like Rockwool. “It’s durable, has a high mass, and when you compare it to Rockwool, the production of which emits much more carbon, hemp is a clear winner,” Raphael explains. In recent years, HSS Design build’s commitment to sustainability and quality excellence has earned them a number of industry awards and acknowledgements. In 2023, for example, the company received an award from the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce for Excellence and Sustainability, and later, a Woodworks Award at the Canadian Wood Council’s Wood Design & Building Awards. These accolades serve as a tangible recognition of the team’s efforts and a testament to their forward-thinking approach in sustainable construction. As Raphael points out, these achievements are not just about prestige—
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