Verde Lofts is shaping up to be Calgary’s most eco-friendly town home project, integrating the latest environmentally-responsible technology with modernist design and European styled interiors.

Located at 28th Avenue and 16 Street S.W., the 13 unit, the two- and three-level, two-bedroom condos range in size from 1,023 square-feet to 1,663 square-feet, and have gotten people talking with its use of the latest green technologies.

The “think green” concept begins with the construction of the building, which uses a prefabricated steel superstructure rather than conventional wood. This, according to Townscape Developments president, Ryan Jenkins, is superior to wood in several ways. It reduces thermal bridging, reducing heat transfer to the exterior during the winter, stays straight and true throughout all phases of construction and adds valuable space to the interior of each unit. 

Inside the walls of the home, soya-based spray foam insulation eliminates convection currents, reducing building heating needs by 15 per cent. 

Perhaps one of the most unique ideas about the project is the solar water panel system. The rooftop panels increase energy efficiency of the building by reducing hot water and heating costs by up to 90 per cent on sunny days.

The small amount of energy required for the building will be purchased through Direct Energy’s Green Plan in support of the province’s wind farms. 

Both solar panel systems combined reduce annual C02 emissions equal to planting 3.5 acres of trees. Now, how many Calgary builders can say that?

“We have several active energy saving systems that are over and above what other builders are doing to be green,” says Jenkins. “I’ve always been committed to the environment and always tried do my part. Calgary has traditionally been slower to embrace the green movement due to our oil and gas industry, but I believe that now is finally a great time to be launching our green-oriented development strategy.”

The green ideas don’t stop there. Inside, each kitchen is fitted with an under-counter multi-bin pull out recycling centre, with the building itself equipped with space for recycling paper, plastic, glass and metal.

To ventilate the building and individual units accordingly, the transom windows have a power opening system that assists in cooling the unit via natural convection. The system can be turned off when a homeowner is away.

In addition, all suites come equipped with Energy Star appliances, dual-flush, low water consumption toilets, granite counter tops, water-based lacquer paints, individual electrical metering and programmable thermostats, putting more money in the homeowners pockets when all is said and done.

“Ultimately, the end user will be enjoying really low condo fees because the building will hardly be using any energy,” says Jenkins. “It’s not like you have to spend a whole lot more if you are building green, you just have to research and think properly on how you are going to incorporate all the systems effectively.”

While the interior of the homes would certainly make Mother Nature proud, the exterior is also something that certainly doesn’t go unnoticed, and is a unique design concept that has never been done before in Calgary, says Jenkins.

The units, with a choice of six different floor plans, are designed to look like three-storey town homes on a rowhouse development, offering tremendous curb appeal. 

Units at the back of the building are incorporated across a 30-foot wide interior raised courtyard, offering great views of downtown. Two storey units on the front enable a live/work environment at grade, and the single-level unit is great for people who don’t want stairs in their home.

Each of the living spaces have a thoughtful design that accommodates a large sofa and two chairs, a private office niche, bedrooms for a king/queen size bed (with two end tables) and a spa-styled five-piece bathroom ensuite, complete with a skylight centred above a six-foot two-person soaker tub.

Verde Lofts really do cater to a variety of needs. “We have a little something for everyone in the project,” says Jenkins. “It looks great and support for the environment is secured by buying a unit. At the end of the day, the feeling you get when you walk through the door will be unparalleled in the Calgary market.”

Verde Lofts range from $499,000 to $730,000 and are currently in the pre-construction stage. Occupancy is scheduled for mid 2010.

For more information about Verde Lofts visit http://www.townscapedevelopments.com