As we become aware of the growing scarcity of oil, water and other natural resources, it makes sense to build as efficiently as possible to reduce our consumption of these valuable materials. Some developments make basic improvements to increase the building’s efficiency, and then there are those that pull out all the stops. 

Quattro Porte (which means four doors in Italian) is a three-storey, four-unit boutique condo in the historic and trendy neighbourhood of Kensington. Peter Mauro, the owner of developer New Casa Company, made energy efficiency and environmental sustainability his mission when designing and building the project. Indeed, Quattro Porte uses many different technologies to reduce energy and water consumption wherever possible. While this can sometimes cost more initially, Mauro believes it’s the better choice in the long run. 

“Some of these technologies are more expensive up front, but over time will pay for themselves, and reduce dependency on fossil fuels,” he says. “I’ve spent time in Europe and homes there are built to last hundreds of years; this is what I want for my own buildings.”

Mauro’s European inspiration is evident when viewing the units. The colour scheme of rich reds, sunny yellows and warm browns evokes thoughts of an Italian villa. As in Europe, every inch of space has a useful purpose. In the unit available for viewing at time of writing, custom built- in armoires spanning one entire wall of the master bedroom save the need for a dresser, leaving more room for other furniture. The fireplace in the great room is elevated, making it a work of art as well as a source of heat. Flat-panel TVs, which are included with the unit, are also wall-mounted, saving floor space. Even the front entrance armoire closet is raised slightly to allow room underneath for shoe storage. At just over 900 square-feet, these features make it easy to keep the unit tidy and organized, and make it seem much larger.

Besides the design features, Quattro Porte’s biggest selling point is the many ways in which it saves heat, electricity and water. It is constructed with insulating concrete forms (ICF), which prevent heat and cool air from escaping far better than conventional outer wall construction, an effect supplemented by triple-pane windows. Icynene soft foam insulation was used throughout, improving air quality and temperature regulation. Space and water heating is provided by a geothermal heating system, where water-filled pipes feed down holes drilled deep underground to harness the warming power of the Earth. The system can also provide air conditioning as required. LEDs are used to light common areas and much of the homes as well. Super-efficient toilets, showerheads and faucets are standard in all units.

Mauro says that between all his environmentally friendly mechanisms, it only costs between $600 and $700 per month to heat, cool and provide electricity and water for the entire 9,400-square-foot building. He estimates that Quattro Porte will save 40 tonnes of pollution each year over a similar, conventionally constructed building. 

For Mauro, getting the chance to use these new devices is exciting. “I like to do things that are new, and technologically innovative. I think energy-efficiency is the way to go,” he says.

The building also uses fingerprint technology for the front and unit entrances. Each suite is provided with cutting-edge, stainless steel appliances, a storage unit and a single-car, private garage with heated floor. Mauro says that the single-car space was intentional—he believes that when living in a neighbourhood like Kensington, so close to downtown and all the amenities it offers, there is no need to own two cars, and he wants to encourage that. Kensington is a very walkable neighbourhood, with many restaurants, shops and other necessities only a few minutes away.

Mauro hopes Quattro Porte, along with other projects New Casa Company is working on, will inspire other builders in the city to follow. He would like to see all new projects adopt the same high standards for efficiency and conservation. 

“We need to think long-term about energy self sufficiency and reducing pollution in our environment,” he says. “I feel very motivated when I build with all of the best energy-saving technologies. It’s exciting and the way of the future.” 

For more information on Quattro Porte call Peter Mauro at 850-6074.