Project Narrative - The "Why"    

Ideally situated in a pocket of luxury homes nestled in the heart of North Toronto's City Hall and hustle of city living, the project was conceived out of the conviction and desire to demonstrate the marriage of elegance and sustainable living.

The city has so much to offer in terms of amenities, transportation, schools and programs for all ages.  As builders, we believe it is our responsibility to lead the way to teach consumers there are viable options to empower them to live with a minimal carbon footprint.  A market is borne from generally accepted ideas.  We must present the ideas to drive sustainable living to a mainstream market.

The Princess Project consists of three LEED registered homes.  They feature the comforts, aesthetics and expectations of luxury living while holding dear the principles of healthier living and environmental sustainability.  Featuring four bedroom, five bathroom homes with hardwood flooring, grand, beautiful windows, Energy-Star appliances in the designer kitchens, walk-up basements and lots of curb appeal with our brick/stone exterior and exquisite roofing shingle.  Careful deliberation was taken to consider spaces of each room in order to maximize functionality all the while minimizing footprint.

Project Background and Strategies - The "How"

The LEED for Homes comprehensive rating system allowed us to consider an array of options that may lead to greener living.  In particular, site location, durable and lifetime materials, a well-insulated and high performing wall assembly and an integrated boiler system. 

Site Location was a given - the area is within walking distance to Toronto's hot uptown Yonge/Sheppard location.  These homeowners can walk to subway, theatres, groceries, shopping, library, municipal and federal offices, community centers, skating, swimming, schools, parklands, City Hall and a host of every conceivable business. In fact, one need only stand outside at any given time of day to see neighbours doing that exact thing already. 

The well-insulated wall assembly, which includes exterior rigid insulation as a sheathing material, basement slab insulation, R-22 walls, R-40 ceilings and R-50 attic, well above the current Ontario Building Code ensures better performance in terms of air leakage.  Our Pella windows also brag one of the best thermal values in the country.  Combined with our carefully located integrated boiler system, ERV and a Maximum roof ventilator, this addresses both cost of living and more importantly, the quality of living.  As building science substantiates, our indoor air quality is adversely affected by not controlling moisture flow in our air-tight homes.  Not to mention increases in efficiency by taking a holistic approach to energy design.  Material selection was carefully deliberated on three levels.  Firstly, maintaining indoor air quality by use of natural and low VOC material, particularly, in our paints and cabinetry.  Secondly, durability, meaning less future waste and production energy - using CertainTeed lifetime, fiberglass-based shingles, clay brick exteriors, and quality, time-enduring products and highly skilled tradesmanship.  Finally, renewability was a criterion, which again addresses minimizing production energy and maintaining bio-diversity - materials like our bamboo hardwood flooring or solar PV panels for electricity.  Water conservation is yet another facet of our strategy, using dual flush toilets and low-flow faucets.  

Therefore, our package for the homeowner delivers convenience, a healthy, comfortable living environment, lower operating costs and lastly, the ability to boast about living in a home with a lower environmental impact.  After all, if you want to make big footprints, make them on the right path so others will follow.

About The Builder/Developer - The "Who"

Cadorin Homes is a small builder trying to make a big difference.  This is actually the first project for this company - setting the standards for future projects.  Cadorin Homes intends to establish itself as a company providing significant value to prospective homeowners by upholding values of its own.   Cadorin Homes is private corporation, operated by president, Lynn Da Pra and located in Toronto, Ontario.