Winners at this year’s Georgie Awards® show that a winning home build or reno is more than the sum of its design and materials; it’s about a vision

What makes a new build or reno worthy of a coveted Georgie? High quality? Of course. Fresh ideas? Undoubtedly. But, even more than that, it takes building a complete vision based on where that home is and who is going to call it home. And this year’s Georgie Awards® winners have done just that.

From an alpine-inspired townhouse development in Whistler to a surfer’s forest retreat in Tofino, the 2009 winners of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia’s awards program have taken the home building industry in B.C. to an entirely new level.
Leading the way were two Vancouver-based repeat winners Parklane Homes and Adera Developments. However there were also some first-time winners this year including Schreyer Construction of Whistler and smithdesigns of Victoria.
“The Georgie Awards® recognize the best and most innovative projects in our province,” says Bob Deeks, CHBA BC president.

BEST SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED HOME UNDER 2,000 SQ. FT. — SPEC

It takes character

Adding another Georgie to its award shelf, ParkLane Homes is a winner again with its Bedford Landing project. Reflecting the historic arts-and-crafts character of Fort Langley, the cosy homes in this development look individual, as no two exterior styles are alike.

 

BEST SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED HOME 2,000-2,999 SQ. FT. — CUSTOM

Forest inspiration

 

An innovative “surf entrance” is just one of the regionally inspired features in this Tofino custom home. Coastal Construction’s Tofino Forest Retreat is a lofted bungalow design that was customized to the tree-filled land and its owners’ beach-inspired lifestyle.

 

BEST SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED HOME 3,000 SQ. FT. AND OVER

Home with a view

 

 

This Abbotsford hillside home built by Top End Homes Inc. makes the most of the sweeping Fraser Valley views by putting kitchen, eating area, great room, deck and master bedroom all on the main floor. The area’s country charm is brought into the home’s interior design with wood trim and stone accents throughout. 

 

BEST TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT

Whistler winner

 

BEST MULTI-FAMILY LOW-RISE DEVELOPMENT

Low­-rise retreat

 

 

A haven in the city is perhaps what Adera Development Corp. envisioned when planning the low-rise   development called Salus in Surrey. A private club with a fully functioning day spa is just one of the bonuses residents can enjoy, bringing new meaning to relaxing at home.

 

BEST KITCHEN RENOVATION UNDER $100,000

Sizzlin’ skyline

 

Before

 

After

From a narrow, white kitchenette to a grand, open kitchen fit for the likes of Gordon Ramsay himself, reVISION Custom Home Renovations Inc. reinvented this Coal Harbour condo with its chocolate brown kitchen reno. The design, with a large central island, takes full advantage of the amazing skyline.

 

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN CUSTOM RESIDENCE

Innovative interior

A party room, theatre, wine bar, fitness room, craft room … Kimberly Williams Interiors didn’t just design a home, the interior designer created a lifestyle, with all sorts of unique touches and exquisite style, mixing rich dark woods with creamy white furnishings. The Victoria home’s master suite is a showstopper too, and won another Georgie in a separate category. 

 

BEST INNOVATIVE FEATURE

Fired up!

 

First-time Georgie winner smithdesigns heats things up with its free-standing 360 degree stainless-steel clad gas fireplace. Set so all adjacent spaces can enjoy its warmth, the fire crackles among translucent and black glass.