Provincial Home Award Winners Honoured
The successful entrants in the 16th annual Nova Scotia Home Awards program gathered in Halifax today at a ceremony to honour outstanding achievement and excellence in the fields of residential housing design, construction and renovation.
The home awards are open to all Nova Scotia residents. The program supports residential housing development and innovation, encourages technical design excellence, promotes restoration projects and raises public awareness of Nova Scotia's housing industry.
The awards have grown to become a symbol of achievement for architects, builders, contractors and homeowners throughout the province.
Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Guy Brown hosted the event, held at the World Trade and Convention Centre. He was joined by Kenny MacAskill, Minister of Natural Resources. The two departments are co-sponsors of the annual competition.
"I'd like to congratulate all of the outstanding winners in this year's competition," said Mr. Brown. "I take great pride in being part of an event that showcases the enormous range of talent we have in this province."
This year's competition attracted 29 entries from across the province, judged in five categories: home unit design, home construction or delivery innovation, home renovation/rehabilitation, historical restoration and energy efficiency or alternative energy.
The Department of Natural Resources sponsors the award for energy efficiency or alternative energy. Mr. MacAskill praised the use of energy-efficient devices in Nova Scotia homes.
"Not only are these high-quality homes, they help guard against the overuse of our natural resources," he said. "Energy efficiency is of great importance, and a valuable future resource that the provincial government strongly endorses and supports."
The energy efficiency or alternative energy award winner was Steven Crowell of Crowell Construction for EnviroHome 1997 in New Minas. ABRI Sustainable Design gained an honourable mention for the Pothier & Vanechuk Residence in Mason's Point. A letter of merit was given to Donald and Elaine Innes for Solar Home with a Panoramic View, Boutilier's Point.
The winner in the category of home unit design (designed by architect) was Keith Graham for the design of the home of Ronald and Jeannie Thomas of Halifax. An honourable mention was awarded to Dimitri Procos for Procos Solar House and Office in Halifax.
Top honours in the home unit category (designed by other than architect) was Gary Wong for Johnstown House in Johnstown, Richmond County. An honourable mention was awarded to The Hudgins Residence in Falmouth, Hants County. Pamela Pike received a letter of merit for Pike House in Halifax.
The winner in the construction or delivery innovation category was John Doucet Architects Ltd. for Whispering Creek Village in Wolfville. Crowell Construction gained an honourable mention for EnviroHome 1997 in New Minas.
Timothy Drennan won the home renovation/rehabilitation award for the design and construction of 2033 Bauer Street in Halifax. Honourable mentions were given to Cynthia Street, Paul S. Collins and David Garrett for work carried out on individual Halifax homes. Peter Davies received a letter of merit for the Strawbridge residence in Annapolis Royal.
Top honours in the historical restoration category went to Esther and Gil Dares of Yarmouth for Dares Restoration on Vancouver Street in Yarmouth. This category was added to the home awards several years ago and has proven to be a popular award with owners of older restored homes throughout the province.
The Nova Scotia Home Builders Association (NSHBA) presented a special award to Richard Lind, naming him Industry Builder of the Year. Mr. Lind is past president of the NSHBA and owner of Evert-Lind Enterprises of Bridgewater. He has been active with the association since 1986.
Event chairman Henn Soosaar, of the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs, chaired the jury of judges representing the Department of Natural Resources, Housing and Municipal Affairs and the Nova Scotia Association of Architects.