Build Interior Design Awards 2017

Build 2017 Interior Design Awards 1. Ecological Protection – Mason Homes commissions an ecological report for each site they wish to develop, resulting in the creation and protection of storm water ponds, nature trails and forested green buffers, thus preserving wildlife and minimising the impact of the build on the environment. 2. Density and Urban Design – Mason Homes adheres to provincial density requirements, building traditional wide-shallow houses on wide lots, and houses which adhere to the principle of new urbanism rear laneway homes, built on narrow lots with side courtyards. 3. Village Centres – The company’s Master Planned Communities often feature commercial developments within walking distance of most homes. These commercial units are marketed to attract small, convenient businesses, while creating social gathering places to meet up and build relationships with neighbours, further enhancing a true community spirit. 4. Local Economy – This involves avoiding the creation of conventional suburban developments, especially in ‘bedroom communities’, which pay little attention to the need for ‘complete’ communities. Without a local economy, the residents of a new development are obliged to drive to work somewhere else, leaving the neighbourhood empty of life in the daytime, whilst filling up the roads and releasing more carbon dioxide emissions. Mason develops master planned communities in areas where there is a thriving local economy with viable local transportation close by. The company hires local trades and staff, purchases from local suppliers, and supports local charities. Mason aims to give back to the community they develop in. 5. Affordable Housing – The Master Planned communities contain a wide variety of product mix. Mason Homes’ Classic and Rear Lane Homes are available in a product mix of townhouses, semi-detached homes, and single detached homes and mid-rise condominiums. 6. Liveable Community – All house designs are architecturally controlled, with 3 elevations to choose from – Arts & Crafts, Victorian and Colonial. These 3 elevations are available in 12 complementary exterior colour packages. The facades of these homes are lovely and unencumbered by their garages, as the garages of the company’s rear laneway product are situated to the rear on the home. This creates safer front yards and sidewalks, as there are no cars reversing out of driveways, and full wide porches and extra windows occupy the space that would have been the garage door. The number of parks and green spaces exceed the required amount as per the subdivision agreements, and whenever possible, mature existing trees and vegetation are preserved. 7. Storm water management – Storm water management ponds are created, landscaped, accessorized with bird houses and park benches and provide a home to a huge array of water fowl, birds, plants and animals. Children’s parks often overlook these ponds, further enhancing resident’s enjoyment. 8. Sustainable Transit – Mason Homes’ communities have narrower, interconnecting streets and laneways with sidewalks, roundabouts and pedestrian/cycling trails. Narrower streets reduce the paved surface area, reducing the emission of hydrocarbons which contribute to global warming. These developments are located within walking distance to existing schools, shopping plazas and restaurants, meaning home owners can leave the car at home and dine out. All of these developments are within easy access to local transit, with walking and cycling trails to increase health and enjoyment, and conveniently encourage residents to walk or cycle to the store. When travel by car is unavoidable, roundabouts are implemented to slow traffic, which reduces collisions and carbon emissions. According to Mason Homes, the major features of a Sustainable Community Development/Design are: