BANFF – A Banff construction company has won an industry award for innovation and environmental sustainability in its Kootenay Ridge housing development.
The 19th annual Structural Insulated Panel Association’s (SIPA) building excellence awards named John Dowson Construction as the winner of the multi-family category for its housing project at 137 Kootenay Ave., which was completed in December 2020.
SIPA building excellence awards aim to highlight projects using structural insulated panels as the basis for energy-efficient, green buildings.
“We are very happy to have been recognized with this award,” said John Dowson whose partner in the business is Glen Sather, senior advisor to the owner of New York Rangers.
“We were trying to build a quality product with advanced building systems, as we knew there were concerns from neighbours about higher density and the possibility of ‘lowering the tone’ of the neighbourhood.”
The development was contentious in 2016 when Banff’s Municipal Planning Commission approved a four-lot residential subdivision, paving the way for greater density in the neighbourhood.
Neighbours were concerned that duplex housing would change the character of the neighbourhood, which is predominantly made up of single-detached dwellings, as well as lead to increased vehicle traffic on the narrow street.
“Glen and I had stressed that we were planning on building a quality product befitting the area,” Dowson said, noting the housing was designed by Russell and Russell Design Studios in Canmore.
There were 65 entries from throughout North America in the SIPA building excellence awards this year. Entries were evaluated on energy efficiency, design and structural engineering innovation.
