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Building and design trends in the East Kootenay

Chad Jensen of New Dawn Developments talks about the latest trends in the construction industry

by Gerald Vander Pyl —

The construction industry is ever evolving as building trends change in response to customer demand and technological advances. Kootenay Business talked with Chad Jensen, president of New Dawn Developments, and Sherry Graburn, design lead with New Dawn, about building trends that have emerged in the East Kootenay region.

Architectural styling goes modern

Jensen said the East Kootenay’s popular mountain architectural style is becoming more modern. While features such as the use of timbers and stone accents are still popular, rooflines have become cleaner and there is increased use of glass in home design. He used the term Rocky Mountain Contemporary to describe the new, modern look.

Homes are getting smaller

Among recreational homes especially, Jensen said, there is a trend toward a smaller size floor plan. He said that in the past, New Dawn has built recreational homes upwards of 7,000 square feet, whereas today many people are looking for something in the 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot range.

For many people, the change is for economic reasons, while others are very content to choose a smaller home that still meets their needs.

Building green is the new norm

Jensen said green designs and building techniques are very important in the current market, an area in which New Dawn Developments has become a leader in the East Kootenay region. The company’s Fisher Peak project of townhomes is the first BuiltGreen multi-family project in Cranbrook.

There is still a balance between building green, more energy-efficient homes and keeping costs in line with what customers are willing to pay, Jensen said. It seems many builders still shy away from very elaborate green technology or those that have not yet been proven to be effective over the long run.

The latest in interior design

Sherry Graburn, design lead with New Dawn, said when it comes to interior design, the company is seeing some definite trends.

Kitchen cabinets are trending toward medium wood tones and granite countertops are a must. Floor tiles are getting bigger, while wall tiles that are very fancy or intricate are all the rage.

Graburn said hardwood floors are still popular, but the new oil-finished woods are becoming more popular, as they are easy to repair with a quick oil touch-up if scratched by furniture or a pet. Interior doors are moving away from the standard six-panel style, while front doors in fancy finishes or styles are proving to be increasingly in demand.

Popular building products

Jensen said the latest triple-pane glass windows with high-tech coatings help improve energy efficiency, and there is a new product called Neat Glass that actually sheds dust and other debris, helping windows to stay clearer longer without cleaning Graburn said traditional cedar is out as a siding or roofing material, but has made a move as an attractive material for garage doors that also feature often more architectural detailing.

Jensen said the HardiePlank style of siding has taken over because of its maintenance-free and fire-resistant properties.

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