Renovator and custom builder MBHE Inc. is showcasing an unusual project in the 2024 RenoTour Parade of Homes: the Ottawa area’s first net zero coach house.
With a specialty in coach houses, it’s no surprise that the company has chosen to present one and this one is impressive, with vaulted ceilings, more than 900 square feet and two bedrooms.
The RenoTour Parade of Homes is presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and RenoMark (a national program that identifies professional contractors who have signed on to a code of conduct that protects the homeowner).
This home is one of nine that can be seen in person on Oct. 6. There is no charge, and the tour map can be found online (or scan/tap the accompanying QR code). You can also pick up a map in person at the GOHBA booth at the Ottawa Fall Home Show (EY Centre, Sept. 26-29).
If you can’t make the in-person tour, 3D virtual walk-throughs of most of the homes will be available afterwards at RenoTour.ca.
Here’s more info on MBHE and its project from president Matthieu Bazinet (edited for clarity).
Q: Why did you join the tour this year?
A: Most customers we meet don’t know what a coach house is, or a net zero home, an adaptive home or even multi-generational living options. Our goal is to educate everyone about what we specialize in so they can have access to better, more comfortable and energy-efficient homes in the future.
We also offer an array of solutions to the affordability crisis in the housing industry. The RenoTour is a great way to promote what we do and how we can help the community grow and continue to be positive leaders for the housing industry.
Q: Why choose this project for the tour?
A: This project is the first net zero coach house in the Ottawa region. The 983-square-foot, two-bedroom home was designed and created to minimize its carbon footprint and annual energy cost. The solar panels installed on the roof offset 100 per cent of the cost for the coach house — and 95 per cent of the annual energy cost of the original home on the property.
The multi-generational living trend was one of the main focuses for the owners and the coach house was designed with full wheelchair accessibility in mind. This is absolutely a showstopper for anyone looking to add a coach house in their backyard or modifying their home for relatives with or without special needs.
Q: What can you tell us about this project?
A: This project checks all the trends in the construction industry. It’s a net zero coach house designed with accessibility and multi-generational living in mind. The annual heating cost of this home in 2024 was $17, compared to over $1,000 for other new-build homes in the community.
The electricity consumption for this project is less than half of your typical new home; this translates into very affordable electric bills and with the same functionality for the homeowners. This was achieved through design elements, high-efficiency HVAC components, overachieving airtightness testing and utilizing passive house standards during the construction project.
Also, this project features lots of wants and needs for customers, like 12-foot ceilings, smart-home features, energy monitoring, indoor-outdoor living and much, much more.
Q: What kinds of things should visitors watch out for when they tour the project?
A: Visitors should stop by and have a chat with our design-build team members. They will be able to see all the steps needed to create a coach house of their own. They will also have a chance to experience the comfort and serenity offered in a net zero home. And lastly, we’ll offer the chance to one of our visitors to experience this home first hand. A romantic weekend giveaway will be drawn after the event so a couple could experience this wonderful home.
Q: What do you expect to have on hand for visitors?
A: We will have several team members on site, including our site supervisor, project manager, designer and myself (as the company owner). We’ll have before and after pictures available for the visitors and, as mentioned, the draw for a weekend stay to experience the home.
We’ll also invite a few of the suppliers who helped us achieve the airtightness and resilience for this project. Visitors can ask questions of any of us.
For the virtual tour, there will be before and after photos and we expect to have documents ready that can help homeowners make a decision about whether a coach house or additional dwelling unit is right for them.
Q: Tell us a bit about your company.
A: We’re a design-build company that specialize in retrofit or new-home construction. We take great pride in our work and know the importance of the relationships between everyone involved in any construction project.
As a parent of four young kids, I bring a creative twist to the industry by offering affordable solutions to the housing industry. Founded in 2020, MBHE Inc. is proud to be the first coach house builder east of Ottawa and to help the next generation have access to homes in these hard times.
We focus on building strong and dependable communities by leveraging our knowledge and our partnerships so everyone can have access to a place they can call home.
Q: What’s the value of this tour for those who will visit the homes?
A: Visitors will not only have access to the first net zero coach house built in Ottawa, they will be able to get answers concerning all the steps and requisites needed to build an additional dwelling unit on their property.
They’ll also have the ability to discuss all options regarding multi-generational living, adaptive housing, net zero or passive buildings and more.
The RenoTour is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking at renovating or building a home in the coming years. This transfer of information is an invaluable tool for any visitor who participates in this year’s RenoTour.
