Eight Gemstone Projects Earn Spots as Finalists in GOHBA Awards

We’re honoured to announce that eight of our submissions for the 2022 Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) Awards have advanced to the final round.

Our work in custom home building is always about creating the perfect home to match each unique family.

Even though we’re not in the business for the kudos, it’s wonderful to know that our work stands out. We work hard to get every detail right and to make sure our homes are beautiful, functional, and make use of cutting-edge materials and design ideas – and it’s fantastic when that hard work is recognized.

Each GOBHA category has a People’s Choice component, meaning you can have a say in the top picks for the Ottawa housing scene. For each project, click through to the GOBHA site so your votes can be counted. Voting is rolling out by category, so check back often to make sure you’re able to vote for each project as their category is opened.

Unapologetically Opulent

Renovation $750,001 and over: Winding Way

Located in a spacious and private Ottawa neighbourhood, the homeowners of this 3-bedroom, 4-bath estate home were looking to update the basic builder aesthetic, while adding touches of glamour and elegance to showcase the influence of their global travels. Every detail was carefully curated to reflect the clients’ refined tastes.

While the home was large in scale, it lacked texture and personality, and the large open spaces had very few sound-softening features. The clients opted for a pin-tucked coffered ceiling in the main living room to dampen the classic piano on the second floor. The dark hardwood throughout felt heavy and outdated; it was replaced with large format marble tile on the main floor and wood-inspired, heated tile throughout the upper floor. Kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms were all updated to reflect the clients’ interpretation of high-end hotel living.

The main floor is designed for over-the-top hospitality. The vestibule serves as an Old-World greeting room for guests, reminiscent of a boutique European hotel. A stunning powder room provides a space to freshen up before moving on to the gleaming black and gold bar, the perfect place for intimate conversations. Huge picture windows in the kitchen and family room area showcase views of the Rideau River while creating a bright and modern space that’s perfect for small gatherings or large parties.

On the lower floor, the addition of a wellness center, complete with gym area looking out over the river, salon wash basin and a luxe massotherapy room, makes this upgrade truly one of a kind.

Vote for Unapologetically Opulent from Sept 6-11

Peridot’s Culinary Gem

Custom Kitchen (175 sq. ft. or less) – Contemporary: 123 Peridot

The galley-style kitchen in our home at 123 Peridot is the heart of the open concept main floor. With natural light pouring in from all sides, and windows framing views of the Rideau Canal and Experimental Farm, this space is bright, airy, and ready for some serious cooking.

Anchored by a waterfall island that seats four for chatting and snacking, the kitchen also includes a large pantry and built-in wall oven and microwave to make the most of counter space and keep the area clean and uncluttered. Stone, quartz, and custom grey-washed cabinets from Irpinia create a soothing colour scheme that echoes the four-season views of nature outside.

Vote for Peridot’s Culinary Gem from Sept 13-18

Dramatic Glamour

Custom Kitchen (251 ft2 or more) – Traditional $75,000 and over: Winding Way

The custom kitchen at our Winding Way home renovation project is made for entertaining. With its double Gaggenau wall ovens, double Gaggenau speed ovens and double sink areas, it’s ready for anything from intimate get-togethers to large-scale parties. The large island is ready to become the heart of casual gatherings, and for more formal events, a butler’s kitchen tucked out of sight can be used to prepare and serve food.

All that functionality comes in a gorgeous package that is both sophisticated and dramatic. To mirror the beautiful view of the backyard pool and Rideau River just outside the breakfast nook windows, natural materials were used throughout. Custom stained oak cabinets combine with a stunning Maori quartzite stone backsplash and Cambria Berwyn quartz countertops to create a timeless look. Modern touches like the pendant lights and a unique ceiling panel with a mirror-like finish make sure this space dazzles.

A large built-in television serves to make this room homey and connects the kitchen to the adjacent family room, neatly linking the two areas.

Vote for Dramatic Glamour from Sept 13-18

Opposites {Elegantly} Attract

Custom Bathroom (101 ft or more) – Traditional: Winding Way

The master ensuite at our Winding Way project is an exercise in duality. Featuring a “his side” in dark tones, and a “her side” in light tones, the bathroom area is divided into separate wash areas and dressing rooms, with an enormous shared glassed-in shower room creating a central connection.

On his side, black cabintery and a floating vanity create a sleek, modern look. A transom window brings in natural light from the other half of the ensuite area and keeps the space bright and inviting.

On her side, similar cabinets are done in shades of white, and a makeup table uses a ceiling-hung LED mirror to provide functionality without hiding the views of the Rideau River just outside the bathroom window. Stone counters and porcelain tile are used throughout to give the space a welcoming spa-like feel.

Hiding behind the natural finishes are plenty of high-tech solutions. From whole-body spray heads in the shower room, to automated toilets and heated floors, to small televisions built into each half, the entire ensuite becomes an indulgent and comfortable getaway.

Vote for Opposites {Elegantly} Attract from Sept 13-18

Posh & Polished

Bathroom – Powder Room: Winding Way

Talk about wow factor! As avid world travellers, the family owners of our custom home renovation on Winding Way were looking for hotel-inspired finishes throughout their home. The powder room on their main floor is just one room that pulls in French-inspired details to create that opulent feel that comes from spending a week on the Riviera.

The black lacquered cabinetry and black granite counters are the perfect way to showcase the dazzling wallpaper. With vibrant colours and a surprising texture, the wall covering makes this space glamourous and bold. It’s perfect for entertaining and for making this home feel extra special, down to the last detail.

Vote for Posh & Polished from Sept 13-18

Stunningly Simple

Bathroom – Powder Room: Fraser Avenue

The main floor powder room in our Fraser Avenue project might seem simple at first glance, but it’s full of surprising details that add interest, beauty, and functionality.

The counter is made from natural stone and features a deep front edge that contrasts with the warmth and texture of the wood cabinetry on the floating vanity. The clean, straight lines of the vanity and of the panelling details on the walls contrast with the black porcelain tile, which is laid in an unusual and interesting herringbone pattern. Although the overall feel is modern and sleek, the vintage brass wall sconce and hardware add charm and a warm glow to the space.

As the only bathroom on the main level, this room keeps busy serving the family and their guests. With a large mirror, floating vanity and wall-hung toilet, the space is still able to keep an uncluttered and open feel.

Vote for Stunningly Simple from Sept 13-18

Peridot Vertical Views

Housing Details: 123 Peridot Stairs

The staircase at 123 Peridot forms the centrepiece to this three-story single-family home. With its rare location along the Rideau Canal in a protected urban green space area, bringing the outside in and making the most of the nature views was an essential part of the home’s design. Encasing the staircase with a glass curtain wall means that the beautiful light and greenery that surrounds the home are visible at all times.

With its unique half-risers becoming visible as you ascend, the styling of the staircase takes on an inviting and airy structure. As one of the first architectural elements you see when you swing open the front door, the staircase’s unique design and warm wood become an artistic, eye-catching way to draw you into the home. It’s clean, modern styling fit with the overall design of a home that marries elegance with its natural setting.

Vote for Peridot Vertical Views from Sept 6-11

Special Achievement Award: Custom Builder of the Year

Lastly, we’re especially excited to be in the running for the Custom Builder of the Year award.

This past year brought additional challenges as we organized large projects and completed some of our best work, all while dealing with the COVID shutdowns and restrictions. We’re so proud to be able to say that we still delivered dream homes to some very special families and created innovative, unique projects with the same commitment to quality and detail that we’ve always had.

Being nominated for this award makes us feel grateful to be in such an amazing business and to be able to continue to work with wonderful Ottawa-area families on the best builds.

Thanks to our clients, our design and construction team, and GOHBA for a fantastic year!