David Coulson Design has been Green Since the Beginning Now many more products exist to support this philosophy. And those products are becoming more mainstream (and more affordable) by the day. Below are a few recent projects that have really gone the extra step, in terms of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
	90% of the original wood trim in this 1910 home was stripped with citrus-based solution and restored in situ. The 100 year old house now uses geothermal and solar heat source technologies, and is equipped with photovoltaic cells for future service enhancements. *This home has been presented by the Gov't of BC Heritage Branch as a Case Study in Green Upgrades to Heritage Architecture, and was featured at a CASCADIA Green Building Council charette on the same topic in November of 2008. click here to see more images of this project
	Douglas fir trees were reclaimed from and prepared on site to build this soft-footprint home, meaning zero fuel use in materials transport. Simple rainwater chains are also put to good use here, directing fresh rainfall from the roof to thirsty garden beds and planters. 580 lineal foot ground source heat pump lines surround house. click here to see more images of this project

Emily Carr House, Victoria BC

Heritage site becomes sustainable; energy upgrades complete at Emily Carr House.

Improvements to the Emily Carr house included adding storm windows, updating hot water tanks and sealing the attic, crawlspaces and un-insulated walls to help keep heat inside.

"All these small improvements add up to the site being much more energy efficient and durable into the 21st century," said Jan Ross, of Emily Carr House. "This property is not only a monument of a great artist, it is a chance for us to continue the legacy of inspiration provided to us by Emily Carr, and these upgrades will help us to do just that." Emily Carr House is a designated national historic site that requires improvements to be in keeping with the original structure.

Ross worked with David Coulson Design Limited and Vintage Woodworks Inc. to ensure the upgrades achieved this. Emily Carr House's original charm and character defining elements attract more than 8,000 visitors to the site each year. Telus came on board in phase two of the project by supplying the technical support for an audio tour which will better inform visitors about the site. "There are many reasons to upgrade heritage sites," said Ross. "Aside from reducing our carbon footprint, the improvements will help to prolong the life of the building and continue to educate visitors for years to come."