To unveil the Princess Project—three new detached homes certified as having met the LEED for Homes gold standard, a rating system that recognizes the design and construction of green homes—Cadorin Homes developer Lynn Da Pra called on Kim Graham & Associates to plan a green cocktail party and mini trade show at one of the properties on Tuesday.
“The idea wasn’t to do formal tours of the home. That’s why we set up a mini trade show,” Da Pra said. “Guests could go and speak to the experts and see what’s out there.”
Kim Graham and her team invited 125 guests—media, builders, developers, contractors, and industry insiders—to the afternoon launch, held at one of the homes on Princess Avenue in north Toronto. “Education is a key part of this project,” said Graham. Stacey Fruitman of Eco Inspirations Inc. partnered with Cadorin to stage the home with eco-friendly furnishings from A Special Place. Items like a sofa made with Canadian wood and bio plush cushions from natural soybeans filled the main floor of the 2,300-square-foot home.
Representatives from building suppliers like Enbridge, Pella Windows, and Northern Wideplank Flooring set up product displays and information booths throughout the four-bedroom, five-bath home. Attendees could learn more about features like the rooftop solar panels, the hardwood floors made from reclaimed elm, the heating and water systems, and the designer kitchen with Energy Star appliances and cabinetry made from sustainably harvested wood.
Jacinthe Koddo Culinary catered the reception and created a menu with local organic ingredients, including hors d’oeuvres like celeriac-potato pancakes with an apple-walnut topping, stuffed mushroom caps with quinoa, cranberry, and sautéed leek stuffing, and curried chicken skewers served with a ginger-garlic dipping sauce. Servers offered wine in compostable cups made of corn.
To market the homes, which are all currently listed, Da Pra teamed up with Chris Chopik of Bosley Real Estate to create a realtor challenge. Three winning realtors were selected to sell the homes based on their knowledge and commitment to green building.
The event's beverage sponsors included Steam Whistle Brewing and Select Wines. Building sponsors included Enbridge, Pella Windows, Northern Wideplank Flooring, Alpha Tec, Uponor, American Standard, Duenas Kitchens, Universal Coating System, and AquaReal Water.
Correction: This story has been updated to credit Stacey Fruitman of Eco Inspirations Inc. with staging the home.