Good design is about bringing together function, durability and beauty. Great design is making those qualities sing. London Home Builders’ Association recognizes design that stands out in more than 40 categories as judged by national industry experts.
Design excellence is important to ensure the final product works well, for a long while, and is timeless. Recognizing the achievement of those goals provides assurance to buyers.
LHBA’s awards are based on functionality, creative use of space, compatibility with the client’s lifestyle and overall appeal in renovation, new build, design, marketing, as well as eight special achievement award categories.
Outstanding Design
V+V Homes opened a modest ranch to live big, and captured Best Indoor Living Space. Wood-panelled ceiling, clerestory windows, and sleek lines bring light, warmth and mid-century modern style to 21st-century living.
V+V Homes’ Best Renovation over $350,000 applies sustainable materials and methods with the owner’s mid-century mod taste. The Net Zero renovation features advanced solar panels and natural light for maximum comfort and minimum environmental impact. Net zero balances energy consumption and generation, using renewable energy systems (solar panels) and lowering energy needs with special insulation and windows, for example. Exposed framing and nostalgic design add to the appeal.
Bridlewood Homes Best Outdoor Living Space (new or renovated)
Braam’s Custom Cabinets Best Kitchen Cabinetry (new or renovated)
The winning kitchen by Braam’s Custom Cabinets definitely checks the ‘beauty’ box with a calming palette and rich surfaces creating an elegant space.
It also meets functionality with dedicated work areas, a variety of lighting and porcelain island.Picture yourself at a top resort — pool, lounge, outdoor dining and kitchen, firepit, pergola — and you can imagine the response to the Best Outdoor Living Space by Bridlewood Homes. Luxurious finishes and timeless design create an ideal staycation location.
Martin Jesko Custom Cabinetry and CCR Build + Remodel Best Bathroom Cabinetry and Best Renovated Bathroom
To escape into a serene oasis, check out the luxurious Best Bathroom Cabinetry award-winner by Martin Jesko Custom Cabinetry with CCR Build + Remodel. Custom craftsmanship meets spa-like ambiance: walnut floating vanity with undermount double sinks and antique brass edge handles, walnut tub surround, and separate water closet.
A colonial-style bathroom didn’t match the owner’s taste, nor their desire for a relaxing retreat. CCR Build + Remodel with project partner Martin Jesko Custom Cabinetry delivered a transformation to win Best Renovated Bathroom.
Bridlewood Homes Best closet(new or renovated)
With on-trend interest in organization and simplifying life, closet design is a big factor. The Best Closet winner by Bridlewood Homes epitomizes efficiency with a blend of high-end materials, bespoke cabinetry by Cardinal Cabinetry and sophisticated lighting. The personalized space showcases a place for everything.
Design Right from the Start
The New Build categories assess creative use of space, functionality, overall appeal, selection and use of building materials and compatibility with the intended client.
Details Custom Ltd. Best New Kitchen in a Home (up to 2,500 sq. ft.)
Details Custom Ltd. created a statement kitchen — and that statement is exceptional design.
Walnut millwork and a custom-designed curved range hood anchor the space. Beauty and function meet with a pantry tucked behind a walnut panel. The soft tones of the stone waterfall countertops and backsplash elegantly complete the winner of Best New Kitchen in a Home (up to 2,500 sq. ft.).
Details Custom Ltd. Best New Single Family Home (2,000-3,000 sq. ft.)
The same house was also awarded Best New Single Family Home (2,000-3,000 sq. ft.) for Details Custom’s exterior and interior design. It stands out from the streetscape with black brick facade, cedar-toned wood accents, and sleek Italian porcelain panels. Inside is created for a busy family — to retreat to a luxurious principal suite or head to the lower level to party in the rec room, curved bar, and personal movie theater.
Legacy Homes of London Best New Kitchen in a Home (over 2,500 sq. ft.)
To create an easy-breezy life at the lake, Legacy Homes of London combined durable materials, light colours, professional-grade appliances and a fully-equipped walk-in pantry. Winner of Best New Kitchen in a Home (over 2,500 sq. ft.). the space is great for casual dining or grand entertaining overlooking the lake.
Legacy’s same home won Best New Bathroom in a Home (over 2,500 sq. ft.) for its efficient and elegant retreat with fluted wall tiles and oversized soaker tub.
Legacy Homes of London Best New Bathroom in a Home (over 2,500 sq. ft.
s2e Technologies Best New Exterior for EVE Park,
s2e Technologies was awarded Best New Exterior for EVE Park, a Net Zero-energy community that prioritizes nature over cars. Instead of traditional row townhouses, these wrap around a European-style courtyard, creating a sense of community.
Rockmount Homes Inc. Best Entry Level New Home
Rockmount Homes Inc. provides first-time buyers with good looks, comfort and function to win Best Entry Level New Home. Modern, durable exterior design is combined with open-concept interior areas, high-quality finishes, and practical amenities, for low-maintenance, affordable living.
Forever Homes Best New Townhome
People and community are also the focus of Forever Homes design for Townhouses of Unity Square. Winning Best New Townhouse, it is one of the largest low-impact development communities in Canada.
Magnus Homes Best New Single Family Home (up to 2,000 sq. ft.)
Flexible design allows owners to customize spaces for their individual needs. Magnus Homes designed a bungalow that provides multigenerational living options with a separate access to the expansive basement suite to win Best New Single Family Home (up to 2,000 sq. ft.).
Bluestone Properties’ Best New Rental/ High Rise
To meet the growing demand for affordable housing, Bluestone Properties’ development on Base Line Road West is situated in a high-density residential area with access to transit, schools, and commercial amenities. It was awarded Best New Rental/High Rise. The project features spacious floor plans, energy-efficient systems, fitness center, EV charging stations, and a focus on maintaining public pedestrian access.
Bridlewood Homes Best New Single Family Home (over 3,000 sq. ft.)
To appeal to sophisticated tastes, Bridlewood Homes added architectural details and luxe finishes. The result was awarded Best New Single Family Home (over 3,000 sq. ft.). Upgrade examples include a hidden door in the wood-panelled wall beside the fireplace, a feature repeated in the kitchen and bar area, and a dramatic wood and glass floating stairway.
Improving function for today’s lifestyle
Criteria for the Renovation Awards echo the other categories and reflect modernizing and personalizing design to the owners’ needs.
Melchers Construction Best Renovated Kitchen up to $100,000
Melchers Construction with project partner Casey’s Creative Kitchens won Best Renovated Kitchen up to $100,000 for an outstanding balance of practicality, convenience and style. White and wood cabinetry give a transitional look.
CCR Build + Remodel Best Renovation $200,000-$350,000
Best Renovation $200,000-$350,000 captures the beauty of a bungalow’s main floor. Perfectly suited to the owners and the site, the space created by CCR Build + Remodel with project partner Casey’s Creative Kitchens brings the outdoors in and makes the indoors function seamlessly. Modern finishes and new windows contrast warm woods with black accents.
ENH Group Ltd. Best Renovated Kitchen over $100,000
ENH Group Ltd. blended past and present for the Best Renovated Kitchen over $100,000. With project partners London Kitchen Studio and Sloan Stone Design, ENH’s design preserves historic charm with a modern aesthetic. Dramatic black and white, gleaming surfaces and gold hardware make a glamorous entertaining kitchen.
Oke Woodsmith Building Systems Inc. Best Renovated Exterior
Oke Woodsmith Building Systems Inc. gave character to a dated, bland cottage to create a picture-perfect backdrop for gatherings at the lake. The change won Best Renovated Exterior. The design mixes modern materials with a traditional style, enhanced by tiered landscaping, armour stone and ICF construction.
Riverside Construction Best Renovation up to $200,000
Updating a space to meet today’s lifestyle and tastes takes good design. Riverside Construction with project partner Casey’s Creative Kitchens, took a 1960s ranch into the 2020s with fresh clean lines and innovative solutions, such as a large skylight, to win Best Renovation up to $200,000.
Spreading the Word
Showing people options for good design, sustainable design, and design to suit their needs is acknowledged by LHBA’s Marketing Awards.
Tricar Best Project Marketing
Tricar’s brand for The Grove Masonville won Best Project Marketing for its appeal to a diverse audience and unique identity.
Bridlewood Homes Best Merchandised Model Home
Bridlewood Homes won Best Merchandised Model Home for the blend of modern and minimalistic design with a touch of warmth that creates a well-balanced, high-end look.
Cardinal Cabinetry Co. Best Digital Presence, Best Show Room, Design Centre or Sales Office
Cardinal Cabinetry Co. won Best Digital Presence for the originality and execution of its site (cardinalcabinetry.ca), featuring custom animations that create a visually captivating 3D effect. It also won Best Show Room, Design Centre or Sales Office for attention to detail.
Special Achievements
The Jim Kennedy Project of the Year Award s2e Technologies
The Jim Kennedy Project of the Year Award went to s2e Technologies for EVE Park, which also won the Best New Exterior Award. The initial concept, “live in a park, not a parking lot,” is a beautiful addition to the Riverbend area, embracing similar themes of wellness and sustainability as the nearby West 5 development.
Drewlo Holdings won the Environmental Stewardship Award for its ongoing $10-million initiative, launched in 2023, to retrofit over 10,000 multi-residential suites to reduce electricity demands and lower emissions.
Megan Corfield of Tricar won the Sales Achievement Award for the third year in a row! A Western grad, Corfield has spent more than a decade providing exceptional customer service selling new build construction.
The award for Supplier of the Year went to Scherba & Co. Family-owned and operated for 55 years, Scherba & Co. was a partner for a number of other award winners and finalists, providing a carefully curated selection of flooring, tile, light fixtures and furniture. (Side note: their new showroom is a showstopper.)
Sub-Trade of the Year, Best Kitchen Cabinetry, London Kitchen Studio
London Kitchen Studio was awarded Sub-Trade of the Year, and was a finalist for Best Kitchen Cabinetry. Providing top-quality semi-custom cabinetry for renovations and new home construction since 2019, the LKS team of experts guide building partners and homeowners through the design project. Their inspiring showroom was a 2024 Award Finalist, providing a great way to see cabinet and design options.
Renovator of the Year went to DUO Building Ltd., long a community-minded London and regional leader in design/build home renovations, commercial projects and custom homes. Another London stalwart, Sifton Properties Ltd., won the Builder of the Year Award. The Sifton family has been building local communities for a hundred years, and continues to strive for excellence and innovation bolstered by that well-respected experience.
