Shorebird
A Sustainable Beach House in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia.
Introducing Shorebird, a 3,000 square-foot summer residence that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. Perched on the coast of Nova Scotia’s Minas Basin, Shorebird is more than just a beach house. It’s a harmonious space that balances comfort, sustainability, and breathtaking views.
Bordered by open farmland and shoreline, the setting enabled us to position the home to capitalize on daylight and solar gains, while framing stunning views of the shifting tides and the distant Cape Blomidon ridge line.
In designing Shorebird, respect for the surrounding ecosystem was paramount. While the expansive waterfront and farmer’s fields helped fill the home with light and energy, shoreline erosion and agricultural runoff were critical risks to the resilience of the site.
We worked with ecological shoreline restoration experts, Helping Nature Heal, to protect the property from coastal erosion, and with civil engineers at Able Engineering to safely address the high volume of runoff flowing over the site. The resulting landscape features a native wildflower meadow that provides food and habitat for birds and wildlife, while providing a backdrop of year-round colour and texture to the home.
The building form follows the slope of the land, to harmonize with the topography and withstand harsh coastal weather. A shed roofed open-concept public area stands at the west end and a two-storey bedroom volume is on the east. The main living space receives sunlight throughout the day, while the private areas are shielded from public spaces by the volume of the garage, as well as entryway and screened porch.
Corner windows in the living room and screened porch frame stunning sunset views, and strategic placement of windows enhances natural ventilation, allowing the ocean breeze to cool the home.
Shorebird was designed using Passive House principles. Shorebird features triple-glazed windows and doors by Vetta with solid wood frames, aluminum clad exteriors, and low-emissivity coatings to optimize performance. Pre-finished wood siding from Maibec and metal roofing were selected to withstand high winds and salt spray off of the water.
The deep walls and roof are insulated with cellulose fiber insulation by Greenfiber, a low carbon material made with recycled newsprint. A robust airtightness strategy and thorough construction detailing ensures that Shorebird will maintain a stable indoor environment while avoiding energy losses.
The mechanical system includes a Venmar AVS Energy Recovery Ventilator, which is augmented with an air source mini-split heat pump. Shorebird needs approximately 85% less energy than a code-built home to maintain comfortable temperatures in winter and summer.
Shorebird features a soft palette of creamy white and light toned wood throughout the house, lending to a calm atmosphere while providing a backdrop for shifting light patterns and letting panoramic views of nature take centre stage. Thoughtful material selections afford beauty and texture, while also assuring ease of maintenance and durability.
Ultimately, Shorebird is a testament to sustainable design that prioritizes both comfort and environmental stewardship. It serves as a low fuss space where the homeowners can relax, connect with nature, and enjoy a low-maintenance, energy-efficient home built to stand the test of time.
Location: Grand Pré, Nova Scotia
Type: High Performance New Build
Builder: Up Country Builders
Civil Engineering: Able Engineering
Windows & Doors: Vetta
Ecological Restoration: Helping Nature Heal
Structural Engineering: Gaspereau Building Science
Photography: Matthew Rodgers
