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CUSTOM BUILT HOME · LAC STE. ANNE COUNTY
A Country Home Built
for the Future
long‑term growth on 50 acres near Sandy Lake.
SANDY LAKE · LAC STE. ANNE COUNTY · EDMONTON, AB
Where Comfort Meets Self‑Sufficiency
These clients came to NUVO with a clear idea of what they wanted: a family home that felt rooted in the land and ready to evolve with them. Built on their 50‑acre property near Sandy Lake, the project balanced efficiency, longevity, and connection to place.
They dreamed of a home that was both humble and high‑performing — comfortable for daily living yet capable of supporting a self‑sustainable lifestyle. Natural wood surfaces, a high‑efficiency wood‑burning fireplace, and materials drawn from the property itself reinforced that sense of belonging.
Acreage living demands a home that works as hard as the people who build their lives there.
Built for Today and Prepared for Tomorrow
From the outset, energy performance was a central goal. The home was designed using Passivhaus principles, focusing on a tight, well‑insulated envelope and reduced thermal bridging. With R‑28 BIBS insulation, additional attic insulation, spray foam at rim joists, and triple‑pane Low‑E windows, the home stays comfortable through every Alberta season.
An Edmonton‑made Hi‑Velocity furnace paired with hot water on demand drives efficiency, while solar‑ready infrastructure and a 200‑amp electrical service prepare the home for future expansion and renewable energy adoption.
Sound‑isolating walls and floor assemblies add everyday comfort, and the mechanical systems — water purification, septic, and natural gas — were carefully designed for reliable rural living.
The Self‑Supporting Staircase
One of the defining details of this home is the custom self‑supporting stair system. Designed to turn and rise without intermediate posts, it carries its own structure from base to top. The result is an open, sculptural centerpiece that combines engineering precision with visual simplicity.
It embodies the guiding theme of the project — functional beauty that stands the test of time.
SYSTEMS
- Hi‑Velocity furnace + hot water on demand
- Solar‑ready
- Well & water purification
- Septic
- Natural gas
- 200‑amp service
ENVELOPE
- Passivhaus‑inspired design
- R‑28 BIBS walls
- Triple‑pane Low‑E windows
- Spray foam rim joists
SIZE
- 3,400 sq ft home
- 560 sq ft garage
- 640 sq ft covered deck
STRUCTURE
- Upgraded foundation reinforcing
- Stiffened floor system
- Screw piles and drains in garage
- Reinforced basement slab with rebar
Practical Elegance
Inside, the clients balanced craftsmanship with practicality. A chef’s kitchen with a walkthrough pantry anchors the main floor, while other areas — including parts of the basement — were left intentionally flexible for future development as family needs evolve. The finishes flow naturally: warm wood countertops, clean lines, and durable materials that wear gracefully. Every choice supports comfort, not excess.A bright, efficient, and enduring home that reflects the land it stands on and the family that continues to grow within it.
What began as a vision for acreage life has become a lived reality. The home remains comfortable year‑round, energy‑efficient, and ready for whatever comes next — from gardening and family gatherings to ongoing property expansion. It is a place built with care, designed for longevity, and grounded in purpose.
