Calgary and Edmonton homebuyers now have the opportunity to experience net zero living firsthand through two innovative show homes launched by Homes by Avi. The company has transformed its popular Gregory and Leonard models into fully net zero residences, marking a significant step forward in sustainable home construction for Alberta.
Meet the Net Zero Ambassadors
Gregory has taken up residence in Calgary's southeast community of Sora, while Leonard has settled in Edmonton's west end Uplands at Riverview neighborhood. These aren't just ordinary show homes - they represent Homes by Avi's first foray into complete net zero construction, showcasing what's possible when energy efficiency meets practical home design.
The Gregory model spans 1,729 square feet with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, featuring Spanish villa-inspired interior design elements including rounded arches, ceiling beams, gold fixtures, and distinctive flooring and tile work that complement the architectural theme.
Engineering Energy Efficiency
According to Michael Jacobson, director of product development at Homes by Avi, achieving net zero status required comprehensive upgrades throughout the building. The company enhanced the building envelope with additional insulation in the attic, exterior walls, basement frost walls, and beneath the slab to significantly reduce heating requirements.
Solar panels were integrated to generate renewable energy and offset consumption, while high-efficiency mechanical systems including the furnace, hot water heater, and smart thermostat further improved energy performance. The only noticeable physical change from standard models is slightly thicker walls, which reduce interior space by approximately two inches per side.
Market Response and Educational Challenge
Reg Lee, Homes by Avi's sales manager in Calgary, notes that while buyer curiosity is high, understanding of net zero benefits remains limited. Most buyers aren't fully aware of the specifics and advantages that net zero homes offer, creating an educational opportunity for the industry.
Maria Kennedy, general manager for Homes by Avi in Edmonton, echoes this sentiment, observing that price remains a key consideration for homebuyers. In a market focused on affordability, the upfront costs of net zero features can be challenging to justify without understanding the long-term utility savings and environmental benefits.
Both show homes have generated significant interest since their opening in November 2025, with buyers particularly curious about the construction methods used to achieve net zero status.
Strategic Timing and Future Outlook
While net zero homes have been constructed in Alberta cities for years, Homes by Avi chose this moment to launch their net zero models to better prepare for evolving building codes and customer expectations. The company aims to scale up net zero construction as market demand increases and regulations shift toward Net Zero Energy Ready standards.
Jacobson emphasizes that the goal wasn't to create a high-tech demonstration home, but rather to build using the same trades, materials, and practices as their standard homes. This approach demonstrates that net zero construction can be integrated into mainstream homebuilding while delivering a quieter, more comfortable, and significantly more energy-efficient living environment.
The Gregory show home in Sora benefits from its location in what TaraLynn Green, Homes by Avi's area sales manager for Sora, describes as an intimate community built around environmental preservation. The community centers around wetlands with walking paths, providing residents with immediate access to natural spaces while maintaining convenient access to major transportation routes.
