property watch: the most intriguing (but less interesting) feature of a dunbar duplex
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hafeez jiwa is a bit surprised that potential buyers don’t immediately see the value in his property’s biggest selling point: that it’s built to net zero standards. slightly different from zero emissions buildings, which the city of vancouver states use only renewable energy and generate no pollution at all, net zero causes some pollution but produces as much clean energy as it consumes.
jiwa, of boutique property development company maven & co. projects, who developed and consulted on the four-bedroom front-back dunbar duplex, says, “we’re finding many buyers need to be educated on the net zero aspects and what it means. but what they do notice is there’s more space in the unit because of that bonus density that the city allows you to have.”
density bonusing, a zoning rule that allows for bigger buildings — in this case, 20 per cent bigger — than are normally permitted in an area, appears to be the bigger draw. “it doesn’t seem like a lot but it’s allowed us to have a really big main floor, which you don’t normally get in these half duplexes,” says jiwa. “we’re also able to get a third bedroom onto the second floor when, typically in these half duplexes, the second floor has two bedrooms, and you need to go up to the third floor to get to a third bedroom. the third level has a spare/guest bedroom/office, so it’s actually a true four-bedroom unit. that 20 per cent bonus density makes a big difference.”
what’s inside
white oak herringbone flooring on the main level.
jonathan folk photography
the fully integrated miele kitchen appliances are induction, not natural gas, to meet the requirements for net zero homes.
jonathan folk photography
jiwa says, “when you walk into this unit, you get a sense of quality that you don’t get anywhere else.”
he points to the white oak herringbone on the main floor that was more expensive because of the additional labour involved in laying the pattern in short strips.
also, the new generation of engineered stone for the powder room, kitchen countertops, backsplash and island from coquitlam company bordignon stone was costlier. according to the company, it has the durability and practicality of quartz with a look of natural marble but without the required maintenance of marble.
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the bathrooms all have seamless showers with no sill; custom glass and mirrors; and the main en suite has a double sink vanity and detailed porcelain tile that meets smoothly without the need for a corner trim.
jiwa says that detail extends to the staircase edge, which is usually built with a one-inch nosing, whereas the duplex’s waterfall staircase has a clean, sharp edge and no trim. the wood cabinetry was custom-made by a local craftsman.
the fully integrated miele appliances are induction, not natural gas, to meet the requirements for net zero homes.
when you enter through the french doors into the top-floor bedroom, a unique circular window frames the trees that line the lane below. two skylights, one that is electronically operable, add extra natural light.
the backyard features a big, multi-level deck that runs across the back unit with space for seating as well as a lower area for a fire pit or barbecue.
jonathan folk photography
there is a detached garage, and the backyard features a big, multi-level deck that runs across the back unit with space for seating as well as a lower area for a fire pit or barbecue.
“the quality of construction has to be a step above; everything has to be more efficient, in order to meet this net zero standard,” says jiwa. “so the windows are all triple-glazed from delta manufacturer norden windows; the envelope has to be nearly air tight; there has to be a fresh air ventilation system so there’s fresh air continuously being pulled in from the outside and exchanged with interior air.
“with net zero, you’re trying to balance the amount of energy that you’re using in the house with the amount of energy that you’re producing by using your solar panels, and you only have so much space on your roof. so that means all the electrical heating and cooling equipment is more efficient than normal; you’re not using natural gas for heating or cooking; your building envelope has to be more air tight so you have greater insulation and less rogue air coming into the house.”
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he says the more than 20 solar panels on the roof generate 11 kilowatts of energy, and even though the house is empty, it’s been generating more energy than it’s been using. “b.c. hydro actually pays you for that excess energy,” says jiwa. “so over the course of the year, the savings can amount to $3,000 to $4,000 on electricity. plus, you’re living in a healthier home and contributing to the city’s zero emissions targets.”
now that’s worth caring about.
in the neighbourhood
home is located in the dunbar neighbourhood with many parks and beaches close by.
jonathan folk photography
the coveted dunbar area is a blend of quiet, upscale neighbourhoods with the buzz of nearby dunbar village and its many independent businesses, including specialty shops, bakeries, grocers, gyms, pubs, restaurants and the historic dunbar theatre.
downtown vancouver is a 20-minute drive away. many parks, including pacific spirit regional park, are close by, as are the beaches of jericho and spanish banks, and public and private elementary and high schools, plus ubc.
location:
listed for: $2,599,900
year built: 2026
type: four bedrooms, four bathrooms
size: 1,852 square feet
realtor: listed by tj almodovar, the almodovar group, vancouver
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