The environment is getting a lot of media attention these days. More and more, concerned citizens are demanding eco-friendly options for virtually every consumer product imaginable, and houses are no exception. Yes, even property developers are finding that it is time to get on the environmental safety bandwagon - or be left in the dust.

Cities in Canada encourage earth-friendly growth

In most Canadian cities, planners are realizing that development and environmental awareness go hand in hand when it comes to building cleaner, safer places in which to live and work. The Toronto Economic Development Corporation, for example, is advocating for residential developments that contain appliances that use less water and energy, windows and doors that retain more heat, and that earth-friendly materials are used for construction.

Such upgrades to homes are certainly somewhat more expensive than their more wasteful alternatives and, of course, there was a time when consumers were unwilling to pay extra for these “luxuries.” However, the day has come in which many Canadians will happily pay a premium for environmentally safer options. Why now? It’s simple: with all of the press the Earth has been getting recently regarding its dire environmental circumstances, Canadians are finding themselves with a renewed sense of obligation to take care of the planet, and they’re willing to put their money in to support the effort.

What’s more, people are increasingly realizing that green property makes for a more sound investment because of future law changes and because of the savings to be had in the long run.

Toronto builders join the eco-friendly property effort

Toronto, perhaps Canada’s most famous city, is home to plenty of new development, including a major new residential project by the Monarch Group, due to be completed this spring. Called “Evergreen,” this development consists of a mixture of townhouses and single-family homes, all of which are designed to meet the strictest of efficiency standards.

The prices for these homes are - perhaps surprisingly - quite reasonable, mainly because the Monarch Group believes that the financial responsibility of looking after the environment shouldn’t just be borne by buyers. They are willingly sacrificing what might have been wider profit margins in order to help make Evergreen homes more affordable for consumers. Costs do go up slightly for both buyers and sellers, but for the benefit of the planet and its inhabitants - including, of course, the buyers and sellers of Evergreen properties - and for the peace of mind of knowing that one’s property is in line with future environmental expectations, the expense is certainly worthwhile.

Evergreen’s slogan is: “It’s Our Nature,” and it’s got a dual meaning that many Canadians have taken to heart. More than ever, Canadians are turning to greener properties not just for the healthier living environment and cheaper utility bills, but also because they recognize their vested interest in sustaining the environment that sustains us all.

A new residential resort in Cyprus, which aims to re-define luxury living whilst at the same time having a minimal impact on the environment, launched last week at

MIPIM 2008, in Cannes, France.

The Minthis Hills project has been created by Pafilia, in association with world renowned architect Woods Bagot and landscape architects Lovejoy London. Located in Tsada village, between Paphos, the capital of Cyprus’ western region (15 minutes away) and Polis, the Minthis Hills estate stretches across 4.9 million square metres (1,200 acres) of land, but only 100,000 m² (24.7 acres) is being built on - the rest will be encompassing all that nature has to offer with 50,000 indigenous plants and trees and being planted to embellish the surrounding area.

Minthis Hills will consist of two, three, four and five bedroom villas, bungalows and junior villas and will incorporate the existing 18 hole par 71 championship golf course, which is being revamped. A large new clubhouse is under construction, and other top-notch facilities will be on offer to residents, including a spa, health club, tennis courts, nature trails (for walkers and mountain bikers), restaurants and a full concierge service.

Sensitive to Nature

The idea behind the Minthis Hills project was to integrate the architecture sensitively with the landscape, make full use of local natural materials and work with the local ecology. The properties are designed to fit in with the contours of the hillside, so they don’t look out of place, and all of the 600 homes will have a view - of the sea, mountains or golf course.

Rob Steul, principal at Woods Bagot, explains how they came up with the architectural design for Minthis Hills, “We spent a lot of time studying Cypriot vernacular architecture, particularly the traditional stone houses and buildings in the mountain villages,” he says.

“These buildings were perfectly suited to their climate and landscape and developed over the centuries, and we wanted to use these building techniques in the house designs. We took the main elements of stone walls, courtyards, natural ventilation and single pitched roofs and reinterpreted them in a modern way. While being of our time, the houses fit seamlessly with the environment as well as the traditional architecture.”

In idea behind the Minthis Hills development is to provide the best of both worlds. Minthis Hills will offer a luxury rural escape for either permanent residents or holidaymakers, at the same time allowing residents easy access to a great range of facilities, amenities and leisure activities.

At this stage it looks promising and it is always good to hear of developments that are sensitive to the existing environment, and built to minimise the impact on the area’s natural beauty and landscape.