Award-Winning Home Builder in Invermere, BC: Crafting Stunning and Sustainable Custom Homes
As an award-winning home builder based in Invermere, BC, we’re thrilled to be recognized among the best in residential construction across the province. Our win reflects what drives us: thoughtful architecture, leading-edge performance, and meaningful collaboration with our clients. We design and build homes that don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them in comfort, character, and sustainability.
We’ve always believed that a truly exceptional home starts with vision—and ends with a team that knows how to bring that vision to life sustainably and beautifully. That’s why we are proud to announce that Sandcastle, was honoured with the prestigious Georgie Award for Custom Home valued $1,000,001–$1,500,000 at the 33rd Annual Georgie Awards, hosted by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC).
Meet Sandcastle: The Award-Winning Home
Nestled into a steep, sandy slope overlooking breathtaking Lake Windermere, Sandcastle presented a challenge that called for creativity and technical innovation.
Our client wanted something different in a neighbourhood otherwise dominated by Craftsman-style homes: a recreational property with crisp modern lines, low-maintenance finishes, and a layout designed for connection. From the first sketch to the final polish, Sandcastle delivered on all fronts.
Form Meets Function
The plan was client-led, focusing on creating generous gathering spaces while keeping private areas modest and serene. Inside the home, an expansive foyer leads into a discreet mudroom and adjacent garage—an efficient and welcome transition zone that suits both everyday living and extended holiday stays.
At the heart of the home is a custom-crafted staircase, bathed in natural light, leading up to a living space that frames sweeping lake views. Whether you’re curled up with a book or hosting a house full of guests, the space adjusts effortlessly. The open layout flows naturally between the living room, decks, and dining room, offering a seamless environment for both relaxation and celebration.
Material Beauty and Durability
Locally sourced and milled Douglas Fir ceilings, trims, and stairs anchor the home in British Columbia warmth and durability. Engineered wood floors deliver warmth and durability. The heated, polished concrete floors stand up to high-traffic use. Custom cabinetry and the handcrafted copper hood vent add elegance to a functional and durable kitchen.
No matter how small, every design element provides beauty and purpose. Even the tile-clad fireplace, which stands tall in the central space, becomes an architectural sculpture in its own right.
Modest bedrooms are intentionally tucked away from the activity, providing peace and privacy for family and guests. This kind of thoughtful planning is what sets a thinkBright home apart.
Built for Performance
As passionate advocates for high-performance building, we took Sandcastle to Step Code 5, the highest tier of BC’s Energy Step Code. From its airtight envelope (0.8 ACH) and super-insulated ICF foundation (R-41) to its R-65 roof and ductless heat-pump system, this home was built not just to impress—but to perform.
We worked with some of BC’s most forward-thinking partners to prefabricate components locally, including Collective Carpentry, Dusk Building Systems, and a talented mechanical team that delivered a house that performs as a system.
Other sustainable features include:
- Triple-pane tilt-and-turn Innotech windows for maximum thermal comfort and light.
- Fly-ash concrete reduced the carbon load of the concrete by 40%.
- Cellulose insulation further reduces embodied carbon.
- Non-combustible cladding, increasing wildfire resilience.
- A right-sized ventilation system protecting indoor air quality even during smoke season.
This integrated design process helped us overcome the complex constraints of the site, creating a structure that is as strong and efficient as it is elegant.
Designed for the Future
We don’t just build for today. We build forever homes—structures designed to stand the test of time, both aesthetically and environmentally. Sandcastle is a real-world example of how collaboration, performance-driven design, and environmental stewardship can come together to create something truly meaningful.
Winning a Georgie Award is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, but it’s not our end goal. What matters most is that our clients love where they live—and that we leave behind homes that are good for people and the planet.
Curiosity Corner: What People Ask Us Most
What is Step Code 5, and why does it matter?
Step Code 5 is the highest level of energy efficiency currently recognized under BC’s Energy Step Code. Homes built to Step 5 are airtight, highly insulated, and exceptionally energy-efficient, meaning they require less energy to heat and cool—making them more comfortable and less costly to operate over time.
Why use prefabricated components?
Prefabricated wall and roof assemblies offer precision, speed, and reduced waste. They’re crafted in controlled environments and designed to fit together like a puzzle on site. For a complex build like Sandcastle, it was the ideal way to maintain both structural integrity and performance.
Can a high-performance home still be beautiful?
Absolutely. We believe that performance and aesthetics are not mutually exclusive. In fact, when done right, they enhance each other. Sandcastle blends contemporary style with warm natural materials and a sleek, durable finish—proving that you can have both.
Do you work with clients outside of Invermere?
Yes! While we’re proud to be an award-winning homebuilder in Invermere, we work throughout the Columbia Valley and beyond. We’re happy to collaborate with clients and communities who share our vision for sustainable, beautifully crafted homes.
How early should I contact thinkBright if I’m planning to build?
The earlier, the better. We’re able to deliver on our promise of affordability, low carbon, and high-performance when we can begin working with you at the concept stage. This allows us to guide the design and performance aspects together, ensuring your home is exactly what you need—without compromise.
Ready to Build Something Bright?
Whether you dream of a lakeside retreat, a permanent family home, or a bold architectural statement, award-winning home builder in Invermere, thinkBright Custom Homes is ready to bring your vision to life. With award-winning experience, sustainable building practices, and a deep connection to Invermere and the Columbia Valley, we’re here to build homes that last—and inspire.
Let’s talk about what’s possible. Contact us today.
