S2 | Rewind Design | E16 Building the Future: Sustainable Homes with Stratton Homes
Stratton Homes
Mission Statement To build A home like no other. giving attention and purpose to every corner, from the outside in.
Photo: Jessica Crandelmire
Today’s episode of the Rewind Design Podcast is being brought to you by the ThinkBoyd Real Estate Team. The Team of Nicole and Geoff believe that buying or selling real estate is more than just a transaction – it’s a connection that should feel like working with family. For their local perspective and sage advice, If you’re thinking of buying or selling, think Boyd. Part of Royal LePage Team Advantage, Realty Brokerage Inc. Think Boyd Real Estate Team.
Welcome to Episode 16 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the Cottage Country.
In this episode of the Rewind Design podcast, Katy sits down with Kyle and Morgan of Stratton Homes to delve into their journeys from construction backgrounds to pioneers in sustainable building. Discover how their partnership blends traditional building techniques with forward-thinking sustainability, aiming to create energy-efficient homes without sacrificing quality or comfort. Learn about their strategic approach to site development that respects the natural environment and how they handle the challenges of establishing a systematic approach in speculative and custom home markets.
Additionally, the episode explores the structure and roles within Stratton Homes, the importance of building a legacy beyond profit, and their commitment to community-based projects, including their collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Join the discussion on how Stratton is setting new standards in the home building industry by focusing on sustainable practices, efficient project management, and community impact.
IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
From Construction Sites to Custom Homes – Discover how Kyle and Morgan’s lifelong passion for building led them to create Stratton Homes, blending craftsmanship with sustainability.
Bringing the Outside In – Learn the story behind Stratton Homes' name, their mission to redefine energy-efficient living, and the vision that drives their designs.
Net Zero Design 101: Learn how homes can produce as much energy as they consume with smart tech like solar panels, high-efficiency insulation, and air-source heat pumps.
Sustainable Design Done Right – From Canadian-made materials to high-performance insulation, we’re breaking down the small details that make a big impact on comfort, durability, and energy efficiency.
LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW BELOW!
Questions for Kyle + Morgan!
General Questions for Both Kyle and Morgan
Where are you both from, and how long have you been working in the design industry?
Kyle Newman: Kyle has been immersed in the residential construction industry since the 1990s. Starting at a young age on active construction sites alongside his father, he developed a strong foundation in the industry. Over the years, Kyle has lived across Ontario and worked on construction projects throughout Canada, gaining a wide breadth of experience. While he’s worked in many places, Kyle considers Huntsville his home. By the 2010s, he transitioned into the Design-Build sector, combining his hands-on experience with a passion for creating thoughtful, well-designed homes.
Morgan Shaver: Morgan brings over 25 years of experience crafting custom luxury homes to his role as Director of Operations and Construction at Stratton Homes. Originally from Southwestern Ontario, Morgan now calls Huntsville his home. His background and dedication to precision make him a key player in ensuring every project reflects the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
How did the two of you connect to join forces to form Stratton Design?
In addition to Kyle and Morgan, Stratton Homes was founded in collaboration with partners Kristin Newman and Valerie Schrauwen. The partnership officially came together in 2019 when Kyle decided to shift his career focus. After selling his ownership in a well-established local homebuilding company, Kyle set out to build a new business from the ground up, driven by his vision for a legacy of proactive project management and sustainable building practices. During this time, Kyle and Morgan collaborated on building Morgan’s family home, realizing their shared values and complementary skill sets, which ultimately led to the creation of Stratton Homes and the start of their first spec home project.
Can you speak a little about your company, and how it was founded? Where does the name come from?
The name Stratton comes from the historical name of a geographic township within Algonquin Park. This area was a favorite spot of Tom Thomson and includes Grand Lake, where he gained inspiration for his iconic painting, "The Jack Pine." Interestingly, this is also the location of a cabin Thomson affectionately named "The Out-Side In," which inspired our motto, "Bringing the Outside In." Stratton Homes focuses on building beautiful energy-efficient homes, aiming to lead a shift in the construction industry toward more sustainable practices.
Stratton Lake Township
Stratton Township, with its diverse terrain and scenic vistas, served as a significant source of inspiration for Tom Thomson's artwork. The township's forests, lakes, and winding rivers provided endless subject matter for his paintings.
What inspired you both to work in this industry, specifically in the residential sector?
Kyle Newman: During a Grade 12 Environmental Science class over 20 years ago, Kyle realized his career would focus on building energy-efficient and sustainable homes. This moment sparked his commitment to creating homes that balance sustainability, design, and comfort—ensuring these elements enhance, rather than disrupt, the lives of homeowners. For Kyle, the key to making a significant impact is showing that living sustainably doesn’t come with sacrifices—it’s about improving quality of life while protecting the planet.
Morgan Shaver: Morgan’s extensive experience in crafting custom luxury homes reflects his passion for progress and creating something from nothing. On-site, he embraces his skills and heritage, taking a positive approach to construction. Morgan thrives on seeing a project come to life and loves the satisfaction that comes from creating homes with purpose and precision. His goal-driven mindset and ability to anticipate and resolve issues before they arise make him an invaluable asset to a project.
Can you describe your roles in the company?
Kyle Newman: As Chief Executive Officer, Kyle’s role is about setting a clear vision and building a strong, cohesive team to bring that vision to life. He leads Stratton Homes with a focus on creating energy-efficient, sustainable homes, all while fostering a positive company culture. Kyle thrives on guiding his team and ensuring every project not only meets but exceeds the values of quality, innovation, and integrity, delivering homes that reflect his vision for sustainability and craftsmanship.
Morgan Shaver: As Director of Operations and Construction, Morgan works closely with site teams and trades to ensure every project adheres to the defined scope, schedule, and budget. He thrives on maintaining momentum, resolving issues before they arise, and fostering a positive environment on-site. Morgan’s hands-on approach and dedication to precision make him a vital force in delivering projects that meet the highest standards.
Net Zero Ready Builds
390% A typical home built to conventional standards produces an estimated 390% more greenhouse gas emissions than a Stratton built Net Zero and Net Zero Ready home. (CO2e)(tonnes/year).
In Relation to Cottage Design
What areas of Cottage Country do you work in, and what are the main types of projects you do?
We currently focus on building within a one-hour radius of Huntsville. As our client base grows, we’re looking at expanding into new areas where we can confidently deliver the same high standards of quality and service. This growth depends on having reliable trades and experienced site supervisors to maintain the craftsmanship we’re known for.
Whether it’s a single-family home, a dock and boathouse, or a large-scale custom cottage, our projects typically range from $800k to $10MM. This allows us to focus on thoughtful designs and exceptional quality while delivering homes that truly stand out.
How did you start designing and building cottages, and have you always been passionate about this?
Kyle and Morgan grew up in families immersed in construction, and their passion for design started early—both were sketching homes and buildings for fun before they were 10 years old. As they gained hands-on experience, they each took the step of building their own homes. This process deepened their understanding of what makes a great living space, from the technical side of construction to the small details that create a home. Over time, this personal journey evolved into working with clients, where they combine their love for design with a commitment to creating thoughtful, sustainable homes.
Can you briefly describe your general design process from start to finish?
We start with a site meeting to get to know the client and understand their wants, needs, and any critical factors like budget, schedule, and scope. From there, we help figure out the best path forward. If their expectations are clear, we’ll often work directly with them to create a floor plan and vision, collaborating closely with a designer along the way. If the client’s vision is less defined, we bring in a tailored design team to help shape their goals into reality. It’s all about creating a process that works best for the client and sets the stage for a successful build.
Sustainable Materials
We prioritize sourcing sustainable and recyclable materials wherever possible. Sustainability is woven into your home.
How does cottage design differ from designing for a principal residence in a city?
We focus on bringing the outside in. Muskoka draws us all in because of its stunning natural setting, and we design our homes to honor and respect what was here before. By taking advantage of the views and working with the natural landscape, we create spaces that feel like they truly belong.
How would you describe/define sustainable design in cottage country?
Sustainable design involves building energy-efficient homes that reduce carbon footprints, save homeowners money, and seamlessly integrate with the natural environment.
What is most important to you and your firm?
We focus on building homes that last—homes that not only stand up to the elements but also help set the standard for sustainability in construction. For us, it’s not just about adding green features; it’s about creating a legacy of better, more thoughtful building practices that future generations can be proud of.
How many members are on the Stratton team?
Our team is made up of four dedicated leaders, each bringing unique expertise to the table. Alongside them, we have three full-time site supervisors who ensure everything runs smoothly on the ground. We’re also proud to work with a committed team of trades who share our passion for quality craftsmanship and sustainability.
Generational
Our homes believe in a long and welcoming future where we begin to embrace and protect.
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn
In Relation to Net Zero and Sustainability
Can you describe for the listeners the basics of Net Zero Design?
Net Zero Design involves creating homes that can produce as much energy as they consume when equipped with renewable energy technologies such as solar panels. Features include air-source heat pump systems, high-efficiency insulation, and energy recovery ventilators.
How is the decision made to build new versus renovating existing?
Deciding between building new or renovating really depends on what the client wants and the unique challenges we see in Muskoka. For example, older homes often don’t have enough space for proper ventilation and insulation because older roof designs didn’t allow for enough height at the heel of the rafter. Sometimes the foundation—or lack of one—and the structure aren’t a good starting point either. Plus, windows and doors can be too small, which means a lot of extra work reframing openings and transferring loads to the foundation. On the flip side, some clients want to preserve the sentimental value of an older building, which is always an important consideration. Renovations can also bring surprises, like hidden costs or the need for skilled labor, which can be both hard to find and expensive around here. To help clients decide, we usually prepare a rough budget for both options. That way, they can weigh the costs and make an informed decision that works best for them.
What ways do you incorporate the natural landscape and environment into your design?
We believe in building to suit the land instead of making the land suit the build. This means designing homes that take full advantage of the natural surroundings with big windows to capture the views and open layouts that feel connected to the outdoors. It’s about creating spaces that truly feel like they belong, all while preserving as much of the existing topography and natural setting as possible.
Where do you source your building materials, and how do you decide on the materiality of the project?
We’re big on using local suppliers and materials whenever we can, especially from Ontario. It’s not just about cutting down on transportation—it’s about making sure the materials are top-notch and built to last. High-quality products mean less waste and a longer usable life, which is a huge part of sustainability.
The Stratton
Difference
No other home builder in Muskoka is as dedicated to preserving our world and bringing your home to life.
Sustainable Design
Could you share any local materials used in your projects?
We make it a priority to use Canadian-made materials wherever possible, including siding, windows, and plumbing fixtures. These choices not only support local industries but also ensure high quality and durability, which align perfectly with our sustainability goals.
What are some design/architectural features often overlooked but included in your designs?
We’re all about creating spaces that just feel right. The designs flow naturally, making the most of every inch while keeping things efficient and functional. Features like interior glass partitions help smaller spaces feel bright and open. On top of that, using high-quality materials and systems like top-notch insulation and energy recovery ensures homes are cozy and comfortable no matter the season. It’s about combining smart layouts with quality to create spaces that are a joy to live in year-round.
What is the most important design decision when focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency?
The first step in building efficiently is starting with a tightly sealed, well-insulated homes combined with efficient HVAC systems while preparing for renewable energy solutions like solar panels.
We’re diving deeper into the idea of embodied carbon lately because it could be even more important than operational carbon. Embodied carbon includes all the emissions linked to the materials in a build—from how they’re produced to how they’re transported and used. We’re exploring ways to cut back on concrete in our foundations and floors, and we’re also looking at materials like cellulose insulation that can actually sequester carbon. It’s exciting to think about how these changes can make a real difference.
Can you discuss innovative technologies or concepts incorporated into your projects?
We’re really proud of the features we include in our homes to make them energy efficient and sustainable. Things like air-source heat pumps, energy recovery ventilators, and advanced insulation techniques all play a huge role. We also integrate smart home technology to help optimize energy use and prepare for renewable energy systems like solar panels. It’s all about future-proofing these homes while keeping them comfortable and efficient.
Sustainable
Too many homes are built without thought for our planet. Stratton homes are constantly pushing towards a sustainable future.
Ending Questions
What were some of the most exciting and unique design choices you’ve made recently?
We’ve done some really exciting work recently, like incorporating custom walnut millwork and reclaimed elm floors at Fieldstone. The use of reclaimed materials adds character and a sense of history, while also aligning with our sustainability goals. We’ve also embraced naturalized landscaping in projects like Deerhurst Highlands, showcasing our focus on blending luxury with the beauty of natural surroundings.
Can you share any upcoming or future projects Stratton has in the pipeline?
Stratton Homes is putting more energy into custom Net Zero homes, combining energy efficiency with personalized, luxurious designs. They're also working on resort properties that stay true to their sustainable values, using features like biophilic design, renewable energy systems, and spaces focused on wellness. These projects are about long-term environmental harmony and better living. On top of that, they're teaming up with Habitat for Humanity to help create Net Zero Ready homes and make sustainable living more accessible to more people.
THANK YOU STRATTON HOMES!
Today’s episode was brought to you by the ThinkBoyd Real Estate Team. The Team of Nicole and Geoff believe that buying or selling real estate is more than just a transaction – it’s a connection that should feel like working with family. For their local perspective and sage advice, If you’re thinking of buying or selling, think Boyd. Part of Royal LePage Team Advantage, Realty Brokerage Inc. Think Boyd Real Estate Team.
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