Wilden, sustainably-minded developer and Kelowna*s largest master-planned community, today introduced Okanagan’s first home–and one of the first in British Columbia–to be built with hemp insulation, a pioneering step in sustainable residential construction. Located at 278 Summer Wood Drive, this innovative home embodies Wilden’s core philosophy of blending cutting-edge energy efficiency with healthy, eco-friendly materials to offer future homeowners an unparalleled living experience.

Designed to meet British Columbia’s highest energy efficiency standards, this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home spans 2,430 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, plus a fully finished 847-square-foot legal suite. It is located in Wilden’s Echo Ridge neighborhood at one of the trail heads leading up to Wilden Ridge, a hiking area with stunning lake views. From Wilden it’s only a short drive to downtown Kelowna, UBC Okanagan, and the airport.

A high-performance, carbon-negative material, hemp boosts thermal efficiency, enhances soundproofing, and improves indoor air quality. Unlike traditional insulation, it is non-allergenic, low in VOCs, and free from synthetic toxins, offering a healthier, more sustainable alternative.

Hemp naturally absorbs and stores CO₂, sequestering 1.5 to 2 times its weight in carbon during its rapid 3–4 months growth cycle. By replacing fiberglass with hemp in this house, the embodied carbon was reduced significantly.

Built to meet B.C. Energy Step Code 5 standards, this net-zero ready home is designed for optimal energy efficiency, reduced consumption, cost savings, and a lower environmental footprint. Key Features include:

•    Solar-Optimized Design: Roof layout designed to accommodate future solar panel installation and make the home fully net zero.

•    Airtight Construction: Under 1 ACH (air exchange per hour) thanks to high-performance envelope and sealing.

•    High-Efficiency Heating & Cooling: An air-source heat pump with a small gas furnace backup ensures year-round climate control.

•    Heat Pump Water Heater: Reduces reliance on natural gas, lowering energy costs.

•    EV Charging Ready: Pre-wired to support electric vehicle charging.

By integrating hemp insulation, high-performance energy systems, and airtight construction, this project demonstrates a scalable approach to sustainable homebuilding in British Columbia.

“Building with hemp insulation represents an exciting step forward in sustainable construction,” said Karin Eger-Blenk, CEO of the Wilden Group. “This home reflects our commitment to reducing the environmental impact not only when it comes to home operations, but also in selecting better materials.”