On November 2nd, 2024, our Hobin Architecture team joined industry professionals at the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association’s Housing Design Awards in downtown Ottawa.
We were filled with gratitude and pride to see our projects recognized, with 11 finalist entries and 5 trophies brought home. Each recognition by GOHBA reflects the dedication of our team members and valued community partners, as well as our commitment to innovative design, sustainable building practices, and creating spaces that enhance our communities.
“We are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to create these wonderful living spaces. The team effort behind each and every one of them is monumental, and it feels good to have that recognized in such a prestigious way.
— Steve Clifford, Senior Associate
Award-Winning Projects
ECHO
ECHO is a striking design that combines strong vertical and horizontal lines, expansive glazing, and cascading terraces. With 53 contemporary homes overlooking the Rideau Canal, this project merges thoughtful urban architecture with a refined, modern aesthetic.
Project Team: Barry J. Hobin, Doug Brooks, Rheal Labelle, Doug Van Den Ham, Alison Legere, Steve Clifford, Sean O’Rourke, Noor Alqaaod, Daniel Boulanger
Rolling Hills Retreat
Rolling Hills Retreat is a 3,800 sq. ft. bungalow that blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Inspired by traditional barns and farmhouses, the home’s exterior features a durable metal roof, natural stone, and wood, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Expansive glass connecting links provide a sense of openness, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and seamlessly integrating the natural beauty of the landscape.
The property includes a luxurious swimming pool and spa, designed for relaxation and tranquility. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while black-framed windows, exposed wood trusses, and stone fireplaces enhance the rustic, modern feel. The sleek kitchen and a fully enclosed outdoor room with a wood-burning fireplace offer comfort and style year-round. The versatile study/music room, with a sliding glass partition, provides acoustic privacy while maintaining the home’s airy, connected layout—making it a perfect retreat in nature.
Project Team: Barry J. Hobin, Kent Bugatsch, Hugo Latreille
“Rolling Hills Retreat is a house inspired by the landscape, configured to allow distant views of the rolling hills. The design of the house is quite minimalist and elegant, in order to blend in with the vernacular architecture of the area. Local materials such as reclaimed lumber siding and standing seam metal roofing were used to be reminiscent of farm buildings found nearby.
I think the judges appreciated that the minimalistic design was hard to achieve, with the complex but well-executed details found in this home. This, paired with the warm and inviting interior and spectacular landscape, made for a house that was sure to be recognized.”
— Hugo Latreille, Intern Architect
Peridot
Peridot is an exclusive community of seven homes nestled between Prince of Wales Drive, the Central Experimental Farm, and the Rideau Canal. Each model emphasizes wood, natural stone, and intricate detailing to create a balanced and sophisticated design.
Notably, four of the homes along the access avenue feature a prominent corner staircase that anchors the home’s layout. Wrapped in a wooden slat screen, this staircase glows softly in the evening, guiding visitors with a warm, inviting presence. The Peridot community offers stunning views both from the inside out and outside in.
Project Team: Barry J. Hobin, Kent Bugatsch, Hugo Latreille
The Beckett at Peridot
The Beckett at Peridot is a 2,479 sq. ft., three-story home in a seven-home enclave that combines luxury, functionality, and contemporary design. With expansive glazing and corner windows, the home offers breathtaking views of the Rideau Canal and surrounding greenspace. A masonry base and natural wood siding add warmth to the exterior, while light hardwood floors, a glass-walled staircase, and an open floor plan enhance the airy interior. Thoughtful amenities include a spacious entry, multiple bathrooms, a great room, a kitchen with a walk-in pantry, and a third-floor laundry. Every detail frames the natural landscape, creating an urban oasis rooted in elegance and comfort.
Project Team: Barry J. Hobin, Kent Bugatsch, Hugo Latreille
686 Echo Drive
Situated between Echo Drive and Riverdale Avenue in Old Ottawa South, this modern custom home overlooks the Rideau Canal, showcasing breathtaking views through oversized windows and outdoor terraces across three levels. Inside and out, the design achieves a refined balance of neutral tones and warm, natural materials, with the owners moving in earlier this year.
This project embodies contemporary architecture and an innovative design tailored to its unique “through” lot. With frontages on both the vibrant Riverdale Avenue and the serene Echo Drive, the home offers stunning perspectives of the Rideau Canal.
Project Team: Barry J. Hobin, Todd Duckworth, Wayne Fralic, Jennifer Adams
“Beyond the programmatic checklist for any house, our team strives to celebrate the experience of place through our designs. At the Echo house, while all the principal rooms and spaces are accounted for on the lower floors, this indoor/outdoor rooftop living area creates a unique engagement between the home and its special context on the Rideau Canal.”
— Todd Duckworth, Associate, Intern Architect
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these achievements, we’re excited to continue innovating and creating spaces that honour both our communities and the environment around us.
Here’s to continuing meaningful projects in the year to come, as we build on a foundation of gratitude, collaboration, and sustainable design.
Photos from the Awards Gala
