Frontiers Design/Build

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http://www.frontiersdesignbuild.com/

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Frontiers Design/Build

Frontiers is a full service design and build company based in Guelph Ontario; providing both landscape and interior renovation services

Frontiers Design Build:

Frontiers Landscape Architecture Inc: Provides clients with a professional approach -- Integrating strong design into the landscaping process. The design phase is seamlessly integrated with our sound construction services. Landscapes see an immense amount of abuse from mother nature -- it is critical that we determine not only what will look good, but how it will function

to withstand the sun, the rain, freeze/thaw, use and abuse, etc. There are many solutions available out there that are just not good enough -- it is our role to bring expertise to the table, to help the home owner find a solution that is economical, durable and aesthetic. Frontiers Custom Renovations & Homes: Attention to detail, Attention to detail, Attention to detail. Every project we set out to complete is unique, and require a custom solution. The design process is a partnership between the home owner, and Frontiers -- the home owner brings the requirements and scope, and Frontiers brings the brush to paint the picture and the expertise to ensure the solution is sound.

08/28/2026

Soaking up the summer nights in our Countryside Resort. ☀

This epic backyard has been named a finalist in the Ontario Home Builders' Association's Awards of Distinction, in the category "Outdoor Living Space."
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08/26/2026

What even is a "Ground Roof"?

When you think of a roof, you probably look up. But when protecting old stone foundations, the most crucial roof is actually underground!

In traditional Canadian home renovations, subsurface water pooling and intense freeze/thaw cycles are public enemy #1 for rubble stone foundations. Without proper intervention, water saturates the soil against the foundation, freezes, expands, and exerts massive thermal pressure. This leads to structural cracking, mortar failure, and wet basements.

A Ground Roof is an advanced subsurface water management and insulation assembly installed horizontally around the perimeter of a building. By pairing horizontal rigid insulation with an impermeable water-shedding membrane or dimple membrane, a sloped gravel bed, and perforated weeping tile, it creates a subterranean umbrella. It directs water 5+ feet AWAY from the foundation wall before it can ever sink near your footing.

We are currently implementing custom Ground Roof assemblies on two of our projects. By excavating a 2′ deep by 5′ wide perimeter trench, laying down precise 10% drainage slopes, extending vertical & horizontal XPS insulation boards, and installing sealed EPDM membranes and daylighted weeping tiles, we are permanently stabilizing these rubble stone foundations. 👊
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08/24/2026

Welcome to Waterloo Series | Pt. 2 👇

"With every non-profit dollar counting, why did the traditional three quotes and start swining hammers' model fail your search for a contractor?"
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08/21/2026

A dining, cooking and lounge areas; but outdoors. 🔥

The timber shade pergola provides a sense of enclosure, yet still open to the stars. The lighting brings a moon glow effect, providing evening functionality. Composite and PVC decking materials will maintain the aesthetic of this deck for many years to come, and be easy to maintain!
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08/19/2026

It's pour day at our Puslinch project as we wrap up the ground roof, and prepare for masonry, landscaping and other finishing touches. 👌🏻

Stay tuned for more "Doug" updates!
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08/17/2026

We sat down with Kristen Cairney, the Executive Director at Wyndham House to talk all things planning, progress and ex*****on of the expansion of their 8-room lodging house, to a new 3-storey, 10-bedroom residential building.

👉 "When transitioning to a 10-bed supportive housing project, what were your primary anxieties and constraints?"

Stay tuned as we roll out more pieces of this interview, and the full interview itself.
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08/14/2026

An aging home renovation that saw a major revamp of their main and second floor, as well as a 3 piece basement bathroom. 👊

The segmented main floor required the removal of multiple load bearing walls to create a wide open eat-in kitchen and dining space, including two tone custom kitchen, built-in appliances, wet bar and large island with seating for six.

Just off the kitchen, features a stunning living room with two storey fireplace with reclaimed wood timbers. All new hardwood floors flow throughout the first and second floor are connected by all new custom staircase and railings. The second floor features a new principle suite with built-ins and an all new principle bathroom, including curbless shower, soaker tub and custom vanity.

Looking for a home revamp? Get in touch.
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08/12/2026

Some and knowledge from one of our current projects.

👉🏻 Project is in collaboration with RDH Building Science
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08/07/2026

A high-performance bathroom reno that deserves some love.

This project involved a deep energy retrofit to a century home, transforming it into a high-peformance, energy-efficient residence.

But the key upgrades were to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, with new windows, doors and roof. With these upgrades comes a redo of the existing spaces, such as the bathrooms, to not only reduce consumption, but also better suit the lifestyles of the occupants; now making this century home a "forever home."

Looking to revamp spaces in your home to better support decades of living? Give us a shout.
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08/03/2026

Project unveiling: 221 Arthur Street North 🔥

Location: Guelph, ON
Design Partner:

221 Arthur Street North is a two-story, ~3500SF custom, net-zero ready residential new-build located in Guelph, Ontario. The project combines sustainable design with modern engineering, featuring high-performance structural assemblies, smart energy storage, and an all-electric mechanical infrastructure. Construction is slated to begin in Early August 2026.

Structure + envelope:

▪ 2-storey, single family home with building envelope
▪ Roof: R60 cellulose insulation with engineered trusses designed to support a future solar PV array.
▪ Walls: R34 insulated wall assemblies featuring prefinished wood siding and thinstone masonry cladding.
▪ Airtightness Target: < 0.6 ACH50

Mechanical + energy systems:

▪ Preliminary design features an ~18 kW solar array optimized for the southeast-facing roof.
▪ Provisions for future Tesla Powerwall system (13.5 kWh battery) installed in the garage to serve as full home backup
▪ Fully electric home with optimized with smart energy management, allowing for standard 200A electrical service.
▪ Multi-zone, cold-climate Mitsubishi ZUBA heat pump system
▪ Fully ducted ERV system for continuous fresh air.
▪ Dedicated whole-home humidity control
▪ Thermino phase-change thermal storage (60 Gal capacity) for efficient domestic hot water generation.

Stay tuned for project updates as we dive in!
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Address

Guelph, ON

Telephone

1 877 589 1068

Website