Welcome to The Gentle Side of Infill, the Energy Efficient Homes blog.
Garden Suites, Laneway Houses, Garage Suites, Granny Flats, Backyard Homes… gentle infill goes by many names. Recently, infill has become a hot topic in Edmonton, especially in mature neighbourhoods where change can be sensitive. But at Energy Efficient Homes, we believe there’s a better way to tackle Edmonton’s housing crisis: one that respects the past, serves the present, and builds wisely for the future.
We thought the best way to demonstrate our values and help you see the real benefits of working with us is to take you on a journey. Step by step, we’ll walk you through the real story of a garden suite we’re building right here in Edmonton.
What Is Ethical Infill?
Ethical infill is a thoughtful, community-conscious approach to building in mature neighbourhoods. It isn’t about refusing change, it’s about making sure the change respects the people already living next door. That means homes that blend into the neighbourhood, avoiding massing that blocks out sunlight, and ensuring that there’s enough parking for every unit.
In Edmonton, ethical infill means preserving the charm and character of established communities while making space for modern family needs. Whether it’s a garage suite for aging parents, a rental unit for extra income, or a private space for a grown child who’s back at home, an energy-efficient garden suite adds value without disruption.
At Energy Efficient Homes, we specialize in building energy-efficient garden suites and gentle infill projects that honour Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to grow our city, one backyard at a time.
We build with a common-sense approach, using superior insulation and airtight construction to minimize heat loss and keep the home at a comfortable temperature year-round. Energy audits show that our homes perform twice as well in energy conservation compared to typical builds in Edmonton.
Mature neighbourhoods like Glenora, Bonnie Doon, Ritchie, Windsor Park, and Strathcona are just a few of the places where thoughtful infill is helping these communities continue to thrive and grow.
Following the Journey: A Garden Suite in the Making
We believe the best way to show you what ethical infill really looks like, and why it matters, is to bring you along for the ride.
Over the next several months, we’ll be documenting one of our latest builds: an energy-efficient garden suite in the Hazeldean neighbourhood of Edmonton. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at every stage of the process, from the first sketch to the final landscaping touch. You’ll meet the homeowners, learn about the decisions we make together, and see how we navigate zoning, design, energy efficiency, and community impact.
This isn’t just a construction story. It’s a story about family, legacy, smart design, and building in a way that feels right.
Whether you’re dreaming of building a suite for your parents, creating space for your adult kids, or looking for a future-forward investment, we hope this series helps you imagine what’s possible in your own backyard.
Considering a Gentle Infill Project?
We’d love to hear your ideas. Reach out to us at info@eehomes.ca or 780-708-4660 to start the conversation.
For more insights on thoughtful, energy-efficient infill, follow us on LinkedIn, we regularly share Edmonton’s bylaw updates, project stories, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from the Energy Efficient Homes team.
About Energy Efficient Homes
At Energy Efficient Homes, we believe infill should feel good, for your family, your neighbours, and the neighbourhood as a whole. Every project is rooted in collaboration, designed with care, and built to support a more livable, walkable Edmonton.
If you’re interested in building a garden suite for your backyard, please reach out!
