Start Here »

Trade Winds
Eco-Smart Homes

HOW A LEARNING TOOL BECOMES A HOME
At Trade Winds to Success, our Eco-Smart Homes give residential construction students invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world setting. These sustainable homes not only serve as a learning tool, but are also a vital contribution to Indigenous people and communities in Alberta, addressing housing needs while empowering students to be a part of meaningful change.
Female student

Student Impact

Trade Winds to Success offers hands-on training to Indigenous students, preparing them for successful careers in the construction trades. In our workshop, students learn to use the right tools the right way, working with high-quality materials to build fully- functional small homes—homes anyone would be proud to call their own.

Through the course of building the home, students cover:
Dave
INSTRUCTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

"Learning by doing is incredibly impactful for our students. Building these homes gives them real-world experience that is invaluable for their careers in the trades. But it's more than just about learning a skill—it's about giving back to the community. The pride they feel in knowing that their work will provide a safe, energy-efficient home for someone in need is beyond words."

Dave McGuinness
Lead Carpentry Instructor

About Our Eco-Smart Homes

COMPACT LIVING
  • Studio Home:
    10’ x 26’ – 260 sq ft
  • One-Bedroom Home:
    12’ x 36’ – 432 sq ft
BUILT TO LAST
  • Supported by sturdy 9.5” x 3.4” laminated veneer lumber beams
  • 11 7/8” floor frame
STAY COZY, KEEP COOL
  • Thick insulation ensures warmth in the winter (R-40 floor; R-30 walls; R-60 ceiling)
  • Triple-glazed, Argon gas-filled windows help maintain a comfortable temperature
  • Three different wraps for moisture and air control
LONG-LASTING EXTERIOR
  • Studio Home:
    Tough vinyl siding and asphalt roofing
  • One-Bedroom Home:
    Metal siding and roofing
SAVE ENERGY
  • LED lights (90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs)
  • Efficient infrared heaters
  • 13-gallon electric hot water tank
BREATHE EASY
  • Built-in air purification system keeps the air fresh and clean
  • Heat recovery air control
READY FOR TOMORROW
  • Set up for solar power and smart home gadgets
  • Focused on energy reduction vs. energy production

Community Impact

Our Eco-Smart Homes incorporate building specifications required by net-zero standards. Designed to withstand Alberta's diverse climate conditions, these homes are thoroughly insulated, energy-efficient, and built to be transportable to their permanent location.

Finished homes are designated for
Indigenous communities.

Trade Winds has proudly sent homes to:

Gift Lake Métis Settlement
Bigstone Cree Nation
Whitefish Lake First Nation
Little Red River Cree Nation
“We keep coming back to Trade Winds because there is nothing else like the units produced by Trade Winds on the market!”

Albert Gladue
Opasikoniwew Housing Authority Director, Bigstone Cree Nation

A Special Collaboration with Lance Cardinal

In a recent project, Trade Winds to Success partnered with nationally recognized Cree artist Lance Cardinal to create a unique eco-smart small home. This home was not only a learning tool for our students but also a tribute to the legacy of Mary Collins, a beloved Trade Winds staff member whose spirit continues to inspire. The home is intricately designed to reflect Métis culture and was built under Lance's expert guidance. This collaboration exemplifies how our program blends practical skills with cultural significance, creating homes that are as meaningful as they are functional.
To learn more about this special project and the unveiling ceremony, read our full blog post detailing the story behind this extraordinary home.

Be Part of the Change

At Trade Winds, we are constantly innovating and testing high-quality products to ensure we’re building the best possible homes for our communities. Partnering with Trade Winds is an opportunity to have your brand and products associated with an emerging market of Indigenous tradespeople while supporting Indigenous communities.

GET INVOLVED »
9755 51 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 4W8
Map and Directions »
Email Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
Trade Winds logo
Start Here »

780-471-9100
or 877-362-4771