In the serene coastal neighborhood of Gonzales, Victoria, a new vision for sustainable living is taking shape. The Summerhouse project a collaboration between Trail Appliances' Multi-Family Builder (MFB) team, Bertazzoni, and Aryze Developments represents more than just another housing development. It embodies what happens when companies with deep family roots unite around a shared commitment to community and sustainability.

"Family isn't just a word, it's the foundation of trust," explains Jason Broderick, CEO of Trail Appliances. This guiding principle has driven Trail's evolution from a small Calgary bottle depot in 1974 to Western Canada's largest appliance retailer and now underpins this pioneering partnership with Aryze Developments and Bertazzoni appliances.

Project Overview: Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Communities

Nestled in Victoria's coveted Gonzales neighborhood, Summerhouse features 58 thoughtfully designed townhomes and condominiums that prioritize walkability, coastal access, and climate resilience. The development's architecture, crafted by renowned Cascadia Architects, meets the rigorous BC Step Code 4 standards—making these homes among the most energy-efficient in British Columbia.

Each residence comes equipped with:

• Solar-ready roofing infrastructure

• All-electric HVAC systems

• High-performance building envelopes

• Energy-efficient Bertazzoni appliance packages

• Smart home energy management systems

What distinguishes Summerhouse isn't just its technical specifications, but how these elements harmonize to create homes that are as beautiful as they are sustainable.

When Values Align: The Power of Partnership

The collaboration between Trail Appliances, Bertazzoni, and Aryze Developments demonstrates how shared values can transform urban housing. Each partner brings generational expertise to the project:

Bertazzoni: Italian Engineering Meets Sustainability

Selected for both their ENERGY STAR® certification and aesthetic excellence, Bertazzoni's appliances embody the perfect balance between performance and sustainability. The Italian manufacturer's induction cooktops and dual-fuel ranges align seamlessly with Summerhouse's zero-carbon vision while delivering the culinary precision homeowners desire.

At the Summerhouse Presentation Centre opening, Federico Bertazzoni emphasized the connection between family legacy and sustainability:

"Our appliances are heirlooms crafted to last generations. When companies with over 200 years of combined family business experience come together, we don't just build homes we build legacies."

Trail Appliances MFB Team: Where Accountability Creates Trust

Trail Appliances’ journey mirrors the growth of Western Canada itself. From humble beginnings as a Calgary bottle depot in 1974 to becoming the region's most trusted appliance retailer over three generations of family leadership, Trail has maintained its focus on relationships over transactions.

"We're not just suppliers; we're problem-solving partners," notes James Reynolds, President of Trail Appliances. "Our Multi-Family Builder Division understands that developers need more than just quality products they need a team that anticipates challenges and delivers solutions before they become problems."

Aryze Developments: Community as Cornerstone

Aryze's commitment to sustainable community building aligns perfectly with Trail's customer-first approach. Beyond environmental considerations, Aryze prioritized social sustainability by ensuring 20% of Summerhouse homes are priced below market rate creating a truly diverse community.

"Trail understood our vision from the first meeting," shared an Aryze project manager. "Their team didn't just focus on supplying appliances; they actively contributed ideas that enhanced our sustainability goals while respecting our budget constraints."

Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration

The partnership faced its share of challenges, particularly in coordinating Bertazzoni's Italy-based production with Summerhouse's ambitious timeline. This is where Trail's unique regional infrastructure proved invaluable.

Challenge: Aligning international manufacturing schedules with local construction timelines during global supply chain disruptions

Solution: Trail leveraged its extensive BC warehousing capabilities to stage appliances strategically, reducing delivery lead times and ensuring perfect-condition installation

This solution exemplifies the value of working with a Western Canadian company that understands local markets and maintains regional infrastructure a key differentiator for Trail's MFB division.

Measurable Impact: The Triple Bottom Line

The Summerhouse collaboration has yielded impressive results across multiple dimensions:

For Community:

• 25% estimated energy cost savings from the synergy between appliances and building design

• Reduced carbon footprint without sacrificing luxury or performance

• Access to Trail's legendary customer service and lifetime support

For Homeowners:

• 25% estimated energy cost savings from the synergy between appliances and building design

• Reduced carbon footprint without sacrificing luxury or performance

• Access to Trail's legendary customer service and lifetime support

For Aryze:

• 98% pre-sale satisfaction rating

• 70% of buyers cited the premium, sustainable appliance package as a key selling point

• Strengthened reputation as a leader in sustainable development

The Trail Difference: Beyond Conventional Appliance Supply

What separates Trail's Multi-Family Builder division from competitors goes beyond products to encompass a comprehensive service approach:

This service-first approach has proven particularly valuable for developers navigating the complexities of sustainable building requirements, where specialized knowledge and flexibility are essential.

Looking Forward: A Blueprint for Future Developments

The Summerhouse project provides a compelling template for future sustainable developments across Western Canada. By demonstrating that net-zero-ready homes can be both luxurious and commercially viable, Trail Appliances, Bertazzoni, and Aryze have created a roadmap others can follow.

"The multi-family building sector is embracing sustainability, not just as a regulatory requirement but as a market advantage," explains Jason Broderick. "At Trail, we're uniquely positioned to help developers navigate this transition through our combination of premium sustainable appliance options and specialized project management expertise."

As Trail Appliances continues to expand its Multi-Family Builder Division, the Summerhouse project stands as testament to what's possible when family-owned businesses unite around shared values and a common vision for a more sustainable future.