When Damon Gray left school at fifteen in Orewa, New Zealand, he had no idea his tenacity for building and passion for pushing boundaries would one day transform housing design in Canada. Known as “Damo” to friends and colleagues, he spent four years in California before settling on Vancouver Island, where he confronted the realities of conventional construction. Too often, he was renovating homes that were rotten, pest-ridden, and built with little foresight. These experiences shaped his conviction: homes must be built to last, with building science and material selection guiding healthier lifestyles.

In 2004, Damon founded NZ Builders, introducing a more resilient approach to construction. He made headlines as the first in western Canada to bring a concrete tilt-up system into residential use. His own home, “Wain Road,” became a living case study, celebrated internationally as one of Vancouver Island’s first Net Zero homes. For Damon and NZ Builders, the philosophy of “build better, live better” has driven them to pioneer projects that are not only structurally sound but also integrate Passive House principles and aspects of the Living Building Challenge.

THE BEACH HOUSE

One of the most striking examples of this approach is the Beach House. Industrial in inspiration yet warm in atmosphere, the home demonstrates what is possible when durability, artistry, and efficiency come together.

The house features some of the most diverse concrete finishes. One entire exterior panel carries a life-size image of a Garry Oak tree, captured by the homeowners and permanently etched into the concrete.

Inside, polished concrete flooring incorporates ornate wood inlays beneath the beds, while mixed-media walls add depth and character. Built-in concrete features, from a sculpted bathtub to intimate seating areas, create an unexpected sense of coziness within the minimalist frame. Doors and windows by Complete Windows enhance energy efficiency and natural light, while custom millwork by Jason Good Millwork brings warmth and craftsmanship to the interiors. Artisanal steelwork by Vancouver Island blacksmith Jake James adds striking detail, and a fully integrated automation system by Wenner Smart Home Systems elevates convenience and efficiency.

At the heart of the build is MONOLITH’S Tilt-Up CIP System. “Considering the wet climate we have on the coast, it is surprising this is the first concrete tilt-up house in Canada,” says Damon. Tilt-up construction casts insulated wall panels on-site, then tilts them into position with cranes. The result is a complete wall system—interior and exterior concrete with insulation in between—that replaces conventional assemblies from drywall to cladding. Though more costly than traditional methods, it delivers superior durability, resilience, and design flexibility.

The ideals of a well-built home are straightforward: high insulation values, airtightness, and windows designed to last. Insulation must be continuous, not just in the walls but beneath footings and slab. As Damon explains, a home is like a body—you would not step outside in winter without socks or shoes.

Airtight construction is equally vital. The old notion of a house “breathing” is outdated; uncontrolled airflow causes decay. Instead, an HRV or ERV system with 95% heat recovery refreshes all air every two and a half hours while maintaining warmth and humidity. The result is healthier indoor air and stable comfort with minimal energy demand.

Passive solar design integrates nature into performance. Orientation and overhangs let the sun warm interiors in winter and shade them in summer, lowering heating bills while enhancing well-being with natural light. Concrete’s thermal mass further stabilizes conditions, storing warmth in cooler months and holding temperatures within ±1 degree. Inside, polished concrete floors and embedded art make the structure both functional and expressive.

Efficiency extends to materials—Damon’s waste fees decreased 92% on a timber-frame project. Leftover concrete is repurposed for details or fill, and other materials are carefully recycled. While MONOLITH’S system raises upfront costs by about seventeen percent, its long-term benefits outweigh the investment. Durability, efficiency, reduced maintenance, and inherent fire resistance ensure lasting value. Concrete can also be coloured or textured to mimic natural finishes, combining performance with beauty.

The Beach House is more than a residence—it is a symbol of what happens when design and responsibility intersect. Guided by energy code standards, built with MONOLITH’S Tilt-Up CIP System, and finished with artisan craft, it points to the future of healthier coastal living.