ABOUT
Hunter Sturm Spinner (HSS) Design Build Ltd. was founded in 2016 by Raphael Spinner with sustainable construction at the forefront of its mandate. We are located in Canmore, Alberta, serving the Bow Valley and beyond.
We offer energy efficient Passive House design and sustainable construction techniques to accelerate the transition towards a net zero future.
Raphael Spinner, Founder and Principal
Our Work
Vision - Accelerate the transition to sustainable and energy efficient design and construction practices in Western Canada
Mission - Using a collaborative design build approach that applies Passive House techniques, we aim to achieve efficient and timeless designs that blend with nature.
Values - Honest, natural, collaborative, and quality craftsmanship.
At HSS, we strive to create structures that resemble and respond to their natural surroundings and create comfortable living spaces to future efficiency standards and to highest quality for you to enjoy. We also strive to use natural, local materials wherever possible, and are always excited to use cutting edge, efficient materials with sustainable properties.
Engelbert Sturm
Our History
HSS Design Build’s roots stretch back to Raphael’s grandfather Engelbert Sturm (1911-2011), a Swiss wheelwright and custom woodworker. Engelbert Sturm’s attention to detail, eye for the wood and perfected craftsmanship inspired Raphael from a young age, and drove his passion to build better homes. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Raphael trained as a carpenter, timberframer and a heavy timber technician in Biel, Switzerland before embarking to Canada to seek new adventures. Now having spent most of the last decade building in Canada, Raphael blends traditional Swiss and European knowledge with Canadian techniques.
Our Team
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Raphael Spinner (CPHD), Principal, is a Swiss-trained Timberframer, Project Manager, and Heavy Timber Technician with 19 years design and build experience in mass timber construction, sustainable buildings and general construction. Raphael is also a Passive House Designer trained and certified in Canada and is passionate about energy efficient and innovative design. Having spent the last eight years in Canada, he is experienced with local building techniques, authorities and is able to turn your building vision into reality.
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Chris Rock (M.A. Sc.), Project Manager, is a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and a Certified Passive House Site Supervisor, and has an extensive background in project management and the construction industry. Chris holds a Master of Applied Science in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver, where his research focused on residential energy efficiency. Chris has spent time working constructing film sets and has many years of experience managing large scale civil projects, ensuring that these projects met deadlines and budget requirements.
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Marina Martin (CPHD, M.Phil), Designer & Sustainability Director, is a Certified Passive House Designer and holds an MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University. As a design researcher, her focus has been on traditional methods of design and exploring new applications of construction materials with sustainable properties. She is excited to put her research background into practice in the Bow Valley. At HSS, Marina’s specialties include developing our case studies, deep energy retrofits, grants, and natural materials.
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Maxim Al Buraiki (M.Arch, LEED AP, IDA, PMP) , Senior Designer hails from both Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, Maxim has extensive international architectural and interior design experience spanning the Middle East, Europe and Canada. We are excited to welcome Maxim to the team!
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Robert Klassen, Site Supervisor, is a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and first became fascinated with high-performance housing design and construction during his first renovation 25 years ago. More recently, he completed the CHBA Net Zero Builder and Renovator training programs and passed the NRCan Energy Adviser exams. His experience across multiple trades in a variety of capacities brings a holistic approach to the building process . A Journeyman carpenter since 2011, he plays a very hands-on role in ensuring that your home meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and energy efficiency.
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Cody Harrison, Site Supervisor, is a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and has extensive leadership experience in the construction industry, operating his own company in Ontario. After vacationing in the Bow Valley for several years, he’s decided to switch to the mountain life full time!
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Alex Rivett, Carpenter, is a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and has been with HSS since January 2023. After graduating his degree in Graphic Design, and practicing as a intern Designer on rebranding projects for Cadbury’s, Jim Beam Whisky and Maldon Salts, Alex quickly realised that pursuing a career in Graphic Design would take his focus away from his passions - working with his hands and being outside. Alex spends his free time in the mountains trail running, climbing or Nordic skiing. This time in nature tunes his direction to align well with HSS design principles, his attention to detail, true belief in environmental building and disdain for 'code minimum’ means he is excited to work on all of the projects that we take on. His future goal is to build high efficiency cabins in the Norwegian Mountains, so where better to hone his skills than here in the Bow Valley.
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Brock Deba, Apprentice Carpenter, is a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and registered carpentry apprentice through AIT. Originally from Niagara, Brock moved out West to enjoy the mountain lifestyle. When he’s not on the jobsite, you can find him on the ski slopes or out on a hike.
On Site
Our on site crew consists of experienced Certified Passivehouse Tradespeople, Red Seal Journeymen Carpenters, Net Zero Builders/Renovators, carpenters, and registered carpentry apprentices.
The entire HSS Team shares our mission of accelerating the transition to sustainable design and construction practices, meaning that you can trust that sustainability will be prioritized from project start to finish.