GAIA TREE CONSTRUCTION
Crafting high-performance eco-conscious residences with local materials on Cortes Island.
Sustainable Excellence
Local Mill
Hemp Block Timelapse
Lime Plaster
natural Materials
local resources
Community forest wood is our most abundant renewable building material on Cortes Island.
We source Hemp Blocks from renewabuild.ca made with Canadian hemp and lime. Structural Hemp blocks are outstanding in strength, longevity, energy efficiency and ease of maintenance.
We source local stone and aggregate from our local quarry instead of bringing those heavy materials to the island by ferry or barge.
Local Trades
The Cortes Community Forest in partnership with The Klahoose First Nation practices exemplary forest management that will ensure the health and productivity of our forests for generations to come. The island is home to a number of productive sawmills that make efficient use of community forest wood by milling custom orders of timbers and lumber which we use for all our projects
Our company is staffed by a team of skilled carpenters who live year round on Cortes Island. We are proud to contribute to the local economy and stability of the community. Our team is complimented with island subcontractors and trades people who exhibit the resilience and versatility of those that call this special place home. Together we contribute to the community spirit and build lasting relationships. We appreciate the support and endeavour to foster trust and accountability with our clients.
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More than just a building , it is a fuctional piece of art!
Truely a masterpiece!
anonymous
starship/ whale temple
Working with Mark Braaten on the major renovation and expansion of our home on Cortes Island was an exceptional experience. From the earliest architectural and design conversations through every stage of construction, Mark helped us envision what our home could become and then guided the project through to completion.
Mark has a remarkable combination of creativity, practical knowledge, and problem-solving ability. He listened carefully to what we hoped to create, offered thoughtful design solutions, and found ways to resolve the inevitable challenges that arise during a complex renovation. His understanding of construction, materials, and the particular demands of building on Cortes Island gave us great confidence throughout the process.
It was also wonderful to see the way Mark works with his family. His entire family is an important part of the Gaia Construction team, and they work together with warmth, skill, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. That spirit of cooperation was reflected in every aspect of the project.
Mark is not only an excellent builder but also a gifted designer, creative thinker, and trusted partner. We are deeply grateful for the beautiful home he helped us create and would recommend him without hesitation.
This is the first time I have been involved in a construction project that I didn't want to come to an end!
donnalea goelz
continuum studio
We recently worked with Mark and his Gaia Tree Construction crew on a major addition to our home on Cortes Island. Mark helped us envision the project, offering valued insights about options to best manifest the reshaping of our home.
Mark knows materials and construction methods to ensure that things are built right to withstand the challenges of time and weather exposure. And coupled with this expertise, Mark kept the costs well within his original estimate.
Here's the measure of my satisfaction with his work: if I were planning a new large project he would be my first, and only, call.
Tom Goelz
continuum studio
Gaia Tree Construction is a design-builder of a quality second-to-none. They showed me impeccable attention to quality, perfect financial accountability, on-schedule completion and the most harmonious of client interfaces. I would not hesitate to rely completely on Gaia Tree for any additional building projects
martine rothblatt
alignment house
Mark is a wonderful builder, attentive to details, careful about the environment and up to date on the latest energy technology and construction techniques. He’s also a great communicator. Thoughtfully and eloquently, he will talk you through the options, refining and improving ideas and insisting only when it is a matter of safety or supreme practicality. We wanted a flat roof which made no sense given the climate and conditions; he talked us out of it. We thank him for that every day. Ultimately, he goes from being your builder to your friend.
Patrick Whitney
Cheryl Kent
pavilion
manifest your dreams
Gaia Tree Construction specializes in; designing with clients who have a vision, adapting concepts into practical solutions, creating clear graphic modelling for feedback, developing detailed estimates for cost control, meeting budget targets, and integrating developments with natural landscapes.
Land stewardship with care is the foundation of a harmonious life. It would be an honor to support you.
