Design-Build at Aerecura
Choosing Aerecura to design and build your home means design, materials, performance, and construction are considered together from the earliest stages of a project. This approach is especially important when working with natural materials such as rammed earth, where the building process itself plays a significant role in shaping the design.
By integrating design and construction, we create homes that are not only beautiful, but durable, efficient, and deeply connected to the way they will be lived in for generations.
Design Rooted in Place: Pedro Paes
Pedro leads the design of Aerecura's projects, integrating building performance, sustainability, and material considerations to create homes that respond thoughtfully to place, climate, durability, and the way people live over time.
With architectural training and licensure in Brazil, BCIN qualification in Ontario, and certification in Passive House design, Pedro brings a thoughtful, systems-based approach to residential design that balances sustainability, performance, and everyday living.
Beyond the drawing board, Pedro has extensive hands-on experience building with natural materials, particularly rammed earth. This practical knowledge is especially valuable when working with materials where structure, thermal performance, detailing, and construction methods all influence the design from the outset.
Working closely with clients throughout the process, Pedro helps shape homes that reflect their values, priorities, and way of life, while remaining grounded in the practical realities of building.
He is also leading the development of Aerecura's first collection of pre-designed homes, including The Petra, allowing us to offer a more accessible path to high-performance, sustainable living rooted in the same principles that guide our custom work.
Building with Care
Construction at Aerecura is led by Graham Cavalier, co-founder and general manager.
Working closely with Pedro and the broader project team, Graham helps guide projects from early planning through construction, ensuring decisions around materials, budget, performance, and buildability remain aligned throughout the process.
With a background in environmental studies and extensive experience in sustainable construction and rammed earth building, Graham brings a practical approach to project leadership. His focus is on translating design intent into durable, high-performing buildings while supporting clear communication and thoughtful decision-making along the way.
As projects move into construction, clients are supported by a broader team that may include project managers, site leads, craftspeople, consultants, and specialized trades — all working together to deliver projects with care, consistency, and attention to detail.
The projects featured here are a curated selection of our design-build work. Many of the homes we build are deeply personal spaces, and we respect our clients' privacy. Together, these projects reflect the values that guide our practice: thoughtful design, enduring craftsmanship, and a commitment to building with care.
Selected Projects
Introducing The Petra
The Petra is rooted in the same principles that guide all of Aerecura's work — sustainability, durability, performance, and thoughtful material use — while simplifying timelines and early design decisions.
Designed by Pedro Paes, The Petra is intended to feel adaptable rather than standardized, offering a strong foundation that can respond to different sites, lifestyles, and priorities.
Design-Build FAQ
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No. While many of our projects incorporate rammed earth, the same focus on sustainability, durability, and thoughtful design applies across all of our work. Material choices are always considered in relation to the project, site, goals, and long-term performance.
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Yes. Aerecura provides in-house residential design services for projects within the scope of the Ontario Building Code. Where additional professional services are required, we coordinate with engineers and other consultants as needed. We do not build outside of Ontario.
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Not at all. Many clients come to us early in the process with ideas, goals, inspiration, or questions rather than finalized plans. Early conversations help shape priorities and determine the best path forward.
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Yes. We coordinate the drawings, documentation, and consultants required for projects within our scope and help guide clients through the approvals process.
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No. In addition to custom homes and design-build projects, we also work on sustainable renovations, deep energy retrofits, and projects involving natural and low-carbon building materials.
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We tend to work best with clients who value thoughtful design, sustainability, durability, and long-term performance.
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We’ll begin with an initial conversation about your project, goals, site, timeline, and priorities. From there, we can help determine the best next steps and whether the project feels like a good fit for both sides.
“We are so blessed to have our forever home built by such skilled and talented individuals. We feel grounded and secure every day and thank Aerecura for our beautiful home that will stand the test of time.’’
-Heather Boyd + Denis Baril, rammed earth homeowners.