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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Filip Macal, Architectural Designer, as a member of the HSS team, Filip brings a solid background in civil engineering and design. Originally from the Czech Republic, he holds a degree in Civil Engineering and has experience in both residential and commercial projects. Since joining HSS, he has been honing his expertise in Canadian construction methods, with a focus on energy-efficient building practices and innovative residential design. Passionate about sustainable architecture, Filip enjoys incorporating natural elements into his work. Outside the office, his love for the mountains fuels his passion for hiking and exploring the Bow Valley, where the rugged landscape continuously inspires his creativity.
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Marina Martin (CPHD, M.Phil), Sustainability Advisor, Marina is a Certified Passive House Designer with an MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University. Her work as a design researcher has focused on traditional design methods and exploring innovative applications of sustainable construction materials. Marina is passionate about applying her research background to real-world projects in the Bow Valley and beyond.
At HSS, Marina specializes in developing case studies, managing grants, and inspiring sustainable practices within the team and and across the broader building industry.
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Alex Rivett, Apprentice Carpenter and Site Supervisor, 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.
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Malaika Abraham, Finishing Carpenter, moved to the Bow Valley with her family, in January 2024, drawn by its natural beauty and vibrant community. She began her carpentry journey at 19 and has since gained extensive experience as a finish carpenter, industrial designer, and technical teacher.
Malaika chose to work for HSS Design Build due to the company's future-oriented goals, sustainable materials, and harmonious approach to nature. Her dedication to excellence shines in every project.
In her free time, Malaika enjoys mountain adventures, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones. She believes in positivity, always having a smile in her mind and on her face.
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Stephan Hegemann, Finishing Carpenter Foreman, moved to the Bow Valley in January 2024 with his family after an adventurous journey across Canada in a camper van they brought from Hamburg.
His career in carpentry began with an apprenticeship in 1996 near Hannover, and he became a journeyman carpenter in 1998. To further expand his expertise, Stephan studied interior, concept, and graphic design in Cologne.
Drawn to the Bow Valley by its beauty and HSS Design Build's innovative projects, Stephan is deeply committed to sustainable building and lifelong learning.
Outside of work, Stephan loves spending time with his family, camping, mountain hiking, biking, skiing, and playing Surf Polo. He is also a passionate cook who enjoys experimenting with new recipes.
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Gary Henderson (ACIAT) Architectural Technologist and Project Manager. Originally from Northern Ireland, Gary earned a BSc in Architectural Technology and Management from the University of Ulster in 2013. His construction career began at 16, working in the family business, where he gained extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects.
Since moving to Canada with a keen interest in Passive House design and sustainable construction, Gary continues to assist the HSS team in coordinating design and construction processes, bridging the gap between conceptual design and on-site execution.
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Kasia Wroblewska - Communications & Office Manager, brings extensive experience in administrative, sales, marketing, and managerial roles within the global hospitality industry. Her travels, particularly a two-year journey through Central and South America using foot travel, boats, buses, and hitchhiking, have fueled her commitment to sustainability. Since moving to Bow Valley 11 years ago, Kasia has embraced sustainable living. She joined the first Sustainability Committee at the Fairmont Hotel, inspiring multiple sustainability initiatives, and serves on the Board of Directors for Bow Valley Climate Action. In her spare time, Kasia enjoys mountain sports and spearheads DEI initiatives at artsPlace. Kasia is excited to be part of the HSS Design Build team, contributing to the company’s growth and inspiring sustainable practices in the building industry.
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.