about us

Our Work

Hunter Sturm Spinner (HSS) Design Build Ltd. was founded in 2016 by Raphael Spinner. 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.

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.

Banff Recreation Grounds Pavilion, the most energy efficient commercial building in the National Park

Our Ethos

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.

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

Our team consists of experienced design and construction professionals that are passionate about building sustainably for a better tomorrow. We are well equipped for projects involving Passive House, mass-timber, prefabrication, deep energy retrofits, and more! 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.

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.

Contact Raphael

Rayni Kovacs (IA AAA, MRAIC, CPHD), Lead Designer, holds an M.Arch from Florida International University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Architecture, and is a Certified Passive House Designer. Having more than 9 years of architectural and interior design experience, she has worked on numerous commercial, transportation, parks and recreation, and residential projects in Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. She is passionate about providing sustainable designs to integrate with the beautiful nature of the Bow Valley.

Contact Rayni

Contact Chris

Marina Martin (M.Phil), Junior Designer, 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.

Contact Marina

Contact Cody

Robert Klassen, Site Supervisor, 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.
Contact Robert

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Certified Passive House Tradesperson, AIT Registered Apprentice in Carpentry

Certified Passive House Tradesperson, Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter

Alex 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.