Iqaluit (Mar 10/03) - There is an old Newfoundland saying: "putty and paint make things what they ain't."

That philosophy motivated Glenn Banfield to build a home in Apex, which is located about five kilometres from Iqaluit, using recycled material.

With the exception of some carpet, a little drywall and hardwood flooring, the home was built from scrap.

The material was salvaged from the dump, a home that had burned down and waste from construction sites.

"I picked up pieces here, there and everywhere," said Banfield.

He added everything used in the construction of the home was sound for building.

"It's amazing what people throw out," said Banfield.

Aside from the house, which includes three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a heated garage, Banfield said he built two sheds out of recyclables.

The home was originally heated by a wood-burning stove, which is an unusual heat source in a region known for its lack of trees.

"It's funny you'd burn wood in the Arctic, but so much goes to waste," said Banfield, a welder who now lives in Winchester, Ont.

Energy-efficient, structurally sound and eco-friendly -- the house is an environmentalist's showcase.

However, Banfield said, environmental sensitivity had nothing to do with his building choices.

"It's kind of funny. It didn't have much to do about the environment.

"The common man can't afford to build a house in the Arctic," he said.

Building out of waste material took him nearly three years to complete, but, he said, it was worth the wait.

"Time conquers all. If you're willing to put your time into it you can accomplish anything," said Banfield.

Besides achieving the goal of a home for his family Banfield said he was also able to save nearly $75,000 in construction costs. He said building the home cost about $50,000 in 1994.

"If you can pull it off it can save you a bundle," said Banfield.

He admits the material may not be as readily available now with restrictions placed on the dump and so forth.

But he said he would do it again.

"It was lots of fun. I love to build anything kind of odd and weird. Anyone can live in a square house," he said.