Honestly, we've spent the last decade figuring out how to design buildings that don't wreck the planet. It's been quite the journey, and we're pretty proud of where we've landed.
Look, sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us - it's literally woven into everything we do. Started taking this seriously back in 2014 when we realized that every building we design is gonna be around for decades, maybe centuries. That's a big responsibility, y'know?
We're not perfect, but we've learned a ton about passive solar design, natural ventilation, and how to actually reduce energy consumption without making spaces feel like you're living in a greenhouse. Sometimes the old ways - proper orientation, smart shading, good insulation - they still work best.
We start with orientation, natural light, and thermal mass before adding any tech.
Rainwater harvesting and greywater systems that actually make sense.
Local sourcing, recycled content, and stuff that'll last - not just look good.
We track actual performance because numbers don't lie.
We've got the papers to back up what we do
Got our first LEED AP certification in 2013 and haven't looked back. We've guided 23 projects through LEED certification - from Silver to Platinum level.
Passive House standards are tough but worth it. We've completed 8 certified Passive House buildings - the energy savings are honestly mind-blowing when you see the data.
Started exploring WELL certification three years ago because healthy buildings matter. Air quality, lighting, acoustics - it's all connected to how people actually feel in spaces.
Here's what we've actually accomplished over the past 10 years
kWh Energy Saved Annually
Equivalent to powering 260 homesTonnes CO2 Offset
Like planting 67,000 treesLiters Water Conserved
Through smart systems & designConstruction Waste Diverted
From landfills via recyclingLet's talk about some projects where we actually walked the walk
This one's special. Client wanted a family home that'd produce as much energy as it consumes - sounds impossible, right? Took us 18 months of planning and testing, but we pulled it off.
"We've actually sold energy back to the grid three months this year. Never thought that'd be possible." - Homeowner
Five-story office building that's basically a power plant disguised as a workspace. Geothermal heating/cooling plus rooftop solar equals one seriously efficient building. The tenants love that their utility bills are basically non-existent.
Featured in Canadian Architect Magazine, 2022
This project was wild - residential units above retail with a central courtyard that's basically an urban forest. Rainwater harvesting, green roofs, bike storage for days, and a district heating system that serves the whole block. Took five years from concept to completion but it's become a model for the neighborhood.
Winner: Toronto Green Building Award 2023
Sustainable design is moving fast. Here's what's on our radar and actually making it into our projects these days:
AI-driven climate controls that learn occupant behavior and adjust accordingly. We're seeing 25-30% additional savings beyond standard automation.
Cross-laminated timber is a game-changer - stores carbon, reduces construction time, and looks incredible. We've got two CLT projects in development right now.
Triple-pane units with selective coatings that let light in but keep heat out (or in, depending on the season). Worth every penny when you crunch the numbers.
Fresh air without the energy penalty. Modern HRV systems recover 85-95% of heat from exhaust air - pretty remarkable tech.
Materials matter more than most folks realize
Salvaged timber from old barns, factories - gives character and saves trees. Plus the patina's unbeatable.
Structural steel that's already done one lifetime. Nearly 70% of our steel specs are recycled content now.
Concrete with fly ash or slag replacement - cuts embodied carbon by up to 40% without compromising strength.