Building Green, Living Better

Our approach isn't about checking boxes or chasing trends - it's about designing spaces that actually work with the environment instead of against it.

Why We're All-In on Sustainability

Look, we've been at this for years, and here's what we've learned: good architecture shouldn't cost the earth. Literally. When we started out, "green building" was this niche thing that clients would politely decline because they thought it'd blow their budget. Now? It's just smart design.

Every project we take on starts with one simple question - how can this building give back more than it takes? Sometimes that means geothermal heating, sometimes it's just about orienting windows the right way. The fancy tech is cool and all, but honestly, some of our best solutions come from principles architects have known for centuries.

Sustainable Architecture

Our Impact By The Numbers

Real data from our completed projects - no fluff, just facts.

47%

Average Energy Reduction

38%

Water Usage Cut

2.4M

kg CO2 Offset Annually

82%

Construction Waste Diverted

Solar Integration

We've installed solar arrays on 73% of our projects over the last three years. Most clients see payback within 7-9 years, which honestly isn't bad considering panels last 25+.

Passive Ventilation

Old-school trick that still works wonders. Strategic window placement and thermal mass reduce AC needs by up to 40%. No moving parts, no maintenance - just physics doing its thing.

Rainwater Harvesting

Catching rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses is standard in our designs now. Toronto gets plenty of rain - might as well use it. Average system stores 5,000-10,000 liters.

Green Building Certifications

Certifications We Actually Care About

Yeah, we've got the credentials. But we're not gonna lie - sometimes the certification process can feel like bureaucratic overkill. That said, these standards push us to be better, and clients appreciate having that third-party validation.

LEED Accredited

6 Gold ratings, 3 Platinum. The Platinum ones took serious dedication, not gonna sugarcoat it.

Passive House Certified

This one's tough but worth it. The energy savings are ridiculous - we're talking 90% reduction.

Living Building Challenge

Only attempted this twice. It's the Mount Everest of green building - but when you nail it, incredible.

WELL Building Standard

Focuses on human health and wellness. Air quality, lighting, materials - the stuff people actually experience daily.

Our Materials Philosophy

What we use matters just as much as how we design. Here's what goes into our buildings - and what doesn't.

What We're Using More

  • Mass Timber (CLT): Carbon negative, strong as steel, and honestly just beautiful to work with. Clients love the warmth it brings.
  • Recycled Steel: 90% of structural steel in North America is already recycled. We just make sure we're sourcing it locally when possible.
  • Low-VOC Everything: Paint, adhesives, sealants. Indoor air quality isn't optional - we've all been in buildings that give you a headache.
  • Reclaimed Materials: Old barn wood, salvaged brick. Each piece has history, and keeping it out of landfills is a bonus.
  • Triple-Pane Windows: Yeah they cost more upfront, but the energy savings and comfort factor? Total game-changer.

What We're Phasing Out

  • PVC Where Avoidable: There are better alternatives now for most applications. The production process is pretty nasty environmentally.
  • Foam Insulation with HFCs: Mineral wool and cellulose work great without the crazy greenhouse gas impacts.
  • Tropical Hardwoods: Unless they're FSC certified, we're steering clear. Too much shady sourcing in that industry.
  • Carpet (Mostly): Dust traps, off-gassing, short lifespan. Polished concrete or hardwood ages way better.
  • Gas-Only Systems: Heat pumps have gotten so good there's rarely a reason to lock into fossil fuels anymore.
Sustainable Materials

The Local Supply Chain Advantage

We've built relationships with suppliers within 500km of Toronto. Shorter shipping distances mean lower emissions, plus we can actually visit their operations and see how they work. Found some incredible fabricators and craftspeople this way - the kind of partnerships that make projects better.

Real Projects, Real Results

Let's talk specifics. These are buildings people actually live and work in.

Lakeshore Residence
LEED Platinum
Lakeshore Residence

This one's our pride and joy. Net-zero energy use, geothermal heating, the works. Owners' utility bills? Under $30/month.

  • 94% energy reduction
  • 8,500L rainwater storage
  • 12kW solar array
Junction Tech Hub
WELL Certified
Junction Tech Hub

Commercial project focused on worker wellness. Natural daylight everywhere, plants on every floor, air quality monitoring. Sick days dropped 22%.

  • 98% daylight access
  • Advanced air filtration
  • Living green wall system
Roncesvalles Passive House
Passive House
Roncesvalles Passive House

Retrofit that was honestly harder than new construction. But we got it done - airtight envelope, HRV system, super insulated. Winter heating? Electric space heater does the job.

  • 0.6 ACH @ 50 Pa
  • 15 kWh/m²/yr heating
  • 89% heat recovery

What's Next For Us

We're not standing still. Here's what we're exploring and implementing in upcoming projects.

AI-Powered Energy Management

Testing systems that learn occupancy patterns and optimize HVAC in real-time. Early results show another 15-20% savings on top of our current performance.

Hempcrete & Bio-Materials

Working with local hemp farmers on carbon-sequestering building materials. The regulatory hurdles are annoying but we're getting there.

Battery Storage Integration

As costs drop, we're designing buildings ready for battery backup. Grid independence is becoming realistic for residential projects.

Future of Sustainability

Want To Build Something That Lasts?

Sustainable design doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Let's talk about your project and figure out what makes sense for your goals and budget.

Start a Conversation