Building with Purpose

We're not just checking boxes here - sustainability's been in our DNA since day one, and honestly, it's the only way we know how to design anymore.

Sustainable Design Philosophy
Our Philosophy

It's Not About Trends

Look, we've been doing this for a while now, and we've seen a lot of greenwashing. People slap a solar panel on a roof and call it sustainable - that's not what we're about.

Real sustainable architecture starts way before construction. It's about understanding the site, respecting what's already there, and designing spaces that'll actually make sense fifty years from now. We're talking passive heating and cooling, materials that won't end up in a landfill, and buildings that people actually want to stay in for the long haul.

Every project we take on has to pass our internal test: would we be proud to show our kids this building in twenty years? If the answer's not a clear yes, we go back to the drawing board.

87%

Avg. Energy Reduction

23+

LEED Projects
Certifications & Credentials

We Walk the Talk

These aren't just plaques on our wall - they represent real commitments and continuous learning

LEED

LEED Accredited

Multiple team members hold LEED AP credentials across different specializations. We've guided over 23 projects through LEED certification - from Silver to Platinum.

PH

Passive House

Certified Passive House designers on staff. We've completed 7 Passive House projects in Ontario, and yeah, those energy bills really do drop to almost nothing.

WL

Living Building

We're actively working toward Living Building Challenge certification. It's tough - probably the most rigorous green building standard out there - but that's exactly why we're pursuing it.

CZ

Net-Zero Ready

Canada Green Building Council Net-Zero Carbon Building certified. We've designed 4 buildings that produce as much energy as they consume annually.

Our Approach

How We Actually Do This

Site Analysis First

Before we sketch a single line, we spend time on site. Where's the sun coming from in winter? What about prevailing winds? Are there existing trees we can work with? This stuff matters way more than most people think.

Material Honesty

We're picky about materials - really picky. Local sourcing when possible, recycled content, low VOC everything. We've got relationships with suppliers who get what we're trying to do and won't try to sneak in cheap alternatives.

Energy Modeling

We run energy simulations on every project. Not at the end as a formality, but throughout the design process. It's helped us catch problems early and save clients serious money down the line.

Long-Term Thinking

What happens in 30 years when systems need replacing? Can spaces adapt to different uses? We design with the full lifecycle in mind, not just the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Sustainable Building Approach
Case Studies

Real Projects, Real Results

Here's what happens when sustainability isn't an afterthought

Rosedale Net-Zero Residence
Residential / LEED Platinum

Rosedale Net-Zero Residence

Our clients wanted to rebuild their aging home in one of Toronto's heritage neighborhoods. The challenge? Strict historical guidelines plus their goal of net-zero energy consumption.

What We Did:
  • Triple-glazed heritage-style windows (custom fab'd)
  • Geothermal heating/cooling system
  • 32 rooftop solar panels integrated into design
  • Reclaimed wood from original structure reused
  • Rainwater harvesting for irrigation

Results: 94% energy reduction vs. similar homes, $0 average monthly utility bills, 2.3 year ROI on solar investment

"We honestly forget about energy costs now. The house stays comfortable year-round without us thinking about it." - Homeowners

Junction Tech Hub
Commercial / LEED Gold

Junction Tech Hub

A 45,000 sq ft retrofit of an old industrial building into modern office space. The owner wanted to attract tech tenants who actually care about their environmental footprint.

What We Did:
  • Preserved existing brick and timber structure
  • Added insulated curtain wall system
  • High-efficiency VRF HVAC with smart controls
  • Green roof with native plantings
  • Bike storage for 80+ bikes, showers, changing rooms

Results: 68% less energy than code baseline, 100% tenant retention over 3 years, became neighborhood landmark

"Our employees actually want to come to the office. The space breathes, there's natural light everywhere, and we're proud to bring clients here." - Building Owner

Beaches Passive House
Residential / Passive House Certified

Beaches Passive House

Young family wanted a forever home that wouldn't cost a fortune to heat and cool. They'd heard about Passive House but weren't sure it was possible in Toronto's climate.

What We Did:
  • Super-insulated building envelope (R-60 walls)
  • Airtight construction (0.4 ACH@50Pa)
  • Heat recovery ventilation system
  • Strategic window placement for solar gain
  • Thermal bridge-free detailing throughout

Results: $42/month average heating costs (2,400 sq ft home), consistently comfortable temps, no drafts or cold spots

"We moved from a similar-sized house and our energy bills dropped by 80%. During that polar vortex last winter, we barely noticed." - Homeowners

Materials Matter

What We Build With

We've gotten pretty opinionated about materials over the years. Here's what ends up in our projects and why.

Mass Timber

CLT and glulam when we can get it. Yeah it costs more upfront, but the carbon sequestration story is real. Plus it looks amazing and clients love it.

Reclaimed & Salvaged

We've got connections with salvage yards across Southern Ontario. Old barn wood, industrial fixtures, brick from demolished buildings - this stuff has character you can't fake.

High-Performance Insulation

Mineral wool, cellulose, rigid foam with high recycled content. We spec based on performance and environmental impact, not just price.

Low-VOC Everything

Paints, adhesives, sealants - we're sticklers about indoor air quality. You'd be surprised how much junk is offgassing in most buildings.

Sustainable Materials

Local Sourcing

We try to source within 500km when possible. Reduces transportation emissions, supports regional economy, and makes warranty/replacement issues way easier to deal with.

Beyond The Building

It's Not Just About Construction

Community Engagement

We run free workshops twice a year on sustainable home renovations. Not trying to sell anything - just sharing what we've learned because this stuff should be accessible to everyone.

Office Practice

We'd be hypocrites if we didn't practice what we preach. Our office is in a heritage building we helped retrofit, we're paperless where possible, and team bikes/TTC's to work.

Industry Advocacy

We're active in pushing for better building codes and standards. Someone's gotta show up to those boring municipal meetings, might as well be us.

Mentorship

We take on co-op students from architecture programs and actually teach them this stuff. The next generation needs to know there's a better way to build.

Let's Build Something That Lasts

Whether you're planning a new build, renovation, or just curious about making your project more sustainable, we're here to talk it through. No pressure, just honest conversation about what's actually possible.

Get In Touch