Our Work Speaks Volumes

The Challenge

Young couple wanted a family home that wouldn't cost a fortune to run. They'd done their homework on passive solar and net-zero but weren't sure it'd work with Toronto's climate. Spoiler: it does.

Our Approach

We oriented the whole house to maximize southern exposure - sounds basic but it's everything. Triple-pane windows where they matter, smaller openings on the north side. Solar panels cover about 80% of the roof and we added a ground-source heat pump that's basically invisible but does all the heavy lifting.

The tricky part was keeping it looking normal. Nobody wants to live in a science experiment. So we wrapped all that tech in clean modern lines, natural materials, plenty of wood to warm things up.

Results

Energy consumption's basically nil year-round. Backup electric heating kicks in maybe 10 days a winter. They've got three kids now and the place handles it like a champ - good airflow, never stuffy, stays cool in summer without AC cranked to 11.

The Challenge

Tech companies grow fast and unpredictably. Client collective needed space that could literally change shape as teams expanded, shrank, or shifted focus. Traditional office layout wasn't gonna cut it.

Our Approach

We basically built an open shell with infrastructure everywhere - power, data, ventilation all accessible without ripping things apart. Partition walls roll on tracks, desks are modular, even the meeting rooms can expand or divide.

Kept the industrial vibe - exposed ceiling, concrete floors, lots of glass. Natural light floods in from huge windows on two sides. Added acoustic panels that look like art so it doesn't sound like a cafeteria.

Results

They've reconfigured the space probably five times in two years. Takes their team a weekend to completely change the layout. That's exactly what we wanted - architecture that gets out of the way and lets the work happen.

The Challenge

Beautiful old warehouse sitting empty for years. Structural issues, outdated systems, but gorgeous bones. Developer wanted mixed retail and residential without losing what made it special. Plus the heritage designation meant we couldn't just do whatever.

Our Approach

Spent months documenting every brick, beam, and window before touching anything. Where original materials were salvageable, we kept them. Where they weren't, we matched them exactly - took forever to source similar brick but it was worth it.

Modern interventions are deliberately obvious - new steel and glass elements contrast with the old but don't compete. Ground floor retail, loft apartments above with those massive original timber beams exposed.

Results

Heritage board approved it unanimously which never happens. Building's now fully occupied, retail spaces are thriving, residents love the character. We kept the soul of the place while making it actually functional for today.

The Challenge

Narrow urban lot, family of five, dog, and a serious book collection. They wanted open-concept but also places to get away from each other. Balancing togetherness and privacy in 20 feet of width - that's the puzzle.

Our Approach

Went vertical - three full floors plus a basement. Main floor's the social hub - kitchen flows into dining into living but we used level changes and a floating bookshelf wall to define zones without closing things off.

Skylights run up the stairwell bringing light down to every floor. Kids' bedrooms on top floor each have dormer windows and built-in desks. Parents' suite on second floor has a small balcony - not huge but enough to have morning coffee outside.

Results

Feels way bigger than it is. Light bounces everywhere, sight lines are long, but you can still shut a door when you need quiet. Family's been there three years and still sends us photos of how they're using the space.

The Challenge

Client wanted LEED Platinum and meant it. Not just for show - they wanted measurable environmental impact, healthier workspace, and lower operating costs. Oh, and it had to fit into the Distillery's historic aesthetic. No pressure.

Our Approach

Started with the envelope - super-insulated, high-performance glazing, shading devices that actually work. Living walls inside and out improve air quality and look incredible. Rainwater harvesting for irrigation and toilets. Rooftop solar plus a green roof that insulates and manages stormwater.

Materials were huge - low VOC everything, reclaimed wood, recycled content where possible. Natural ventilation works most of the year. Lighting's all LED with daylight sensors. The building basically runs itself.

Results

Hit Platinum on first try. Energy costs are 60% below comparable buildings. Employee satisfaction's through the roof - turns out people like fresh air and natural light. Who knew?