Building for Tomorrow

Honestly, sustainability isn't just some checkbox we tick off - it's kinda baked into everything we do here. After fifteen years in this field, we've learned that the best buildings are the ones that'll actually make sense fifty years from now.

Why We're Doing This

Look, Vancouver's already dealing with climate challenges - rising temperatures, increased rainfall, all that fun stuff. We can't just keep designing buildings the way we did in the 80s and expect different results.

I remember this one project back in 2019 where the client wanted floor-to-ceiling glass on all sides. Beautiful idea, sure, but absolutely terrible for thermal performance. We had to sit down and really hash out what they actually wanted - turns out it was about connecting with the landscape, not necessarily having glass everywhere. Ended up designing strategic view corridors with high-performance glazing and way better insulation. Client's heating bills? Cut by about 40%.

That's what gets us up in the morning - finding solutions that don't compromise on design OR performance. You shouldn't have to choose between a beautiful space and a responsible one.

Sustainable building materials

Our Sustainability Projects

Real projects, real impact - here's what we've been working on

Passive House Residence
Net Zero Energy
Lynn Valley Passive House

Achieved Passive House certification while maintaining West Coast aesthetic. Solar array covers 100% of energy needs, triple-glazed windows, HRV system.

EUI: 15 kWh/m²/year
LEED Gold Office
LEED Gold
Yaletown Office Retrofit

Converted a 1970s office tower into a LEED Gold workspace. Green roof, rainwater harvesting, and daylighting strategies reduced operational costs by 35%.

Completed: 2023
Heritage Building Upgrade
Heritage Restoration
Gastown Warehouse Conversion

1912 warehouse transformed into energy-efficient live-work spaces. Preserved original timber framing while adding modern insulation and mechanical systems.

Energy savings: 58%
Cross-laminated Timber Home
Mass Timber
Kitsilano CLT Residence

BC-sourced cross-laminated timber construction. Sequestered approximately 45 tonnes of CO2. Geothermal heating system, reclaimed wood finishes throughout.

Carbon negative build
Net Zero Cafe
Net Zero
Main Street Cafe + Roastery

First net-zero commercial cafe in Vancouver. Integrated PV system, heat recovery from roasting equipment, radiant floor heating, natural ventilation strategy.

Zero annual energy cost
Water Conservation Home
Water Conservation
Point Grey Water-Smart Home

Greywater recycling system, 10,000L rainwater cistern for irrigation, permeable paving, native landscaping. Reduced municipal water use by 75%.

ReWater certified
Our design process

How We Actually Do It

Passive Design First

Before we even think about fancy tech, we're obsessing over building orientation, window placement, thermal mass. Worked on a house last year where we rotated the entire floor plan 22 degrees - sounds small, but it cut cooling loads by nearly a third. The sun's free, might as well use it right.

Material Choices Matter

We're pretty picky about what goes into our buildings. Local materials when possible - less transportation, supports BC economy, and honestly just makes more sense. Reclaimed timber, low-VOC finishes, high recycled content. One client thought this'd cost a fortune, but turns out local CLT was actually cheaper than imported steel.

Performance Monitoring

Here's something not enough architects do - we actually check back on how buildings perform after they're built. Got sensors in several of our projects tracking real energy use, indoor air quality, all that. Sometimes we're wrong! And that's okay, 'cause that's how we get better at this.

Education & Collaboration

Can't do this alone. We work closely with engineers, energy modelers, contractors who actually get it. And we spend time with clients explaining why things matter - not in a preachy way, just sharing what we've learned. Most people want to do the right thing, they just need someone to show 'em how.

The Numbers Behind It

Data from our completed projects since 2020

42%

Average energy reduction vs. baseline

890

Tonnes CO2 offset annually

58%

Water use reduction average

12

LEED certified projects

Let's Build Something Better

Whether you're planning a new build, renovation, or just want to chat about making your project more sustainable - we're here for it. No question's too small, and we promise not to make it complicated.

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