Building Greener, Not Just Bigger

Look, we're not gonna pretend we've got all the answers. But we're pretty serious about leaving buildings behind that don't screw things up for the next generation.

Sustainable architecture

Why We Actually Care About This Stuff

Here's the thing - around 2015, one of our partners visited a project site after a particularly brutal summer. The HVAC bills were insane, the building was basically a greenhouse, and honestly? We felt kinda terrible about it.

That was our wake-up call. Since then, every single project that leaves our studio has sustainability baked in from day one. Not as an add-on, not as a "nice to have" - it's fundamental to how we think about design now.

We've made mistakes along the way, learned a ton, and yeah, sometimes sustainable solutions cost more upfront. But we've also seen the long-term savings and honestly, it just feels right.

87%
avg. energy reduction
42
LEED projects delivered
12
years committed

What We're Doing (The Real Version)

These aren't just checkboxes for us. They're actual strategies we use on every project, though how we mix 'em depends on budget, site, and what makes sense.

Passive Design First

Before we throw tech at a problem, we look at orientation, natural ventilation, thermal mass. Basically - work with what nature's already giving you for free.

  • ✓ Strategic window placement (south-facing when possible)
  • ✓ Natural cross-ventilation paths
  • ✓ Thermal mass for temperature regulation
  • ✓ Shading systems that actually make sense

Material Honesty

We're picky about what goes into our buildings. Local when we can get it, recycled content where it makes sense, and stuff that'll last longer than the mortgage.

  • ✓ Reclaimed timber and salvaged materials
  • ✓ Low-VOC everything (paints, adhesives, finishes)
  • ✓ Regional sourcing to cut transport emissions
  • ✓ Durability over cheap replacements
Green infrastructure

Green roofs aren't just pretty

They manage stormwater, reduce heat island effect, and give urban wildlife a fighting chance.

Energy Systems That Work

Solar panels are great, but they're not always the answer. We look at the whole picture - what'll actually perform in Toronto's climate.

  • ✓ High-efficiency mechanical systems
  • ✓ Solar integration (when the roof orientation cooperates)
  • ✓ Geothermal heating/cooling where viable
  • ✓ Smart building automation that doesn't annoy people

Water Management

Toronto gets enough rain - we should probably use it. Plus treating water uses a ton of energy, so using less just makes sense.

  • ✓ Rainwater harvesting for irrigation
  • ✓ Low-flow fixtures (that don't feel low-flow)
  • ✓ Greywater systems for larger projects
  • ✓ Permeable surfaces to reduce runoff

Our Certifications (The Boring But Important Stuff)

Look, we're not huge fans of bureaucracy, but these certifications actually push us to be better. They've got measurable standards, third-party verification, and honestly? They give clients confidence that we're not just making stuff up.

LEED Accredited

Multiple AP professionals on staff

WELL Certified

Building for human health

Passive House

Ultra-low energy design

CaGBC Member

Canada Green Building Council

Green building certifications

Real Impact Numbers

These are actual measurements from completed projects. Not estimates, not marketing fluff.

2.8M
kg CO2 Reduced

annually across all projects

68%
Water Savings

avg. reduction vs baseline

94%
Waste Diverted

from landfill during construction

$1.2M
Client Savings

in energy costs over 5 years

Sustainable construction

The Stuff We're Still Working On

We're not perfect. There's a bunch of challenges we're actively trying to solve:

  • Finding affordable low-carbon concrete alternatives that contractors will actually use
  • Convincing more clients that lifecycle costs matter more than upfront price tags
  • Better tracking of embodied carbon in materials
  • Making net-zero feasible for heritage restoration work

If you've got ideas or wanna collaborate on solving any of this stuff, seriously - give us a shout.

Let's Build Something Better

Whether you're planning a single-family home or a commercial complex, we can help you build something that performs better, costs less to operate, and doesn't trash the planet.

First consultation's on us - we'll look at your project, be honest about what's possible, and figure out if sustainability goals actually fit your budget and timeline.

Get In Touch See Our Work