Our Work Speaks

The Challenge

Client wanted a family home that'd hit net-zero without feeling like they're camping. Four kids, two dogs, and the parents who both work from home - so it had to actually function, not just look good in photos.

Our Approach

Started with passive solar orientation 'cause that's free heat right there. Added triple-pane windows that cost more upfront but pay back in five years. Geothermal system handles heating and cooling - we drilled 400 feet down which sounds dramatic but works like a charm. Solar panels on the south-facing roof generate more than they use most months.

Used locally sourced timber for framing and installed a green roof over the garage that the kids actually play on. Rainwater collection feeds the irrigation system and toilet flushing. Nothing groundbreaking here, just good planning and not cutting corners where it matters.

Results

• Energy bills averaging $12/month (mostly connection fees)
• Indoor air quality that's measurably better than outside
• Family's carbon footprint reduced by 85% from their previous house
• Kids' friends actually want to hang out there, which means we nailed the livability part

The Challenge

Downtown location meant working with an existing structure from the 70s - demo and rebuild wasn't in the budget. Needed flexible workspace for tech startups and creative agencies who'd be sharing the building. Oh, and the mechanical systems were basically held together with duct tape and hope.

Our Approach

Kept the bones, gutted everything else. Replaced every window with high-performance glazing that actually insulated properly. Installed smart HVAC with zone controls so people aren't fighting over the thermostat. LED lighting throughout with daylight sensors - sounds basic now but makes a massive difference on the power bill.

Built modular interior walls so tenants can reconfigure without tearing things apart. Added bike storage for 50 bikes 'cause apparently people in Vancouver actually bike to work. Green wall in the main lobby isn't just for show - it's part of the air filtration system and maintenance is way easier than you'd think.

Results

• Energy consumption down 40% compared to building average before renovation
• Fully leased within three months of completion
• Tenant satisfaction surveys way higher than typical commercial space
• LEED Gold certified (we were shooting for Silver, honestly)

The Challenge

City wanted mixed-use development that'd bring more housing and retail without turning the waterfront into a concrete jungle. Community groups were (rightfully) skeptical about losing public access. Had to balance density requirements with livability and not piss everyone off in the process.

Our Approach

Spent six months just talking to people - residents, business owners, people who actually use the seawall. Learned more in those conversations than any feasibility study could tell us. Designed around preserving sight lines to the water from surrounding neighborhoods 'cause blocking views is how you make enemies fast.

Planned mid-rise buildings (nothing over 12 stories) with green roofs and terraced designs. Ground level is all public-access retail and community spaces. Added 3 acres of actual park space with native plantings - not just grass that needs constant watering. Pedestrian pathways connect to existing seawall. Parking's underground so we're not wasting prime real estate on car storage.

What's Next

Plan got city approval after two years of refinements. Construction's slated to start next year. We're monitoring a few things - stormwater management system's designed for climate change projections, not just current rainfall. Mixed-income housing requirements are baked in from the start. If this works like we're hoping, it'll be a decent model for other waterfront developments.

The Challenge

Developer wanted density, neighborhood wanted character. Standard townhouse layouts all look the same and age poorly. Had to fit eight units on a lot zoned for six single-family homes while keeping existing mature trees and not making everyone hate the project.

Our Approach

Varied the rooflines and facades so it doesn't look like production housing. Each unit's got different interior layouts 'cause not everyone lives the same way. Shared courtyard in the middle with the preserved oak tree became the focal point instead of just maximizing square footage.

Built with cross-laminated timber which is stronger and way more sustainable than stick framing. High-efficiency heat pumps for each unit - no shared systems to argue about. Solar-ready roofs that three owners have already installed panels on. Bike storage that people actually use instead of storing junk in.

Results

Units sold out during construction at prices 15% over initial projections. Owners formed a little community group that does seasonal courtyard parties. Neighborhood association that was initially skeptical actually asked us back for advice on another project. Two architecture students have knocked on our door asking to study the building, which is flattering but also kinda weird.

The Challenge

This 1890s warehouse hadn't been touched since the 60s and it showed. Heritage designation meant we couldn't touch the exterior brick or the timber post-and-beam structure. No insulation, no modern systems, questionable structural integrity in places. Client wanted Class A office space that'd meet current codes without gutting what made the building special.

Our Approach

Brought in a structural engineer who knew old buildings - we reinforced where needed but kept every original timber we could. Cleaned and restored the brick facade ourselves 'cause contractors wanted to sandblast it (hard no). Added insulation on the interior side with careful vapor barrier work so we're not creating mold farms.

Exposed all the original heavy timber 'cause hiding that would be criminal. Ran new mechanical and electrical through the floor cavities. Installed radiant floor heating -