We're not just designing buildings — we're crafting ecosystems that actually give back more than they take. It's architecture with a conscience, without the usual corporate greenwashing.
Look, sustainability in architecture isn't some trendy checkbox anymore. After 15 years doing this work, I've learned that the best green buildings are the ones where occupants don't even realize they're in a "sustainable" space — they just know it feels right.
We've designed everything from net-zero homes in Cabbagetown to commercial retrofits downtown that cut energy use by 70%. The secret? It starts at the sketch phase, not as an add-on later. Orientation, thermal mass, natural ventilation — these aren't fancy terms, they're just smart design that's been around for centuries.
We aim for buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. Solar orientation isn't rocket science, but you'd be surprised how many projects ignore it. High-performance envelopes, triple-glazed windows, heat recovery ventilation — yeah, they cost more upfront, but the payback period's gotten way shorter.
Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, permeable surfaces — it's all about treating water as the precious resource it is. We've installed systems that reduce municipal water use by 60%. Plus, green roofs aren't just Instagram-worthy, they actually manage stormwater and provide insulation.
Low-VOC everything, reclaimed timber, locally sourced stone, recycled steel. We've got suppliers across Ontario who get what we're trying to do. The embodied carbon in materials matters just as much as operational energy. Sometimes the greenest material is the one already on site.
Real buildings, real impact. These aren't renders — they're projects we've actually built and monitored.
Complete gut renovation that achieved net-zero status. 8.5kW solar array, geothermal heating, the works. Energy bills? About $12/month now.
35,000 sq ft of workspace that actually makes people want to come into the office. Living walls, maxed-out daylighting, and a ventilation system that adapts to occupancy.
Our first Passive House certification in 2019. Super-insulated envelope, airtight construction. Heating costs are less than a typical Toronto apartment.
Turned a 1920s warehouse into mixed-use space. Kept 80% of the original structure, added modern systems. Sometimes the greenest building is the one that's already there.
Extensive green roof with native plantings, rainwater collection feeding the irrigation system. The neighbors thought we were crazy until they saw their own cooling bills.
Public building designed to hit net-zero by 2027. Geothermal field under the parking lot, building automation that learns usage patterns. Cost more upfront but the city's already seeing savings.
Average Energy Reduction
LEED Certified Projects
Net-Zero Buildings
Water Use Reduction
Right now we're diving deep into mass timber construction — cross-laminated timber specifically. The carbon sequestration potential is huge, and honestly, it's just beautiful to work with.
We're also exploring building-integrated photovoltaics beyond just rooftop panels. Facade systems are getting more efficient and way better looking than they used to be.
And yeah, we're tracking embodied carbon on every project now. It's tedious but necessary. Can't just focus on operational energy anymore if we're serious about hitting climate targets.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Type: Residential Renovation
Size: 2,400 sq ft
Completed: 2023
Certifications: Net-Zero Energy, LEED Platinum
This project was a total transformation of a century home. The clients wanted to keep the street presence but modernize everything else. We stripped it down to the studs, added 6" of exterior insulation, installed triple-pane windows, and put in a geothermal system with radiant floors. The solar array on the detached garage generates about 110% of annual consumption. It's proof you can respect heritage character while hitting serious performance targets.
Type: Commercial Office
Size: 35,000 sq ft
Completed: 2022
Certifications: LEED Gold
Open-plan workspace that doesn't feel like a warehouse. We focused on maximizing natural light with clerestory windows and light shelves that bounce daylight deep into the floor plate. The mechanical system uses displacement ventilation and CO2 sensors to adjust fresh air delivery. Living walls in the common areas actually improve air quality, not just aesthetics. Employee satisfaction surveys post-occupancy showed a 40% improvement over their old space.
Type: New Construction Residential
Size: 3,200 sq ft
Completed: 2019
Certifications: Passive House Classic
Our first Passive House was a learning curve, not gonna lie. The attention to detail required is insane — every penetration, every joint needs to be perfect. We used 14" thick walls with Larsen trusses, triple-pane European windows, and an HRV that recovers 92% of heat. The annual heating demand is under 15 kWh/m2. Clients spend about $200/year on heating for a 3,200 sq ft house. Worth every headache during construction.
Type: Adaptive Reuse
Size: 12,000 sq ft
Completed: 2021
Certifications: LEED Silver
Sometimes the most sustainable building is the one you don't demolish. This 1920s warehouse had great bones — heavy timber structure, brick exterior, high ceilings. We kept about 80% of the original structure, added new mechanical and electrical systems, improved the envelope, and created flexible retail/office spaces. The embodied carbon savings versus new construction were massive. Plus, the character you get from original wood beams and brick just can't be replicated.
Type: New Construction Residential
Size: 2,800 sq ft
Completed: 2020
Certifications: Toronto Green Standard Tier 2
The extensive green roof on this project isn't just for show. We planted native species that require zero irrigation once established. The roof absorbs about 75% of rainfall, reducing stormwater runoff. It also provides excellent insulation — cooling costs dropped by about 30% compared to similar homes. Plus, it's become a habitat for local birds and pollinators. The clients actually use it as outdoor space too, which wasn't the original plan but turned out great.
Type: Public/Community
Size: 28,000 sq ft
Completed: 2024
Certifications: LEED Gold, Net-Zero Ready
Working with municipalities is different — lots of stakeholders, tight budgets, public scrutiny. But this project proved you can hit ambitious sustainability targets in the public sector. We installed a 120-well geothermal field under the parking lot, a 75kW solar array, and a building automation system that learns from usage patterns. It's designed to hit net-zero by 2027 once the remaining solar phase is installed. The city's already using it as a model for other facilities.