Building Green, Living Better
Look, we're not gonna pretend we've got all the answers. But we're trying - really trying - to design buildings that don't trash the planet. It's just the right thing to do.
Look, we're not gonna pretend we've got all the answers. But we're trying - really trying - to design buildings that don't trash the planet. It's just the right thing to do.
Honestly? We've seen too many buildings go up that'll be energy hogs for the next 50 years. That's not legacy - that's just being lazy. We wanted to do better for Vancouver and for the folks who'll live in what we create.
We're kinda obsessed with passive solar design - positioning windows where they actually make sense, not just where they look cool. Triple-pane glazing isn't cheap, but it works. Same goes for proper insulation and air sealing.
Most of our projects now include solar-ready roofs at minimum. Some clients go full solar from day one, others add it later. Either way, we're setting 'em up for success.
We've got this thing about locally-sourced materials. BC's got amazing timber - why ship stuff from halfway around the world? Plus, reclaimed materials have character you just can't fake with new stuff.
Low-VOC everything is standard now. Your home shouldn't smell like a chemical factory when it's done. We also push for materials with environmental product declarations - basically proof that manufacturers aren't just greenwashing.
Local material sourcing rate
Avg. recycled content usage
Here's what we're actually doing on projects, not just talking about
Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and drought-resistant landscaping. Vancouver gets rain - might as well use it smart.
Heat recovery ventilators, natural ventilation strategies, and materials that don't off-gas nasty chemicals into your space.
Pre-fab where it makes sense, detailed planning to minimize construction waste, and making spaces adaptable for future needs.
Working with the land instead of bulldozing everything. Preserving existing trees, managing stormwater naturally, green roofs where feasible.
We don't chase certificates just to hang 'em on the wall, but they do keep us honest and push us to meet actual standards. Here's what we're working with:
Our team's got the credentials to design LEED-certified projects from Silver to Platinum
For clients who want the absolute best in energy performance
Regional program that's super relevant for BC building conditions
Active members helping shape BC's architectural sustainability standards
Here's the impact we've managed to achieve across our projects
Average energy reduction vs. standard code
LEED certified projects completed
Liters of water saved annually
Let's be honest - sustainable design costs more upfront sometimes. Not always, but sometimes. But here's what nobody tells you: the payback is real. Lower utility bills, better indoor air quality, higher resale value, and yeah, actually helping the environment.
We've had clients who were skeptical at first. "Do we really need triple-pane windows?" Fast forward two winters, and they're telling their friends about their tiny heating bills. That's the stuff that makes this work worthwhile.
Not every sustainable feature makes sense for every project. We're not dogmatic about it. But we'll always show you the options and what the long-term picture looks like. Then you decide what matters for your project.
Let's Talk About Your Green Project
We're here to design buildings that'll still make sense in 50 years. Let's figure out what sustainable means for your specific project.