Building Better, Not Just Bigger

Look, we're not gonna preach to you about saving the planet – you already know what's up. What we will do is show you how sustainable design actually makes financial sense, creates healthier spaces, and yeah, happens to be better for the environment too.

Sustainable design process
Our Philosophy

Why We're Obsessed With This Stuff

Here's the thing – after fifteen years in this business, I've seen too many "green" projects that were basically just regular buildings with solar panels slapped on top. That's not what we do here.

Real sustainable design starts at the concept phase. It's about understanding how sunlight moves through your space, how air naturally flows, where water goes. We're talking passive strategies that worked for centuries before we had fancy HVAC systems.

And yeah, we use technology too – but only when it actually makes sense. No greenwashing, no gimmicks. Just buildings that work smarter and cost less to run.

87%

Avg. Energy Reduction

32

LEED Projects

6

Net-Zero Buildings

What Actually Works

Based on real projects, not just theory

Passive Solar Design

This is Architecture 101, but you'd be surprised how many designers ignore it. We orient buildings to maximize winter sun and minimize summer heat. South-facing glazing (in the Northern Hemisphere) with proper overhangs – it's not rocket science, but it works.

One of our residential projects in West Van cut heating costs by 60% just through smart orientation and window placement. No fancy tech required.

40-60%

Energy Savings Potential

$0

Extra Cost (if done early)

Passive solar design
High performance envelope

High-Performance Building Envelope

Your building envelope is basically its jacket. Would you wear a thin windbreaker in a Vancouver winter? Didn't think so.

We spec continuous insulation, triple-glazed windows, and airtight construction. Yeah, it costs more upfront – maybe 8-12% – but the payback period is usually under 7 years. After that, it's pure savings.

  • R-40+ wall assemblies with thermal bridge-free construction
  • Triple-glazed windows (R-7 or better) with Low-E coatings
  • Blower door tested to ensure less than 1.5 ACH @ 50 Pa

Water Management Systems

Vancouver gets a lot of rain – shocking, I know. Instead of fighting it, we work with it. Rainwater harvesting for irrigation and toilet flushing can cut municipal water use by 40%.

We also design proper stormwater management – bioswales, permeable paving, green roofs. It keeps water on-site, reduces infrastructure load, and honestly just looks better than a sea of asphalt.

40%

Water Use Reduction

85%

Stormwater Retained

3-5yr

Typical Payback

Water management

Certifications We Actually Care About

There are a ton of green building certifications out there. Some are rigorous, some are basically pay-to-play. Here's what we think is worth pursuing:

LEED Certification

The industry standard, and for good reason. It's comprehensive, third-party verified, and covers everything from energy to materials to indoor air quality. We've done 32 LEED projects – mostly Gold and Platinum level.

Passive House

This one's tough but amazing. Ultra-low energy use through superior envelope and mechanical systems. If you're serious about net-zero, this is the way. Fair warning – it requires serious commitment and attention to detail.

Living Building Challenge

The most stringent one out there. Net-positive energy, on-site water treatment, toxin-free materials. It's aspirational and honestly not realistic for every project, but when clients want to push boundaries, this is where we go.

Green certifications

Materials That Don't Suck

What we actually specify and why

Mass Timber

CLT and glulam are game-changers. Lower carbon than concrete or steel, faster construction, and BC has some of the best mass timber manufacturing in the world. We use it whenever code allows.

Recycled Content

Recycled steel, reclaimed wood, recycled glass countertops – there's high-quality recycled options for almost everything now. Just gotta know where to look and how to detail it properly.

Low-VOC Everything

Indoor air quality matters way more than people realize. We spec low or zero-VOC paints, adhesives, sealants. Your lungs will thank you, especially in our climate where buildings are sealed up tight.

Local Sourcing

BC stone, local timber, regional manufacturers – cutting transportation emissions and supporting local economy. Plus you get better quality control when suppliers are a phone call away, not overseas.

Energy Performance That Actually Delivers

Real data from our completed projects

85%
Commercial Office - Gastown

85% reduction in energy use vs. baseline. LEED Platinum. Natural ventilation + radiant heating did most of the heavy lifting.

90%
Residential - West Vancouver

90% better than code. Passive House certified. Heating bills under $400/year for a 3,200 sq ft home. Client couldn't believe it.

Net Zero
Multi-Family - Kitsilano

Net-zero energy. 24-unit building producing as much energy as it uses annually. Solar + geothermal + serious envelope work.

The Real Cost Conversation

Okay, let's talk money because that's what everyone wants to know. High-performance buildings do cost more upfront – typically 5-15% depending on how far you wanna push it.

But here's what most people don't factor in: lower operating costs, higher property values, better occupant health and productivity, future-proofing against energy cost increases, and increasingly, better financing options for green buildings.

5-15%

Upfront Premium

5-10yr

Payback Period

40-70%

Operating Cost Savings

7-15%

Property Value Increase