Building with Nature, Not Against It

Here's the thing - we've learned that truly sustainable design isn't about slapping solar panels on roofs and calling it a day. It's way deeper than that.

Sustainable building design

Our Real-World Approach

Look, after fifteen years of pushing boundaries in Vancouver's evolving landscape, we've figured out what actually works. Sustainability isn't some abstract concept we chase - it's about making buildings that breathe, adapt, and honestly just make sense for how people live.

We're not gonna pretend every project hits net-zero or wins awards. But what we can promise? Each design gets the hard questions: Where's the sun hitting? What materials actually belong here? How can this building give back more than it takes?

Real Talk: We've reduced carbon footprints by an average of 62% across our residential projects since 2019.

The Numbers That Matter

Data from our last 40 completed projects (2020-2024)

47%

Average water use reduction through greywater systems & smart fixtures

68%

Energy consumption drop vs. conventional builds in BC

89%

Of materials sourced within 500km - supporting local, cutting transport emissions

34%

Recycled or reclaimed content in typical project material palette

Green roof integration

Where We Actually Put Our Efforts

Passive Design First

Orientation, natural ventilation, thermal mass - getting the bones right so we're not fixing problems with expensive tech later.

Material Honesty

We use stuff that'll last and age gracefully. Local timber, reclaimed brick, low-VOC finishes - materials with actual stories, not just greenwashed labels.

Adaptive Reuse When Possible

Tearing down perfectly good structures? Wasteful. We've transformed warehouses, old commercial spaces - there's character there you can't fabricate.

Our Sustainability Framework

Energy Performance

Heat pumps, triple-glazed windows, serious insulation specs. We model everything before breaking ground - no guessing games with your utility bills.

Water Management

Rainwater harvesting, permeable surfaces, native landscaping that actually thrives on Vancouver's rainfall instead of fighting it.

Indoor Environment Quality

Natural light, air quality, acoustic comfort - people spend 90% of their time indoors. This stuff matters for real health, not just certification points.

Lifecycle Thinking

We design for deconstruction. Future renovations shouldn't mean landfills full of perfectly good materials bonded together with toxic adhesives.

Certifications & Standards (That We Actually Care About)

We're not anti-certification - LEED, Passive House, Living Building Challenge all push the industry forward. But here's what we've noticed after certifying about two dozen projects: the process matters more than the plaque.

Some of our best-performing buildings aren't certified at all. Client chose to put the consultant fees into better mechanical systems instead. Smart move. That said, when certification aligns with goals and budgets, we'll push for Gold or Platinum without breaking a sweat.

LEED Accredited Passive House Certified WELL Building Standard Net Zero Ready
Solar energy integration

Case Study: Embodied Carbon Reduction

Commercial Renovation - Gastown Project (2023)

Instead of demolishing a 1920s brick building, we convinced the client to embrace adaptive reuse. The numbers tell the story better than we can:

1,247
tonnes CO2 avoided vs. new build
76%
original structure retained
$340k
saved in material costs

Bonus: The exposed brick and old-growth timber became the project's signature aesthetic. Client's now paying premium lease rates for that "authentic character" that was there all along.

What We Learned
  • Early structural assessment is crucial - brought in engineers week one, not month three
  • Heritage considerations actually helped the sustainability case with city approvals
  • Existing building systems taught us about passive strategies the original builders used - natural stack ventilation we incorporated into the modern design
  • Sometimes the greenest building is the one that's already standing
Sustainable design process

Starting a Sustainable Project? Here's What to Expect

Gonna be honest - sustainable design isn't always the easiest path. There's more upfront planning, tighter coordination, sometimes higher initial costs. But it's worth it, and here's how we make it happen:

Discovery & Site Analysis

We spend serious time understanding your site - sun paths, wind patterns, existing vegetation, soil conditions. This shapes everything that follows.

Goal Setting Workshop

What actually matters to you? Energy bills? Indoor air quality? Long-term durability? We align priorities before drawing a single line.

Integrated Design Process

Engineers, energy modelers, and key trades join early. Collaboration beats coordination - always has.

Performance Modeling

We test designs virtually - energy use, daylighting, thermal comfort. Finding problems in software beats finding them in drywall.

Construction & Verification

On-site regularly, blower door tests, commissioning - making sure what we designed actually got built that way.

Let's Talk About Your Sustainable Project

Whether you're aiming for net-zero or just want a home that doesn't cost a fortune to heat, we'd love to explore what's possible. No pressure, no sales pitch - just real conversation about real solutions.

Get In Touch