Building Without Wrecking the Planet

Look, we're not gonna pretend every building saves the world. But after 15 years designing for Canadian winters, we've learned a thing or two about making structures that don't burn through energy like there's no tomorrow.

Why We Actually Care About This Stuff

Honestly? It started when a client's heating bill came back at $4,800 for one winter. That's not just bad design - that's borderline criminal in 2025. Since then, we've been obsessed with making buildings that work WITH our climate instead of fighting it constantly.

Northern architecture isn't about slapping solar panels on everything and calling it a day. It's about understanding how heat moves, where wind hits hardest, and yeah - how to keep ice dams from destroying your roof every March.

Sustainable northern building
Quick Stats
  • 67% avg. energy reduction
  • 89 projects completed
  • 12+ LEED certifications

What Actually Works Up Here

Super-Insulation That Makes Sense

We're talking R-60 walls in some cases. Sounds crazy until you realize the payback period is like 7 years, and then it's basically free heat forever. Triple-pane windows minimum - double-pane is for amateurs or people who hate money.

85% heat retention

Passive Solar (When It Actually Shows Up)

Yeah, Vancouver gets like 15 sunny days a year, but when that sun hits? We make it count. South-facing glazing with proper overhangs means free heat in winter and shade in summer. It's geometry, not magic.

72% solar gain efficiency

Rainwater Systems That Work Year-Round

We get a LOT of rain. Might as well use it. Collection systems with heated lines for winter, filtration for summer irrigation. One client hasn't paid a water bill for landscaping in 3 years.

68% water independence

Local Materials (Because Shipping Sucks)

BC timber, regional stone, locally-sourced everything when possible. Not just for carbon footprint - the stuff actually performs better because it's designed for our climate. Imagine that.

91% regional sourcing

Carbon Impact Calculator

Rough estimates based on typical BC residential builds. Your mileage may vary.

1,000 2,500 sq ft 10,000

Annual CO2 Savings

8.4

metric tons/year

That's like taking 2 cars off the road

20-Year Impact

168

metric tons total

Equivalent to 380,000 km not driven

Before & After: Real Projects

Before renovation
BEFORE

Burnaby Heritage Home (2022)

R-12
Insulation
$412
Monthly heating
18.2t
Annual CO2

Classic 1940s build. Drafty, expensive, and honestly kinda miserable every winter. Original windows, minimal insulation, oil furnace working overtime.

After renovation
AFTER

Same House, Smarter Design

R-50
Insulation
$127
Monthly heating
4.1t
Annual CO2

Deep energy retrofit with heritage exterior preservation. Heat pump, upgraded envelope, smart ventilation. Owners say it's the first winter they've been actually comfortable.

Total Reduction

69%
Energy Use
77%
Carbon Emissions
$3,420
Saved Annually
Sustainable design process

Our Approach (No BS Version)

Site Analysis First

We actually visit the site. Walk around. Check sun angles, wind patterns, drainage. Crazy concept, right?

Energy Modeling That's Honest

We run the numbers. If something won't pay back in a reasonable timeframe, we tell you. Not every green technology makes sense for every project.

Materials That Make Sense

Local when possible, recycled when it works, new when it's actually the better option. Dogma doesn't build good buildings.

Long-Term Performance Focus

We design for 50+ years, not just to pass inspection. That means thinking about maintenance, replacement cycles, and how materials actually age in our climate.

Certifications & Standards

We work with these, but don't worship them. They're tools, not religions.

LEED Certified

12 projects and counting

Passive House

5 certified builds

Net Zero Ready

8 projects designed

Built Green

Gold & Platinum levels

Ready to Build Something That Makes Sense?

Let's talk about your project. We'll run the numbers, look at your site, and figure out what actually works - not just what sounds good in a brochure.

Get in Touch

Free initial consultation. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just honest conversation about what's possible.