Project Deep Dives

Real stories from the field. Here's what we've been building lately and the lessons learned along the way. No fluff, just honest breakdowns of what worked (and what didn't).

Riverside Residence Project
Completed 2023
Residential

Riverside Residence

Etobicoke, Toronto ON

This one was tricky from the start. The clients wanted floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the Humber River, but we also needed to keep their heating bills from going through the roof. Ended up spec'ing triple-glazed units with argon fill - yeah, they cost more upfront, but the thermal performance is honestly impressive.

Timeline

18 months from concept to completion

Square Footage

3,200 sq ft living space

Environmental Impact Metrics

62%

Energy Reduction

45%

Water Savings

8.2kW

Solar Capacity

LEED

Gold Certified

Key Challenge: Balancing panoramic views with thermal efficiency in Toronto's climate.

What We Learned: Geothermal systems take longer to permit than expected. Factor that into your schedule or you'll be scrambling like we were.

Queen West Office Complex
Technical Drawing
Commercial

Queen West Office Complex

Downtown Toronto, ON

Converting a 1920s warehouse into modern office space? Everyone said we were nuts. The brick was crumbling in spots, the floors weren't level, and don't even get me started on the electrical situation. But the bones were solid, and there's something about preserving that heritage character that you just can't replicate with new construction.

Timeline

24 months (heritage approval delays)

Square Footage

12,500 sq ft across 3 floors

Before & After Comparison
Before Renovation

Before: Vacant warehouse space

After Renovation

After: Contemporary office environment

Sustainability Outcomes

78%

Materials Salvaged

55%

Energy Savings

100%

LED Lighting

BOMA

Best Certified

Key Challenge: Maintaining heritage facade requirements while improving thermal performance.

What We Learned: Interior insulation on heritage brick is way more complicated than exterior. Budget extra for structural engineering consults.

Lakeshore Modern Villa
Completed 2022
Residential

Lakeshore Modern Villa

Oakville, ON

Building on the lake means dealing with moisture, wind loads, and some pretty strict conservation authority rules. This project pushed us to get creative with cantilevers and green roof systems. The client's original budget was... let's say optimistic. But we found ways to make it work without compromising on the environmental goals.

Timeline

22 months design + construction

Square Footage

4,800 sq ft + 600 sq ft green roof

Technical Specifications
  • Passive solar design with 18-inch overhangs
  • Rainwater harvesting system (5,000L capacity)
  • Reclaimed Douglas fir beams throughout
  • ICF foundation with R-40 insulation
  • Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system
Performance Metrics

71%

Less Energy Use

12kW

Solar Array

Net-Zero

Ready Design

LEED

Platinum Track

Key Challenge: Integrating green infrastructure on a sloped lakefront site with strict setback requirements.

What We Learned: Green roofs need way more structural support than you'd think. And finding installers who actually know what they're doing? That took some phone calls.

East York Community Hub
Site Plan
Community

East York Community Hub

East York, Toronto ON

This one's close to my heart. Working with municipal budgets means you gotta be smart about where you spend. We convinced the city to invest more upfront in passive design strategies - better orientation, proper shading, natural ventilation - so they'd save thousands annually on operating costs. Took some convincing, but the numbers don't lie.

Timeline

30 months (public consultations included)

Square Footage

18,000 sq ft multi-purpose space

Community Impact

This space serves over 2,000 community members weekly. We worked directly with neighborhood groups during design to make sure it actually met their needs - not just what we thought they wanted.

Facilities Included:

  • Multi-sport gymnasium
  • Community kitchen
  • Meeting rooms
  • Outdoor gardens

Accessibility Features:

  • Universal washrooms
  • Ramp + elevator access
  • Sensory-friendly spaces
  • Adjustable lighting zones
Environmental Performance

48%

Energy Reduction

35%

Water Savings

85%

Waste Diverted

LEED

Silver Achieved

Key Challenge: Maximizing functionality within tight municipal budget constraints while achieving sustainability goals.

What We Learned: Community consultation takes time but it's worth it. The local gardening group suggested the rooftop greenhouse idea, which turned into one of the building's best features.

Distillery District Heritage Conversion
Completed 2021
Heritage Restoration

Distillery Loft Conversion

Distillery District, Toronto ON

Ever try to run HVAC ducts through a building with 14-foot brick walls and timber beams from 1895? Yeah, it's an adventure. This project taught us more about heritage preservation than any textbook could. We couldn't touch the exterior, so everything - and I mean everything - had to happen on the inside. Made for some interesting engineering solutions.

Timeline

26 months (heritage approvals were brutal)

Square Footage

8,400 sq ft converted to 6 residential units

Restoration Highlights
  • Original timber beams cleaned and preserved
  • Brick facade repointed using heritage-approved mortar
  • Industrial windows restored (yeah, every single one)
  • Original cast iron columns integrated into design
  • Historic loading doors converted to feature entrances