Real Work, Real Impact

The Challenge

Our clients had bought this 1970s rancher right on the lake - amazing location but the house itself was a tear-down candidate. Problem was, they'd fallen in love with the spot and didn't wanna move during construction. So we had to figure out how to essentially rebuild around them while they lived there. Plus, being right on the water meant dealing with strict environmental regulations and honestly, some pretty gnarly wind loads.

Our Approach

We started by really listening to how they wanted to live - lots of entertaining, home office space, and they're big on cooking. The wife's a photographer so natural light was non-negotiable. We designed this split-level layout that follows the natural slope down to the water. Main living area is all about those lake views with these massive triple-glazed windows - yeah, they cost a fortune but the energy savings are real.

The green roof wasn't even in the original plan - we suggested it halfway through design and they loved it. Now it's got native plants that don't need watering, helps with insulation, and has become their favorite hangout spot. We also buried the geothermal system under the driveway which was way easier than digging up the yard.

Sustainable Features

• Geothermal heating and cooling - cuts energy use by about 60%
• Rainwater collection for irrigation (they've barely touched city water for the garden)
• Passive solar design with strategic overhangs
• LED lighting throughout with smart controls
• High-efficiency envelope with continuous insulation
• Locally-sourced materials where possible (supporting Ontario suppliers)

The Result

They moved into the finished house last fall and honestly, it's performing better than we projected. Heating bills are minimal even during that brutal cold snap in January. The photographer's studio on the upper level gets perfect north light all day. And that green roof? They've hosted three dinner parties up there already. Best part was when the neighbors who were skeptical about the modern design stopped by to say how much they actually like it. That doesn't happen often in Toronto's heritage neighborhoods.

The Challenge

This old warehouse in the Junction had been sitting empty for years - structural issues, asbestos, the works. The developer wanted to cram in as many offices as possible but we pushed back hard on that. These tech startups need flexible space, not a bunch of little boxes. Also had to figure out how to add proper HVAC, bring everything up to code, and somehow keep the budget from exploding.

Design Solution

We kept the bones - those timber beams and brick walls are gorgeous and honestly, you can't fake that character. Stripped everything else back to the studs. Then we created these modular glass meeting pods that can be moved around as companies grow or change. Cut six new skylights into the roof which totally transformed the space - went from dungeon to light-filled in one move.

For the mechanical systems, we ran everything exposed - the ductwork actually looks pretty cool painted matte black. Saved money on drywall and the tenants love the industrial vibe. Added a bunch of plants throughout because, let's be real, staring at screens all day sucks without some greenery around.

Sustainability Wins

• Adaptive reuse kept 85% of original structure (way better than demo and rebuild)
• New skylights reduced artificial lighting needs by 40%
• High-efficiency HVAC with zone controls
• Bike storage for 30+ bikes (more people biking = less parking needed)
• Reclaimed wood from original roof became feature wall in main space

Outcome

All three units leased before we even finished construction. The companies that moved in have been expanding - that flexible design really paid off. One startup went from 8 people to 25 and didn't need to move because we'd planned for growth. The neighborhood's changed a ton since this went in too - two more conversions have happened on the same block. Sometimes one good project can kickstart a whole area.

The Challenge

Four narrow lots in a heritage conservation district - yeah, that's not easy. The lots were only 16 feet wide each and the city had a million rules about height, setbacks, materials, you name it. Plus the neighbors were not thrilled about new construction. We went to three community meetings before we even submitted drawings. Fun times.

Our Strategy

We studied every house on the block - took like 200 photos of cornices, window proportions, brick patterns. Then designed something that's clearly contemporary but respects the rhythm of the street. Used traditional red brick but in a modern stack bond pattern. Kept the front facade modest but then opened up the back with big windows facing the private yards.

The rooftop terraces were almost cut from the project - budget reasons - but we fought for them. Now they're the best feature. Each unit gets 300 sq ft of outdoor space up top with crazy good views. Installed artificial turf up there 'cause real grass on a roof is just asking for trouble.

Going Geothermal

Here's the cool part - we convinced the developer to do shared geothermal for all four units. Drilled one deep bore field in the back lane instead of four separate systems. Each unit still has individual control but the efficiency is way better. Installation cost more upfront but buyers loved it - these homes basically don't have heating bills.

The Outcome

Sold all four units before completion at prices that made the developer very happy. One of the neighbors who fought the project hardest actually tried to buy one (too late, buddy). The heritage committee ended up using our project as an example of how to do infill right in the district. That