Our Work Speaks Volumes

The Challenge

Our client wanted Toronto's most sustainable co-working space, but the site was basically a contaminated brownfield next to the lake. City regulations, environmental cleanup, and wind loads from being right on the water - we had our work cut out for us.

Our Approach

We designed a building that actually generates more power than it uses. The south facade is covered in solar panels integrated into the cladding system - looks sleek, not like a science project. Added a massive green roof that handles stormwater runoff and gives people actual outdoor workspace. The HVAC system uses geothermal heating and cooling, which was tricky to install near the waterfront but pays for itself in energy savings.

The Results

• LEED Platinum certified - first in Toronto's commercial sector
• 130% energy positive annually
• 98% construction waste diverted from landfills
• Indoor air quality scores off the charts
• Fully leased before construction finished

The Challenge

A 16-foot wide lot, neighbors on all sides, and a client who wanted three bedrooms plus a home office. Oh, and natural light in every room. Yeah, we were scratching our heads at first too.

Our Approach

We went vertical and got creative with light. The stairwell doubles as a light shaft with skylights at the top, bouncing natural light down three floors. Each floor is slightly offset, creating balcony spaces and avoiding that tunnel feeling. The facade uses translucent panels in strategic spots - privacy from neighbors but still gets light through. Rooftop became a usable garden space with built-in planters and an automated irrigation system.

The Results

• 1,850 sq ft across three floors from a 16' x 75' lot
• Every room gets natural daylight (measured it ourselves)
• Energy costs 40% below similar-sized homes
• Featured in Azure Magazine and Toronto Life
• Neighbourhood now has 6 more laneway projects inspired by this one

The Challenge

Five different restaurant concepts, five different kitchen setups, shared seating for 200+ people, and somehow make sure diners at the quiet wine bar don't hear the teppanyaki grill next door. The mechanical systems alone were a puzzle - coordinating all those hood vents without turning the place into an industrial zone.

Our Approach

Acoustic engineering became our obsession. We used different ceiling heights to create natural sound barriers, installed acoustic panels that don't look like acoustic panels, and designed the layout so sight lines are open but sound gets absorbed. Each kitchen got its own ventilation zone with whisper-quiet fans. The shared seating uses different floor materials to create "sound zones" without physical barriers.

The Results

• Sound bleeding between restaurants under 35 decibels
• All five restaurants opened on time (minor miracle)
• Kitchen efficiency improved by 25% vs. traditional layouts
• Became Toronto's most Instagrammed food hall in 2023
• Two of the restaurants already earned Michelin recognition

The Challenge

A 130-year-old Victorian that the heritage board wouldn't let us touch from the outside, but inside? Outdated wiring, no insulation, tiny rooms, and a layout that made zero sense for modern living. The foundation was also shifting, which is never fun to discover mid-project.

Our Approach

Complete interior gut while preserving every external detail down to the original window frames (we restored them all). Underpinned the foundation - expensive but necessary. Opened up the main floor into a flowing space while keeping the original staircase as the centerpiece. Added radiant floor heating, modern insulation hidden in the walls, and smart home tech that's completely invisible. The basement became a proper living space with proper ceiling height.

The Results

• Energy bills dropped 70% compared to pre-renovation
• Heritage board actually sent us a compliment letter
• 3,400 sq ft of modern living in a protected heritage building
• Property value increased by 85%
• Won a Toronto Heritage Award

The Challenge

Tech company needed space that could adapt as their teams changed. They didn't want cubicles, didn't want totally open plan, and definitely didn't want it to feel corporate. Also wanted to prove that biophilic design actually works, not just looks pretty in photos.

Our Approach

Designed modular walls that can be reconfigured without contractors - seriously, their facilities team can do it over a weekend. Installed circadian lighting that adjusts color temperature throughout the day. Brought in over 200 plants (we consulted with a botanist) and integrated them into the HVAC system for natural air filtration. Created different zone types: focus rooms, collaboration spaces, and quiet areas, all accessible within 30 feet of any desk.

The Results

• Employee sick days decreased 22% in year one
• Air quality 40% better than city average
• They've reconfigured the space 4 times with zero construction costs
• Staff satisfaction scores jumped from 6.2 to 8.7
• Became a recruitment tool - candidates tour the space and sign offers

The Challenge

Our clients wanted to prove you can build a certified Passive House in Toronto's climate without it costing twice as much as a regular build. They also wanted it to look like a home, not a science experiment. And they wanted to track every single energy metric to show it actually works.