Project Deep Dives

The Brief

A mixed-use development that needed to pack 45,000 sq ft of retail, office space for 200+ workers, and a community hub into a tight urban lot - all while meeting the city's new net-zero targets. The developer wasn't thrilled about the budget implications of that last part, let's be real.

What We Did

We designed a four-story structure with retail at grade and offices above. The trick was using the building itself as a thermal battery - we integrated phase-change materials into the concrete floors that absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Combined with a smart facade system that adjusts based on interior temps, we cut HVAC loads by almost 60%. That made the net-zero goal actually achievable without blowing up the budget.

Material Choices

• 40% recycled content in structural steel
• High-performance electrochromic glass
• Cork flooring in office areas
• Green roof with native plants

The Situation

This 1920s warehouse was designated heritage but had been sitting empty for years. The brick facade was crumbling, the timber structure was compromised by water damage, and the whole thing needed to be brought up to modern building codes while keeping its historic character intact. Also, the arts organization taking it over wanted a 300-seat performance space and gallery - neither of which the building was designed for.

The Solution

We stabilized the existing brick using traditional lime mortar techniques, then built a new structural system inside the shell - kind of like a building within a building. This let us preserve the exterior while creating modern spaces inside. For the performance hall, we carved out a double-height volume and used acoustic panels made from recycled denim (yeah, really) to get the sound quality right without compromising the industrial aesthetic.

Modern Systems Integration

• Radiant floor heating throughout
• LED lighting hidden in historic fixtures
• Sprinkler system integrated into ceiling structure
• Accessible elevator added to new service core
• Advanced humidity control to protect artwork

The Context

A developer snagged this weird landlocked lot in the Junction that backed onto a rail corridor. 6,500 sq ft total, squeezed between existing buildings, and the only access was a 12-foot-wide laneway. Most architects told them to walk away. We saw it as a chance to prove that good design can make challenging urban infill work.

Design Strategy

We're building four narrow townhomes (14 feet wide each) arranged in a staggered pattern that maximizes privacy and light. Each unit is three stories with a rooftop terrace. The laneway access actually became an asset - we turned it into a shared pedestrian mews with permeable paving and planted borders. No cars on-site, just bike storage and a car-share spot at the street end.

Material Strategy

• Charred wood siding (shou sugi ban) - no paint needed, ever
• Polished concrete floors on grade level
• FSC-certified maple for upper floors
• Recycled glass countertops
• Metal roofing with integrated solar-ready mounting