Here's what we've been working on - projects that actually have to survive real winters, not just look pretty in magazine spreads.
We don't do cookie-cutter designs. Every building you'll see below was shaped by its specific site conditions - wind patterns, snow loads, sun angles in January when it matters most. These aren't renderings either; they're real structures that people live and work in.
We've spent years figuring out what works when the temperature drops. If you're planning something in a harsh climate and don't wanna learn these lessons the hard way, let's talk.
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Clients relocated from California and wanted that open, bright feeling - but Whistler's not exactly LA weather-wise. The site faces northwest with serious wind exposure, and they'd already dismissed three architects who couldn't solve the heat loss issue.
We used structurally insulated panels (SIPs) for the entire envelope, then added a custom curtain wall system with argon-filled triple glazing. The trick was orienting the main living spaces to capture whatever southern sun we get in winter while protecting from prevailing winds. Built-in snow melt systems on decks and entry paths 'cause nobody wants to shovel at 7am before skiing.
Energy modeling predicted 68% reduction in heating costs vs. conventional construction. After two winters, actual usage is beating that by another 12%. Clients say the place stays consistently comfortable without constantly adjusting thermostats.
Tech company wanted a showpiece office that'd help with recruitment - everyone's competing for talent these days. But they also had serious sustainability targets written into their corporate values. Net-zero in coastal BC? That's not easy.
We went with a hybrid system: ground-source heat pumps for baseline heating/cooling, topped off with rooftop solar that's actually optimized for our latitude (not just thrown up there). The green roof isn't just for show - it provides real insulation value and manages stormwater. LED throughout with daylight harvesting controls that actually work instead of annoying people.
Building achieved net-zero certification in 2023 after two years of monitoring. On-site generation covers 102% of annual consumption. Staff surveys show 87% prefer working in-office vs. home, which wasn't expected but sure makes the client happy.
Historic designation meant we couldn't touch the exterior appearance. Interior was gutted - decades of leaks and zero insulation. Had to bring it up to modern building code without compromising heritage value. Oh, and the municipality's budget wasn't exactly unlimited.
Careful documentation of every original element worth saving. We added spray foam insulation behind new interior walls that replicate the original layout. All the old-growth timber framing got restored - some pieces needed sistering but most cleaned up beautifully. New mechanical systems hidden in strategic locations. Windows were the hardest part - we found a supplier who could match the 1920s profiles but with modern glazing performance.
Building now serves as a community center and tourist info hub. Won a provincial heritage conservation award in 2021. More importantly, it's actually usable year-round instead of being a charming but freezing relic.
High-elevation site accessible only by snowcat half the year. Structural loads had to account for massive snow accumulation - we're talking design loads that'd make a lowland engineer's eyes water. Construction window? Maybe four months if we're lucky.
Engineered timber framing pre-fabricated off-site, then helicoptered in (yeah, that happened). Steep roof pitches to shed snow naturally. Strategic placement of windows for views without creating cold zones. Backup systems for everything because when you're snowed in, calling a repair guy isn't really an option.
Completed on time despite weather delays that'd normally add months to alpine construction. Structural monitoring after the first winter showed loads well within design parameters even during the big February dump. Client's been living there full-time and hasn't regretted the access challenges once.
Public spaces need to work for everyone, handle heavy use, and somehow stay within municipal budgets. This one needed to host everything from farmers markets to winter craft fairs. High ceilings for that open feel, but heating costs can't spiral outta control.
Passive solar design captures south-facing exposure through clerestory windows. Thermal mass in the floor slab stores daytime heat. Solar thermal panels feed radiant floor heating - feels way more comfortable than forced air and uses less energy. Natural ventilation for summer, operable sections for flexible space usage.
Operating costs came in 43% below comparable facilities. Booking rate hit 78% in the first year - they're actually turning people away on weekends. Local media called it "the warmest public building in town" which wasn't the headline we pitched for but we'll take it.
No grid connection available, and clients wanted full amenities - not some rustic camping experience. Off-grid usually means compromises; they weren't interested in compromising. Winter power generation is tough when days are short and panels might be covered in snow.
Oversized PV array mounted on a steep rack that sheds snow naturally. Battery bank sized for five days of autonomy. Backup propane generator that's actually quiet. Super-insulated envelope means heating loads are manageable with a small wood stove plus electric baseboards for backup. Every system designed for easy owner maintenance.
Three winters in, generator runtime averages under 40 hours per year - mostly during extended storms. Client reports living there feels no different than being on-grid. Energy monitoring shows surplus production in summer that they're now considering using for an EV charging setup.
Lodge couldn't close for renovation - peak season revenue pays the bills. New wing needed to match existing character while meeting current code. Tight site with access issues. Timeline was non-negotiable: ready for ski season or don't bother.
Modular construction built off-site while we prepped foundations. Panelized walls, pre-finished interiors, mechanical systems rough-in done before delivery. Five-day assembly period, another three weeks for connections and finishing. Designed the addition to enhance the original building instead of looking tacked-on.
Opened two weeks before ski season with zero delays. Guest reviews specifically mention the "seamless integration" between old and new. Owner's already asked us to look at phase two for next summer. Modular approach saved about 35% on timeline vs. conventional construction.
