Project Chronicles

Real builds, real challenges, real solutions. Here's what we've been up to over the years - each project taught us something new, and honestly, that's what keeps this work interesting.

We've organized everything chronologically so you can see how our approach has evolved. Some projects went smooth as butter, others... well, let's just say we learned a lot. Click on any project to dig into the technical stuff and see the before/after comparisons.

2023

Greenwood Commons Mixed-Use Development

East Vancouver, BC

This one was ambitious - converting an old industrial warehouse district into a mixed-use space with retail on ground level and residential units above. The existing structures had good bones, we just needed to convince everyone else of that.


Specs & Approach
  • Total Area: 42,000 sq ft
  • Units: 28 residential lofts, 6 commercial spaces
  • Key Challenge: Preserving original brick facades while meeting current seismic codes
  • Sustainable Features: Rainwater harvesting, solar panel integration, green roof on main building
  • Timeline: 18 months from approval to completion

Before

Before renovation Original warehouse - lots of potential hidden under years of neglect

After

After renovation Now it's actually contributing to the neighborhood instead of dragging it down
Greenwood Commons
2022

Heritage Bank Building Restoration

Gastown, Vancouver, BC

A 1912 bank building that'd been sitting empty for years. The heritage committee had strict requirements, but we managed to turn it into functional office space without losing what made it special in the first place. Those original vault doors? Still there.


Specs & Approach
  • Total Area: 15,800 sq ft across 3 floors
  • Original Build: 1912 - Edwardian Classical style
  • Key Challenge: Updating electrical and HVAC without compromising interior plaster work and crown moldings
  • Heritage Elements Preserved: Original marble counters, brass fixtures, terrazzo flooring, ornamental ceiling work
  • Timeline: 14 months (longer than planned due to unexpected foundation issues)

Before

Before restoration Years of water damage and neglect - but the craftsmanship was still visible

After

After restoration Every detail restored to how it looked in 1912, but with modern functionality
Heritage Bank Building
2021

Seaside Net-Zero Family Home

West Vancouver, BC

Clients wanted a house that paid for its own energy bills while maximizing those ocean views. We integrated passive solar design with some pretty clever thermal mass strategies. Two years later, they're actually selling power back to the grid most months.


Specs & Approach
  • Total Area: 3,200 sq ft
  • Bedrooms/Baths: 4 bed, 3.5 bath
  • Key Challenge: Balancing massive glazing for views with thermal efficiency
  • Sustainable Features: 12kW solar array, geothermal heating/cooling, triple-pane windows, thermal battery storage, greywater recycling
  • Energy Performance: Net-zero achieved within first year of operation
  • Timeline: 16 months construction

Before

Before construction Sloped lot with killer views but challenging grade

After

After construction Clean lines, maximum glass, zero compromises on efficiency
Seaside Net-Zero Home
2020

Urban Tech Campus Expansion

Burnaby, BC

Growing tech company needed space fast but didn't wanna lose the collaborative vibe they'd built. We added 25,000 sq ft while keeping the open-concept feel intact. Lots of natural light, breakout spaces, and yeah, we included the obligatory ping pong area they asked for.


Specs & Approach
  • Total Area: 25,000 sq ft expansion
  • Capacity: Additional 180 workstations
  • Key Challenge: Construction while existing operations continued - had to phase everything carefully
  • Features: Living green wall, modular meeting pods, standing desk infrastructure, rooftop patio
  • Timeline: 11 months (tight schedule, met deadline)

Before

Before expansion Cramped and outgrown - they were running out of desks

After

After expansion Room to breathe and grow for the next few years
Tech Campus
2019

Craftsman Bungalow Adaptive Reuse

Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC

Classic 1920s craftsman that'd been chopped up into apartments over the decades. We brought it back to a single-family home while respecting the original design language. Found some beautiful douglas fir under three layers of carpet - that was a good day.


Specs & Approach
  • Total Area: 2,400 sq ft
  • Original Build: 1923
  • Key Challenge: Removing decades of modifications while maintaining structural integrity
  • Preserved Elements: Original fir flooring, built-in cabinetry, tapered porch columns, exposed beam ceilings
  • Modern Updates: Full insulation upgrade, new plumbing/electrical, kitchen and bath renovations
  • Timeline: 9 months

Before

Before renovation Decades of quick-fix modifications had buried the original charm

After

After renovation Back to its 1920s roots but actually comfortable to live in
Craftsman Bungalow
2018

Mountain Modern Retreat

Whistler, BC

Weekend retreat that needed to handle everything from summer hikes to winter ski trips. Heavy timber construction with floor-to-ceiling glass facing the mountains. The trick was keeping it cozy without blocking those views - lots of strategic fireplace placement.


Specs & Approach
  • Total Area: 2,800 sq ft
  • Bedrooms/Baths: 3 bed, 3 bath
  • Key Challenge: Extreme weather conditions - heavy snow loads and temperature swings
  • Materials: Local timber frame, stone from regional quarries, high-performance glazing
  • Features: Radiant floor heating, two fireplaces, heated driveway, ski storage room
  • Timeline: 13 months (weather delays factored in)

Before

Before construction Pristine site with incredible potential

After

After construction Blends right into the landscape while standing out in the best way
Mountain Retreat

Got a Project in Mind?

Whether it's restoring something old or building something new, we'd love to hear what you're thinking. Every project starts with a conversation - no pressure, just talking through possibilities.

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