Riverside Glass House
This one was a beast. The clients wanted floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the Don Valley, but they also needed privacy and thermal efficiency (because Toronto winters aren't messing around). We spent months getting the glazing system right.
Technical Specs
- Total Area: 4,200 sq ft
- Glazing: Triple-pane low-E argon-filled units
- Structure: Steel frame with cantilevered deck
- HVAC: Radiant floor heating + ERV system
- Timeline: 16 months (design through completion)
- Energy Rating: LEED Gold certified
The before? A dated 70s split-level that honestly didn't know what it wanted to be. We kept the foundation but rebuilt pretty much everything else. The transformation's kinda wild when you see the photos side by side.
Queen West Commercial Hub
Retail on ground level, co-working spaces up top. The tricky part? Working with heritage facade requirements while making the interior feel completely modern. Toronto's heritage bylaws don't mess around, and honestly, we learned a ton on this one.
Project Details
- Sq Footage: 12,500 sq ft across 3 floors
- Facade: Restored heritage brick + new steel elements
- Interior: Exposed structural elements, polished concrete
- Systems: VRF climate control, fiber infrastructure
- Completion: 22 months from concept to occupancy
- Occupancy: 4 retail tenants + 85 co-working members
The existing building was basically falling apart - water damage, outdated everything. We had to gut it while keeping the street-facing wall intact. Not gonna lie, there were some sleepless nights figuring out the structural supports.
Forest Hill Family Residence
Young family, three kids, two dogs, and a serious love for entertaining. They wanted open-concept but also spots where everyone could have their own space. We basically reimagined how a family home could work - less about showing off, more about actually living.
Build Specs
- Living Space: 5,800 sq ft + finished basement
- Materials: Cedar cladding, limestone accents, zinc roofing
- Features: Custom millwork throughout, hidden storage
- Kitchen: 22-foot island, professional-grade appliances
- Smart Home: Integrated lighting, climate, security
- Duration: 19 months including permit delays
The original house had good bones but terrible flow - you had to walk through the kitchen to get anywhere. We knocked down some walls (okay, a lot of walls) and reconfigured the entire main floor. The kids' wing upstairs got soundproofed too, which the parents definitely appreciate.
Distillery District Loft Conversion
Converting an old industrial space into livable square footage is always interesting. This was a former textile warehouse - massive ceilings, original timber beams, and brick that'd been there since 1889. The client wanted to keep that raw character while adding modern comfort.
Conversion Details
- Space: 3,200 sq ft open loft layout
- Ceilings: 16-foot exposed timber and steel
- Windows: Restored original factory windows
- Mechanical: Concealed ductwork, underfloor heating
- Bathroom: Glass-enclosed spa suite with freestanding tub
- Timeline: 13 months (lots of structural surprises)
The challenge was hiding all the modern stuff - HVAC, plumbing, electrical - without losing the industrial vibe. We ended up running most systems through the original columns and behind preserved brickwork. Took some creative problem-solving but it worked out.
Muskoka Lake House
Weekend getaway meets year-round living. The site was stunning - rocky shoreline, massive pines - but building up there comes with its own headaches. Access is limited, weather's unpredictable, and you're dealing with bedrock everywhere. Still, totally worth it.
Construction Notes
- Site: 2.5 acres on Canadian Shield bedrock
- Structure: Post and beam with SIPs panels
- Exterior: Local stone and western red cedar
- Glass: 40-foot lakeside window wall
- Insulation: R-40 walls, R-60 roof (it gets cold up there)
- Build Time: 24 months due to seasonal access
There wasn't really a "before" since this was new construction, but the site had an old hunting cabin from the 50s that was basically rotting into the ground. We salvaged some of the timber for accent pieces inside, which the clients loved. Gives the new place a bit of history.
Got a project in mind?
We're always up for new challenges. Whether it's a full build or a renovation, let's talk about what you're thinking. We'll shoot straight with you about timelines, budgets, and what's actually possible.