Working in cold climates isn't just about throwing more insulation at the problem. We've learned that the best buildings respect their environment - understanding wind patterns, snow drift dynamics, and how people really live when it's dark for months at a time.
Our approach comes from years of watching what works and what doesn't. We've seen fancy designs fail because nobody thought about ice dams or how residents would clear their entryways. That's not gonna happen on our projects.
Every project teaches us something new. Like that residential complex where we redesigned the whole entry sequence because the original plan would've created an ice rink every morning. Or the commercial building where we worked with local crews who knew exactly how the wind behaves in that specific valley.
We're not trying to impose southern building standards on the north. That's backward thinking and it never works out.
More About UsSix main areas where we've built up real experience over the years
Houses that keep people warm without bankrupting them on heating costs. We've figured out entry sequences that actually make sense when you're carrying groceries in a blizzard.
From retail spaces to offices, these need different thinking. Employee comfort matters, but so does the bottom line when you're dealing with extreme weather conditions year-round.
The envelope is everything in cold climates. We've tested various assemblies and can tell you what actually performs versus what just looks good on paper.
This isn't optional up north. We work with structural engineers who understand that building codes are minimums, not targets, especially when lives depend on it.
Communities need more than just buildings - they need infrastructure that works when it's cold and dark. We've been part of several master planning projects that actually got built.
Older buildings weren't always designed for modern comfort standards. We've gotten pretty good at upgrading them without losing their character or historical value.
Whether you're planning a single home or a whole community, we'd like to hear what you're thinking. Every project starts with understanding what you're actually trying to accomplish.
We're based in Vancouver but work throughout northern regions. Initial conversations are pretty informal - just helping figure out if we're a good fit for what you need.