Project Deep Dives

Real stories from the field - the messy bits, the breakthroughs, and everything we learned along the way. These aren't just pretty pictures; they're honest looks at how we tackled actual challenges.

Before renovation
After renovation

Drag the slider to see the transformation

HERITAGE MEETS FUTURE

The Liberty Street Warehouse

Toronto, ON | Completed 2023 | 18,500 sq ft

This one was tricky from day one. We had a 1920s brick warehouse that'd been sitting empty for years - gorgeous bones but everything else was a mess. The client wanted mixed-use space without losing that industrial character everyone loves about old Toronto buildings.

Water Management

Old roof was leaking like crazy. We installed a new green roof system that handles stormwater runoff while insulating the top floor - killed two birds with one stone.

Energy Recovery

Those massive windows? Triple-glazed with low-e coating. Cut heating costs by 60% compared to what it would've been with standard glass.

Project Timeline
Month 1-2: Initial assessment, structural surveys, endless meetings with heritage board
Month 3-5: Demo and stabilization - found some surprises in the walls (not the good kind)
Month 6-10: New systems installation, green roof, window replacement
Month 11-14: Interior buildout, finishes, LEED documentation
Month 15: Final inspections, LEED Gold certification secured

65%

Energy Reduction

LEED Gold

Certification

14mo

Completion Time

RESIDENTIAL RETHINK

Rosedale Passive House

Toronto, ON | Completed 2022 | 3,200 sq ft

Client came to us wanting net-zero energy consumption in one of Toronto's older neighborhoods. Everyone thought we were nuts - "can't be done," they said. Well, we did it, and learned a ton in the process.

Airtightness Challenge

Getting that 0.6 ACH@50Pa was brutal. Three separate blower door tests before we nailed it. Turned out the window flashing details needed reworking.

Solar Orientation

The lot wasn't ideal for passive solar, so we got creative with reflective landscaping and strategically placed south-facing clerestory windows.

Heating Load

Final heating demand: 12 kWh/m²/year. That's less energy than it takes to power a hairdryer for the whole winter. Pretty wild when you think about it.

Technical Specs That Matter
Wall R-Value:
R-60
Roof R-Value:
R-80
Window U-Value:
0.14
ERV Efficiency:
92%
Rosedale Passive House
Energy Performance - First Year
Heating 92% below typical
Cooling 87% below typical
Total Energy Use Net Zero Achieved
Thermal imaging

Thermal imaging shows no heat loss

Solar array

8.5kW solar array on south roof

Main building view Interior view
Awards & Recognition
  • CaGBC Award 2023
  • Toronto Architecture Prize
  • LEED Platinum
Technical Drawing Overlay

Click any project image to view architectural plans, elevations, and construction details overlaid on photos.

COMMERCIAL INNOVATION

King Street Tech Hub

Toronto, ON | Completed 2021 | 42,000 sq ft

A tech company wanted their office to reflect their values - collaboration, sustainability, and yeah, they wanted it to look cool too. We gutted a 1960s office building that had all the charm of a concrete bunker and turned it into something people actually want to work in.

Ripped out the old HVAC that was basically heating the parking lot. Installed a VRF system with CO2 monitoring and demand-controlled ventilation. Air quality is actually better inside than outside now, which in downtown Toronto is saying something.

The building's deep floor plate was a problem. We carved out an interior courtyard and added light shelves on the south facade. Now 95% of workspaces get natural light - makes a huge difference in how people feel during those long winter months.

Living walls, planters everywhere, even moss art in the conference rooms. It's not just for looks - studies show it actually reduces stress and improves productivity. Plus, the plants help with air quality and acoustic absorption.

Rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation. Low-flow fixtures throughout. We're seeing about 45% reduction in municipal water use compared to baseline. The building's basically paying for its water usage through savings.

78%

Less Energy vs Baseline

95%

Occupant Satisfaction

"Working with Zirelith Quinthar wasn't just about getting a building - it was about rethinking how our space could support our culture. They got what we were trying to do and pushed us further than we'd imagined."

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More Projects Worth Checking Out

Annex Laneway House Residential
Annex Laneway House

Toronto, ON | 2023 | 850 sq ft

Maximizing space on a tiny urban lot while hitting Passive House standards. This one was all about creative problem-solving and attention to detail.

View Project