Look, we're not gonna preach about saving the planet - you've heard that speech. What we will tell you is how we've figured out ways to design buildings that actually work WITH nature instead of against it. And yeah, turns out it saves money too.
Back in 2015, we completed a commercial project that looked amazing on paper. Traditional materials, conventional systems, the whole nine yards. Two years later, the client called us - their energy bills were through the roof and half the building wasn't even comfortable to work in. That was our wake-up call.
Since then, we've made it our mission to design spaces that don't just look good in renderings but actually perform in the real world. We're talking about buildings that breathe, that adapt to seasons, that use resources smartly. Not because it's trendy, but because it's honestly just better architecture.
Average energy reduction in our projects compared to conventional builds
LEED certified projects delivered since 2016
4,200 tonnes
CO2 emissions prevented
89%
Materials locally sourced
Forget the greenwashing - here's what we're really putting into our buildings
We source old barn wood and warehouse beams that've got more character than most people. Plus, no new trees cut down.
Carbon Negative
Structural steel made from 95% recycled content. Strong as hell and uses way less energy than virgin steel production.
95% Recycled
This stuff grows back in 3-5 years compared to 20+ for hardwood. We're using it for flooring, panels, even structural elements.
Rapidly Renewable
Paints and sealants that won't gas out nasty chemicals for months. Your lungs will thank you.
Health CertifiedWe've tested a lot of systems over the years. Some worked great, others... not so much. Here's what we've learned actually moves the needle on energy performance.
Strategic window placement and thermal mass to heat and cool naturally. Sounds simple because it is - that's why it works.
Cross-breezes aren't just nice, they're functional. We design air flow paths that can cut HVAC usage by half in shoulder seasons.
Toronto gets plenty of rain - might as well use it. Our systems can handle irrigation and toilet flushing, cutting municipal water use by 40%.
Okay, so green roofs aren't exactly new tech, but we've been refining our approach since 2014. Started with a small residential project - the homeowners were skeptical until they saw their AC bills drop by 30% that first summer.
Now we're incorporating living systems into pretty much every project where it makes sense. Not just for looks (though they do photograph really well), but for real performance benefits - stormwater management, urban heat island reduction, even food production in some cases.
Don't take our word for it - here's what the data shows
12-story building with ground-source heat pumps and a 200kW solar array. First year performance exceeded projections by 18%.
First certified Passive House in the neighborhood. Heating costs under $400/year for 2,800 sq ft. Yeah, you read that right.
Adaptive reuse of a 1920s warehouse with modern green systems. Retained 85% of existing structure, massive carbon savings right there.
Whether you're planning a new build or renovating an existing space, we can help you figure out the most effective sustainability strategies for your project. No cookie-cutter solutions - just practical design that works.
Start a Conversation View Our Work(416) 555-0342
studio@onyxthalquindar.info
1247 Queen Street West, Suite 405
Toronto, ON M6K 1L6