Look, I've been in this game long enough to know that "sustainable architecture" can sound like corporate speak. But when you're working with volcanic stone that's been around for millions of years, you start thinking differently about what we're leaving behind.
No greenwashing here - just honest work with honest materials
Volcanic stone isn't just pretty - it's basically nature's concrete that's already been "cured" for a few million years. We're not inventing some new wonder material here; we're just smart enough to use what's already perfect. The carbon footprint? Basically what it takes to transport and shape it. That's it.
I'm tired of buildings that look dated in 15 years. Volcanic stone has been weathering storms since before humans showed up. Your great-grandkids could inherit these structures. Try saying that about most contemporary buildings without laughing.
From skeptical architects to true believers - here's how we got here
Got handed a project using imported marble from halfway across the world. Did the math on shipping emissions and honestly felt kinda sick. Started looking at what BC actually has in its backyard. Turns out, volcanic stone deposits everywhere. Who knew?
Convinced a client to try volcanic basalt for their commercial space. They were skeptical, I was nervous, but man - the thermal mass properties blew our energy models out of the water. HVAC costs dropped 40%. The client became our best advocate overnight.
Redesigned our entire practice around volcanic stone as the primary material. Partnered with local quarries, trained our team on the material properties, started consulting with geologists. Some folks thought we'd lost it. Maybe we had, but in a good way.
Achieved carbon neutral studio operations. Not through offsets or accounting tricks - actual operational changes. Solar panels, waste reduction, digital workflows, the works. Our projects now sequester more carbon in vegetation and material choice than we emit building them.
Now we're teaching others. Running workshops on volcanic stone architecture, consulting on sustainable material choices, pushing for better building codes. It's not about competition anymore - we need the whole industry to move faster. Climate doesn't care about our portfolio.
Here's what we've actually accomplished - no fluff
Average across all completed projects vs. conventional builds
Through material choices and energy efficiency since 2017
Sourced within 300km radius, supporting regional economy
Projected building longevity with minimal maintenance
These numbers aren't perfect. Some projects hit 70% energy reduction, others "only" 50%. Depends on site conditions, client budget, and frankly, how much we can convince them to trust the process. But even our worst performing building beats code requirements by a mile. And they'll still be standing when most contemporary glass boxes need their third facade replacement.
Our sustainability principles - the stuff we actually do, not just talk about
We pick materials before we even sketch. Sounds backwards, but it's not. The stone tells us what's possible - we just listen and design around its strengths. Way less forcing square pegs into round holes this way.
Orientation, thermal mass, natural ventilation - nail these and you barely need mechanical systems. Sure, we'll add tech when needed, but why rely on a heat pump when the stone itself regulates temperature for free?
Every offcut gets used. Sounds simple but most sites waste 30% of materials. We're down to about 3%. Stone scraps become landscaping features, smaller projects, aggregate. Nothing hits the landfill if we can help it.
If it's not from BC, we need a really good reason. Local quarries, regional craftspeople, nearby suppliers. Shorter supply chains mean lower emissions and supporting our neighbors. Win-win, honestly.
Tearing down existing buildings is wasteful as hell. We push hard for adaptive reuse and heritage restoration. Sometimes clients resist, but when they see the character you can't replicate with new construction? They get it.
Buildings don't exist in isolation. Green roofs, native plantings, habitat corridors - we design for the ecosystem, not just humans. Seen a building where birds actually nest on purpose? That's the goal.
We're not just talking sustainability - we've got the certifications and collaborations to back it up. Though honestly, the proof is in the buildings, not the badges.
Tired of buildings that look outdated before the mortgage is paid off? Want something your kids won't have to apologize for? We should talk.
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