Whitehorse Passive House
Took us three years to nail down the right balance here - a home that barely needs heating even when it's -40C outside. Triple-pane everything, airtight as a submarine, but still feels open and connected to those mountain views. The owners say their heating bills are less than their internet costs now.
Iqaluit Community Hub
Working with the local community on this one changed how we approach every project. They needed space that worked for traditional gatherings and modern programs. No road access during construction meant we got really creative with scheduling and materials.
Yellowknife Business Center
Built on permafrost, which is basically like building on jello that's slowly melting. Had to use adjustable foundation piles and a ventilated base to keep the ground frozen. Five years later and it hasn't shifted an inch.
Telegraph Creek Off-Grid Residence
Client wanted total independence - no power lines, no municipal water. Solar panels, battery bank, rainwater collection, the whole nine yards. Turns out when you're 300km from the nearest town, self-sufficiency isn't a lifestyle choice, it's just practical.
Dawson City Water Treatment
Not glamorous work but probably the most important thing we've done. Clean water in a place where pipes freeze solid if you look at them wrong. Took some serious engineering and a lot of heat trace cable.
Cambridge Bay Learning Centre
Had to design around the midnight sun and polar night - huge windows with serious insulation and blackout options. Kids need natural light when it's available, but also need to sleep in summer. The community's feedback during design made this work.
Inuvik Multi-Family Housing
Eight units that actually stay warm without bankrupting residents. Shared mechanical systems, super-insulated walls, and a design that breaks the wind before it hits the building. Housing costs up north are brutal - we're trying to help.
Atlin Research Station
Scientists studying climate change needed a base that wouldn't contribute to the problem. Zero emissions, minimal footprint, can handle researchers year-round. Getting materials to site was an adventure - barge, then helicopter, then a lot of manual labor.
Carcross/Tagish Cultural Centre
Probably the project I'm most proud of. Worked directly with elders to incorporate traditional design elements into a modern building. The circular gathering space mirrors traditional structures, and we used local materials wherever possible. It's not our building - it's theirs, we just helped make it happen.
Norman Wells Traveler's Lodge
Remote doesn't mean uncomfortable. Twenty rooms, all warm, all quiet, all with views. The owner wanted something that'd last 50 years minimum in a climate that tries to destroy everything. We built it like a tank, just prettier.
Dease Lake Micro-Hydro System
Small creek, big impact. This little hydro setup powers 40 homes year-round with zero emissions. Had to design around fish migration patterns and work with incredibly tight environmental constraints. Worth every headache.