From heat pumps to induction, it has never been easier to give up gas.

Lately our mantra has been Electrify Everything! but at the Alter residence, we do almost everything, including cooking, with gas.

You might’ve noticed that you feel calmer, even happier, when you’re walking through a lush park or forest. This is no coincidence — spending time in nature has been linked to multiple mental health benefits, including stress relief and a better sense of well-being. 

From 1978 through 2015, the median size of the single-family home increased every year until it peaked at 2,467 square feet, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Then, in 2016, that number began to shrink, albeit ever so slightly.

Sometimes complex issues require surprisingly simple solutions. When it comes to tackling climate change, burning fewer fossil fuels through more energy efficient buildings is one straightforward way to rein in carbon emissions. 

This article is the second of a three-part series which considers the notion and necessitation of positive-impact developments in relation to Ontario’s Greenbelt. (For necessary context we recommend you read Part One.)

“Globally, labor-productivity growth in construction has averaged only one percent a year over the past two decades, compared with growth of 2.8 percent for the total world economy and 3.6 percent in the case of manufacturing.”

It’s been a busy summer for the crew at Sustainable. Here are a few events we’ve sponsored so far in our community.

The environmental crisis is perhaps the most urgent architectural issue of today. In Canada, buildings are responsible for enormous amounts of energy used, resources consumed, and atmospheric emissions.

Say “prefabricated” or “modular” housing and you might think of small, rectangular homes built in a factory and hauled down the highway on massive trailers. However, that isn’t the tip of the iceberg of what these terms mean today. 

This is the first a three-part series that will consider alternatives to the way many contractors approach a home building project. We start by examining the three major factors that might impact the way Canadian homes will be built in the near future.

Let’s start with one thing. I love coffee. Not much compares to the first sip in the morning. Except maybe the first sip at 2:30 in the afternoon.

The HomeStars Giving Back Award was created to recognize companies who go above and beyond to help out their communities.

Several years ago, I worked in some of Toronto’s most innovative kitchens. Certainly, in my youth, I was captivated by the culinary arts and have since wondered how it informed my interest and subsequent career in architecture. 

Welcome to the Sustainability 101 educational blog series! In our blog today, we will be focusing on Natural Ventilation.

Welcome to the Sustainability 101 educational blog series! Our blog today will dive into efficient Water Use.

This is the Sustainability 101 educational blog series! Our blog this month will be about Renewable Energy.

This is the Building Blog educational blog series! Our blog today will be about Grey Water: what is it and how can it benefit your project?

This is the Sustainability 101 educational blog series! Our blog today will be about Building Materials.

This is the Sustainability 101 educational blog series! Our blog today will be about the Building Shell.

This is the Sustainability 101 educational blog series! Our blog today will focus on Passive Solar Design.