Building Green, Living Better
We're not just designing buildings - we're crafting ecosystems that actually give back to the planet.
We're not just designing buildings - we're crafting ecosystems that actually give back to the planet.
Every project reduces carbon footprint by design, not just on paper.
Look, I've been doing this for years, and I've watched Vancouver transform. When you see the forests shrinking and temperatures rising, sustainable architecture isn't some trendy add-on anymore - it's literally the baseline.
We started Wind Arquin Thale because frankly, too many firms were greenwashing their projects. Slapping a solar panel on a roof and calling it "eco-friendly" wasn't cutting it. Our buildings are designed from the ground up with the Pacific Northwest climate in mind - because what works in Toronto sure as hell won't work here.
Every material choice, every window placement, every roof angle - it's all calculated to minimize energy use while maximizing natural light and ventilation. Not because some certification told us to, but because it actually makes sense.
Let's Talk Green BuildingTransparency matters. Here's what we've actually accomplished - no fluff.
Average across all completed projects vs. conventional builds
Total carbon emissions prevented since 2019
Construction waste diverted from landfills
Gold and Platinum certified buildings delivered
Before we even think about tech solutions, we maximize natural heating, cooling, and lighting. Vancouver's climate gives us tons of opportunities if you know how to work with it.
BC's got incredible timber - why would we ship materials from overseas? We work with local suppliers within 150km radius whenever possible. Cuts transport emissions and supports our community.
Demolishing a building and starting fresh? That's sometimes necessary, but we'll fight to restore and adapt existing structures first. The embodied energy in those old buildings is worth preserving.
We're in the rainiest city in Canada - might as well use it! Most of our projects include grey water systems that cut municipal water use by 40-60%.
Triple-glazed windows, continuous insulation, airtight construction. Sounds basic but you'd be shocked how many "new" buildings still leak like sieves.
Ground-source heat pumps work incredibly well in our mild climate. Higher upfront cost, sure, but they pay for themselves in about 7 years.
Not just pretty to look at - they manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effect, and provide habitat for pollinators. Win-win-win.
Automated controls that actually learn from occupant behavior. No more heating empty rooms or cooling spaces in winter because someone forgot to adjust the thermostat.
Yeah, Vancouver's cloudy - but solar still works! We design roof angles and orientations that maximize what sun we do get, plus battery storage for the grey days.
Every building we design is gonna be here for 50, 100, maybe 150 years. That's a long time to be stuck with poor decisions. We take that responsibility seriously.
Climate change isn't some abstract future problem - it's happening right now in BC. We've seen the heat domes, the wildfires, the floods. Our buildings need to withstand whatever's coming while using as little energy as humanly possible.
It's not always easy, and yeah, sometimes it costs more upfront. But when your clients see their energy bills cut in half, when they realize their home is comfortable year-round without blasting the AC, when they watch their property value increase because everyone wants green buildings now - that's when they get it.
Explore Our Services View Sustainable Projects
We're accredited for pretty much every green building standard out there - LEED, Passive House, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard. But here's the thing: we don't chase certifications just to have plaques on the wall.
These frameworks are useful tools, don't get me wrong. They give us benchmarks and keep us honest. But we've done plenty of projects that exceed LEED Platinum requirements without bothering with the paperwork, because the client wanted to invest in performance, not documentation fees.
Professional credentials since 2015
Certified designers & consultants
Specialized training in carbon-neutral design
Health-focused design standards
Real answers to questions clients actually ask us.
Upfront? Sometimes, yeah - maybe 3-8% more for high-performance systems. But lifecycle costs? Way lower. Most of our clients see ROI within 5-10 years through energy savings alone. Plus, green buildings have higher resale values and lower maintenance costs. It's an investment, not an expense.
Nah, that's an outdated stereotype. Check out our portfolio - sustainable doesn't mean sacrificing aesthetics. We design beautiful, contemporary spaces that happen to be incredibly efficient. The best sustainable design is invisible - it just works.
Depends on the project, but we typically see 50-70% reduction compared to conventional buildings. One of our residential clients in West Van went from $380/month to $95/month - and that's a 3,200 sq ft home. Commercial projects often see even better numbers because of scale.
Absolutely! Some of our best work is retrofits and heritage restorations. It's actually more sustainable than tearing down and rebuilding. We can upgrade insulation, windows, mechanical systems, and solar without changing the character of your building. Takes careful planning, but it's totally doable.
Yeah, this comes up a lot! Vancouver actually gets decent solar potential - about 1,100-1,300 kWh per square meter annually. That's enough to make solar pencil out, especially with BC Hydro's net metering program. We design systems that work with our climate, not against it. Plus, battery storage helps smooth out the cloudy days.
Whether you're planning a new build, renovation, or just curious about making your project more sustainable, let's talk. No pressure, no sales pitch - just honest conversation about what's possible.
We'll walk you through options, costs, timelines, and realistic expectations. Every project's different, and we tailor our approach to your specific goals and budget.
