Project Case Studies

Real builds, real challenges, real results. Here's how we've tackled everything from tight budgets to tighter deadlines while keeping sustainability front and center.

The Annex Passive House - After
The Annex Passive House - Before Before renovation
Residential Design

The Annex Passive House

Toronto, ON | Completed: March 2023

The Challenge

Our clients wanted to keep the neighborhood charm of their 1920s home but weren't too keen on the $400 monthly heating bills. The place had good bones but zero insulation, single-pane windows, and an HVAC system that belonged in a museum. They'd tried everything short of wearing parkas indoors.

Our Approach

We went all-in on passive house certification. Stripped it down to the studs, beefed up the insulation to R-60 in the roof and R-40 in the walls, installed triple-pane windows that actually work, and added an HRV system that recovers about 90% of heat from exhaust air. The exterior got a refresh with reclaimed cedar siding – looks great and keeps the heritage committee happy.

Technical Specs
  • 2,400 sq ft living space
  • Passive House certified
  • Triple-glazed windows (U-value 0.18)
  • 90% heat recovery ventilation
  • Air tightness: 0.4 ACH@50Pa
  • Solar PV: 8.5kW system
Results
  • 92% reduction in heating costs
  • Net-zero energy consumption
  • 15 kWh/m² annual heating demand
  • Project completed on-budget
  • LEED Platinum equivalent

"We haven't turned on the furnace once this winter. Seriously. The house just stays warm on its own. Our friends think we're making it up until they get our energy bills. Ignarion's team knew exactly what they were doing – turned our money pit into something that actually pays us back."

— Sarah & Michael T., Homeowners

Queen West Office Tower
Interior workspace
Green roof
Commercial Architecture

Queen West Office Tower

Toronto, ON | Completed: November 2022

The Challenge

A tech company needed 50,000 square feet of office space but wasn't interested in the standard glass box approach. They wanted natural light everywhere, collaborative spaces that didn't feel forced, and a building that wouldn't cost them a fortune to cool in summer. Oh, and they needed it done in 18 months because their lease was ending.

What We Built

Seven stories with a core that's pushed to the north side, giving us maximum southern exposure without the usual heat gain problems. We used automated external shading – basically smart louvers that adjust throughout the day. Every floor's got ceiling heights at 10 feet with exposed concrete for thermal mass. The roof's a working green space with native plants that handle stormwater and give people an actual reason to go up there.

Key Features
  • 50,000 sq ft office space
  • Automated solar shading
  • 15,000 sq ft green roof
  • Radiant floor heating/cooling
  • Rainwater harvesting: 100,000L
  • Geothermal HVAC system
Performance
  • LEED Gold certified
  • 65% energy cost savings
  • 98% natural daylight penetration
  • Zero net water discharge
  • 40% reduction in HVAC sizing

"Our employee retention went up 23% after the move. People actually want to come into the office now. The natural light alone was worth it, but the fact that we're saving $180k annually on utilities? That's just icing. Ignarion delivered exactly what they promised, on time and within budget."

— Jennifer Park, VP Operations, TechNova Inc.

Distillery District Lofts
Loft interior
Exposed brick detail
Historic Renovation

Distillery District Lofts

Toronto, ON | Completed: June 2023

The Situation

A 1890s warehouse that'd been sitting empty for 15 years. Beautiful brick, original timber beams, but completely gutted inside with structural issues and contaminated soil. The developer wanted to convert it into 24 residential units while keeping the heritage designation intact. Heritage Toronto was watching every move we made.

How We Did It

Started with serious structural work – had to sister new steel beams alongside the original timber ones without touching the exterior. Kept every brick we could salvage, sourced matching replacements for what we couldn't. Added a modern core inside for services while leaving the industrial character exposed. New windows matched the original specs but with modern efficiency. The contaminated soil became a courtyard garden after remediation – turned a liability into an amenity.

Project Details
  • 24 residential loft units
  • Historic designation maintained
  • Original brick facade preserved
  • Timber beam restoration
  • Modern MEP integration
  • Site remediation completed
  • Energy Star rated units
  • Shared courtyard garden
  • Heritage grant: $850k secured
  • 100% pre-sold before completion

"Working with heritage buildings is tricky business, but Ignarion's team knew their stuff. They navigated all the red tape, kept Heritage Toronto happy, and still delivered units that feel contemporary. We sold out in pre-construction and had a waitlist. That doesn't happen by accident."

— David Morrison, Principal, Morrison Development Group

Recognition

Heritage Toronto Award for Adaptive Reuse Excellence, 2023
Ontario Association of Architects - Design Award Finalist

Scarborough Community Center
Interior hall
Solar installation
Gathering space
Sustainable Building Solutions

Scarborough Community Center

Scarborough, ON | Completed: September 2022

The Brief

The city needed a multi-purpose community center that could handle everything from daycare to seniors' programs, but the budget was tight and the site had drainage problems. They wanted it to be a showcase for sustainability without the usual premium that comes with green building. Plus, they needed it to survive heavy daily use from the neighborhood.

Our Solution

We designed around passive strategies first – deep overhangs for shade, clerestory windows for natural light, and thermal mass in the floors. The drainage issue became a feature with a bioswale system that handles stormwater and creates a natural play area. Used local materials wherever possible to cut costs and carbon. The result's a building that costs less to run than a conventional center and handles twice the daily traffic.

Project Impact
32,000
Square feet
500+
Daily visitors
78%
Energy savings
Net-Zero
Carbon ready
Sustainable Features
  • 120kW solar array with battery storage
  • Bioswale stormwater management system
  • 100% LED lighting with occupancy sensors
  • Geothermal heating and cooling
  • Recycled content: 65% of materials
  • Zero fossil fuel usage
  • CaGBC Zero Carbon Building certified

"This building's been running for over a year now and our operating costs are basically nothing. The community loves it – it's bright, comfortable, and doesn't feel institutional. Ignarion proved you can build green without breaking the bank. We're already talking about our next project with them."

— Councillor Maria Santos, Ward 21, City of Toronto

Got a project in mind?

Whether it's a complete build, renovation, or you're just trying to figure out if your idea's even possible – let's talk. We've probably dealt with something similar and can point you in the right direction.

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