Sustainable Design | Onyx Valor Haven Architecture

Look, I've been in this field for over 15 years, and I've seen a lot of greenwashing. Some firms slap a solar panel on a roof and call it sustainable. That's not how we roll. When we say sustainable, we mean integrating environmental responsibility into every decision - from site selection to material sourcing to long-term energy performance.

Our Design Philosophy

Here's what bugs me about conventional construction - we tear down perfectly good trees, truck in materials from halfway across the globe, and build structures that leak energy like a sieve. Then we wonder why utility bills are through the roof.

We approach it differently. Every project starts with a site analysis that'd make your high school science teacher proud. We're looking at solar orientation, prevailing winds, existing vegetation, water runoff patterns - the whole ecosystem.

"The best building is the one that works with nature, not against it. I learned that the hard way on my third project when I ignored local wind patterns and ended up with a building that whistled like a tea kettle every winter."

Environmental Impact By The Numbers

These aren't just statistics we pulled from some industry report. This is real data from our completed projects over the past 5 years.

68%

Average Energy Reduction vs. Standard Builds

54%

Water Consumption Decrease Through Smart Systems

850+

Tonnes of CO2 Emissions Prevented Annually

82%

Construction Waste Diverted From Landfills

Certifications & Standards

We've got the paperwork to back up our claims. Not that certifications alone make a building sustainable, but they show we're willing to be held accountable.

LEED Accredited

We've got team members with LEED AP credentials, and honestly, the process taught us a ton about integrated design. Currently working on 3 Platinum-level projects.

Passive House

This one's hardcore. The energy standards are so strict that you basically can't cheat. We've completed 7 certified Passive House projects across BC.

Living Building Challenge

Okay, this is the toughest standard out there. Net-positive energy, water, and waste. We're currently pursuing certification for a residential project in North Van.

Energy Performance

I'll be straight with you - energy modeling isn't sexy, but it's where the magic happens. We run thermal simulations before breaking ground, which means we catch problems in software instead of during construction (way cheaper, trust me).

Solar Integration

Not just panels slapped on top - we're talking building-integrated PV, optimal roof angles, and battery storage systems.

High-Performance Envelopes

Triple-glazed windows, continuous insulation, airtight construction. Your heating bills will thank us.

Smart HVAC

Heat recovery ventilation, geothermal systems, and zoned climate control that actually works.

LED & Daylighting

Maximize natural light first, then supplement with efficient fixtures. It's healthier and cheaper.

Material Selection Philosophy

Here's where things get interesting. Every material has a story - where it came from, how it was made, how far it traveled, what happens when you're done with it. We obsess over this stuff.

Reclaimed & Recycled

We source salvaged timber, recycled steel, and reclaimed brick whenever possible. One person's demolition is another's building material.

Local Sourcing

BC's got amazing resources. Why ship stone from Italy when we've got beautiful granite right here? Lower carbon footprint, supports local economy.

Low-VOC Everything

Indoor air quality matters more than most folks realize. We spec paints, adhesives, and finishes that won't off-gas nasty chemicals.

Durability First

The greenest building material is the one that doesn't need replacing. We choose stuff that'll outlast us all.

Water Management

Vancouver gets plenty of rain, but that doesn't mean we should waste water. Plus, managing stormwater runoff is becoming a huge deal with climate change making weather patterns more intense.

Rainwater Harvesting: We design systems that capture and reuse rainwater for irrigation and non-potable uses. Seen payback in as little as 3 years.
Greywater Recycling: Shower and sink water can water your garden after proper treatment. It's not complicated, just smart.
Low-Flow Fixtures: Modern fixtures perform just as well with 40% less water. Your utility company might even give you rebates.
Permeable Surfaces: Let water soak into the ground instead of overwhelming storm drains. Better for groundwater, better for salmon habitat.

Site & Landscape Integration

A building doesn't exist in isolation. The way it sits on the land, how it handles stormwater, what plants surround it - all that matters just as much as what's inside the walls.

Site Orientation

We position buildings to maximize solar gain in winter, provide natural shading in summer. It's basic physics, but you'd be surprised how often it's ignored.

Native Plantings

Indigenous plants need less water, no pesticides, and support local wildlife. Plus they're adapted to our climate, so they actually survive.

Habitat Preservation

We work around existing trees and natural features whenever we can. That 80-year-old Douglas Fir? Yeah, we're keeping that.

Ready to Build Something That Matters?

Let's talk about your project. We'll walk you through what's actually possible, what it'll cost, and how much you can expect to save over time. No pressure, just honest conversation.

Get In Touch

Common Questions We Get

Usually, yeah - about 5-12% more in construction costs. But here's the thing: energy savings typically pay that back in 7-10 years, and the building performs better and lasts longer. It's like buying quality shoes instead of cheap ones that fall apart. Also, with rising energy costs and carbon taxes coming down the pipe, that payback period's getting shorter every year.

Absolutely. In fact, sometimes it's greener to upgrade an existing structure than to tear down and rebuild. We've done deep energy retrofits that cut energy use by 60-70%. It takes careful planning and you won't hit the same performance as new construction, but you can get pretty damn close. Plus you're keeping all that embodied carbon out of the landfill.

From design to final certification? Usually 18-24 months for a typical project. The process itself isn't that slow - it's just that you're documenting everything along the way and then waiting for review after construction. We build the documentation into our workflow so it doesn't slow down the project. Worth noting: you can market the building as "LEED registered" while certification's pending.

Generally lower, actually. Durable materials need less replacement. Efficient systems have fewer moving parts to break. Good design means less weathering and wear. The catch is you need to actually maintain stuff - a high-performance building with a neglectful owner performs worse than a standard building with good maintenance. We provide detailed maintenance guides with every project.