Solares Architecture, Where Beauty Isn’t Just Skin Deep

I’ve been meaning to write about Solares Architecture Inc. for some time now. Sure you can judge this book by the cover and be delightfully pleased, but as you tuck in past the cover, the real seduction begins!

Like most architects Christine Lolley and Tomislav Knezic are passionate about what they do. Where their practice diverges from other architecture firms is in the fact they go beyond simply creating a welcoming space to call home. They go beyond by brazenly having everything they’ve ever worked on performance tested for efficiency.

That’s right, they have everything physically tested and indexed on the well-known EnerGuide for Houses standard energy rating system. Most firms are content to rest on their aesthetic laurels, but Solares goes few steps further; they have their homes – new and old – tested, inspected and reported on. I’m unaware of any architecture firm in Canada that’s subjected themselves to this level of performance scrutiny.

We like to think we’re Solares’ eyes and ears in the field. They set the performance specifications for the builder and we work with the builder in ensuring the envelope assemblies get put together as specified. We report back to Solares with information they need to ensure the build is on track to perform as planned. Once a year, we meet up with their entire staff and review the year’s projects to find strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for their energy performance to grow in future projects.

As Solares’ portfolio of projects increases as does their commitment to refining energy efficient design, we at BlueGreen Group will march down that path with them every step of the way!