Altius considers sustainability integral and essential to the performance, look and feel of all of our projects.

We model every building in 3D ‘virtually’ (using BIM - Building Information Modeling Software - Download the PDF article), to optimize passive solar gains and optimize Summer shading. We also perform energy analysis on every project, taking advantage of high-performance components from glazing, to insulation, to mechanical systems.

When designing your home, we apply a sustainability strategy that ensures optimal performance for your budget, including:

• Program and Spatial Optimization - Optimize Client’s Space and Program Requirements
• Integration with the ‘Natural Assets’ of your Site and Terrain - Minimize Impact to Site and Surroundings
• Site Specific View and Vista Optimization - Site Specific Design
• Passive Solar Heating - Correct Solar Geometry: Passive Solar Heating & Shading
• Passive Solar Thermal Mass Strategies - Using Building Mass as a ‘Thermal Battery’
• Natural Ventilation and Passive Cooling Strategies
• Natural Daylighting Strategies
• High Performance Building Envelope Design - Insulation & Air-tightness
• Material Optimization and Modular Design - Modular and/or Prefabricated Components
• Renewable Materials and Finishes
• Reclaimed and Recycled Materials
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Non-toxic Materials and Finishes
• Advanced Geothermal Systems - Ground and Lake Loop Systems
• Advanced, Clean Burning Wood Heating Systems (ie. Contraflow Masonry Heaters)
• Radiant Heating - Hydronic Panels and Mass Elements (i.e. Radiant In-Floor Heating)
• Heat Recovery Ventilation
• Solar Hot Water Systems
• Solar Electric (Photovoltaic or PV systems) - Off-Grid and Grid Intertied Systems
• Advanced Wastewater Treatment (Greywater and Tertiary Septic Systems)
• Wastewater Heat Recovery
• Composting Toilets
• Rainwater Collection and Reuse
• Low Energy Lighting & Appliances
• Water Conserving Appliances & Fixtures (i.e. Low Flow Fixtures, Dual Flush Toilets)
• Green Roof Systems - Drought Tolerant and/or Native Species
• Whole-House Automation - Advanced Security and Household Controls
• Advanced Media Systems - Integrated Acoustics and Entertainment Systems
• Wind Power

There are a wide range of additional criteria that we can explore together, and our extensive library of bioregionally-sourced materials will ensure a home of lasting beauty that is in complete harmony with your site and your lifestyle.

Altius buildings perform twice as well* as a building constructed to our already quite aggressive Canadian building code standards. As a result of our routine use of optimal building orientation, passive and active heating and cooling strategies, advanced mechanical and electrical systems and water conserving fixtures and appliances, Altius buildings are well positioned for the energy needs of the 21st century.

*Our buildings typically use 20% more insulation and better glazing systems, while reducing the building’s surface-to-volume ratio. Large overhangs convey a sense of shelter, while also limiting heat-gain in Summer months, and our selection of the most efficient mechanical systems, fixtures and appliances available ensure that both architecture and the technology inside work together to reduce external energy demand to a minimum.