As we get further into the year, some predicted trends fall by the wayside while others dominate the market. Architectural trends are constantly shifting and changing as the current definition for what it means to be “modern” also changes throughout the year. Here are a few of the major trends we’ve noticed that you should take note…
Aside from your bedroom, your kitchen is probably one of the most-used spaces in your home. But who says it can’t be an expression of you or match your home and done so in a ‘green’ way? We’ve put together some fun ideas for a kitchen makeover to make it as zesty as the dishes you’re…
With the rise of improvements to the construction of buildings, more environmentally-friendly structures are being built now than ever before. And a new type of building has started to become more of a trend: net-zero buildings. A net zero building in British Columbia is a structure that has zero net energy consumption. Essentially, a building uses renewable energy sources to power that property’s systems,…
With so much talk about “going green” and reducing environmental impact in recent years, “smart green buildings” have been popping up more and more. Green building is specifically defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as “...the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation,…
There’s little doubt that the design of your office affects the amount of work achieved in it. That’s what the research says at least. Office Design Productivity Research A 2014 study highlighted that plants and greenery within an office can increase productivity by up to 15% - while increasing staff happiness. Natural light and access…
There are plenty of reasons to build green cities. Combating climate change, creating comfort in your neighbourhood, and enhancing natural features (instead of fighting against them) are just a few of them. And since two-thirds of the world's population will likely live in urban areas by 2050, many cities (like these ones) are working to…
While you’ve likely heard of payphones (or made a call in one only to deal with the awful smell and ripped or missing pages of the provided phone book), there are many reasons why you haven’t seen many around anymore. That’s because they, like other technologies, are being phased out in favour of newer, smart city technology. But smart technology doesn’t always…
We don’t have to look around the world very far to hear about the latest global flooding and architecture catastrophes. Venice has been in the news a ton lately regarding high tides that are causing chaos. Of course, flood-prone locations and cities built below sea-level such as New Orleans and coastal cities such as San…
Architects are famous for positively influencing our surroundings with visually stunning designs. As the world continues to evolve, we are taking more steps toward greener living. Okanagan architecture can go far in terms of respecting our natural environment. Saving the bees and our pollinators have become a huge priority. It has been quoted that…