Real Projects, Real Impact

Here's the stuff we've actually built - not just fancy renders. Every project tells a story, and yeah, we learned something from each one.

We've been lucky enough to work on some pretty interesting projects over the years. From converting old warehouses into livable spaces to figuring out how to make office buildings actually enjoyable to work in - it's been a journey. Take a look around and see what we've been up to.

Riverdale Loft Conversion
Residential / Adaptive Reuse

Riverdale Loft Conversion

Location Toronto, ON
Completed 2023
Size 3,200 sq ft
LEED Rating Gold

Honestly? This one was tricky. Old industrial space from the 1920s that nobody knew what to do with. The bones were great but everything else needed serious rethinking. We kept the original timber beams, added floor-to-ceiling windows (that approval process was fun), and basically turned it into four units that people actually want to live in.

CLIENT FEEDBACK

"They got it. We wanted something that felt both old and new, and that's exactly what happened. The original character stayed but it's totally livable now."

- Marcus T., Property Developer

Junction Tech Hub Before
BEFORE
Junction Tech Hub After
AFTER

Junction Tech Hub

Commercial / Renovation
Location West Toronto
Completed 2022
Size 12,500 sq ft

A 1960s office building that looked exactly like you'd imagine - drop ceilings, fluorescent lights, the works. Client wanted a modern workspace without tearing everything down. We exposed the concrete structure, brought in tons of natural light, and added some outdoor terraces. Energy consumption dropped by 40% which wasn't even the main goal but we'll take it.

TECHNICAL NOTES

  • Replaced entire HVAC with geothermal system
  • Added 180 sq ft of solar panels on roof
  • Salvaged 85% of original materials for reuse

The whole vibe changed. People actually want to come into the office now, which wasn't something we expected. The team at Luminar Forge Quint listened to what we needed - flexible spaces, good light, not just another boring renovation.

Sarah Chen

Founder, Junction Digital Collective

Project Highlights

40%

Energy Reduction

85%

Materials Salvaged

Parkside Family Residence

Residential / New Build

Sometimes you get to start from scratch, and that's both exciting and terrifying. This family wanted passive solar design but didn't want it to look like a science experiment. Fair enough.

Parkside Family Residence

2,850

Square Feet

Net-Zero

Energy Status

14 Months

Construction Time

Platinum

LEED Certified

What We Did

The site faces south which helped a lot. We designed deep overhangs to block summer sun but let winter light flood in. Triple-glazed windows throughout (yes, they're expensive but worth it). Geothermal heating and cooling. Green roof that the kids apparently use more than the backyard.

Material-wise, we used local timber where possible and a lot of reclaimed brick for the exterior. The clients wanted something that felt grounded, not floating in space. It's definitely modern but fits the neighborhood better than we initially thought it would.

"Our heating bills are basically nothing now. I didn't believe it would work this well but here we are. Plus the house just feels good - hard to explain but you notice it."

- Jennifer & Rob K., Homeowners

Technical Specs
  • R-60 roof insulation
  • R-40 wall insulation
  • Geothermal heat pump (4-ton)
  • 8.5 kW solar array
  • Rainwater collection (2000L)
  • ERV ventilation system
  • LED lighting throughout

Queen West Mixed-Use Development

This one took three years from concept to completion. Urban infill project that had to play nice with heritage buildings on both sides while adding density. Fun challenge.

Queen West Development

Project Overview

Location

Queen Street West, Toronto

Type

Commercial + Residential

Completed

2021

Total Area

28,000 sq ft

Units

18 residential + 4 retail

The Challenge

Heritage committee wanted us to respect the streetscape. Community wanted more housing. Retail tenants needed visibility. And we had to fit all this on a narrow lot between two Victorian buildings that couldn't be touched.

We ended up with a design that steps back as it goes up, matching the cornice lines of the neighbors at street level but adding four more floors that you barely notice from the sidewalk. Retail at grade with big windows, residential above with balconies that don't stick out like sore thumbs.

What Worked

  • Used brick that matched the neighborhood (took forever to source but worth it)
  • Underground bike storage for 40+ bikes - residents actually use it
  • Green roof reduced stormwater runoff by 60%
  • Retail spaces filled within 2 months of opening

"They actually cared about fitting in. It doesn't look like some alien spaceship landed in the middle of our street."

- Local BIA Representative

More Projects In Progress

We've got a few other things cooking right now. Can't share too much yet but here's a peek at what's coming.

In Progress

Leslieville Community Center

Adaptive reuse of an old fire station. Keeping the original facade but gutting the interior for community programming. Should be done by mid-2024.

Expected Completion: Summer 2024
Design Phase

Bloor West Townhomes

Six-unit development focusing on multi-generational living. Each unit designed with flexibility for aging in place. Breaking ground this fall.

Expected Completion: Spring 2025
Planning Stage

Etobicoke Office Campus

Three-building complex with a focus on outdoor workspaces and connection to the adjacent ravine. Still working through city approvals.

Timeline: TBD

Got a Project in Mind?

We're always interested in hearing about new challenges. Whether it's residential, commercial, or something in between - if it involves making spaces work better for people, we're probably interested.

Every project starts with a conversation. No pressure, no hard sell. Just a chat about what you're trying to do and whether we're the right fit to help make it happen.

Let's Talk About It

Shoot us an email or give us a call. We usually respond within a day or two.

Get In Touch

(416) 555-0194

info@luminarforgequint.info