Real Projects, Real Stories

Each building we've worked on has taught us something new. Here's what we've been up to lately - the challenges we faced, the solutions we found, and what our clients actually thought about the whole process.

We don't just hand over blueprints and call it a day. Every project here represents months of collaboration, site visits at ungodly hours, and countless coffee meetings figuring out what actually works. Some went smoothly, others... well, let's just say we learned a lot.

Riverside Loft Complex After
AFTER
Residential

Riverside Loft Complex

Toronto Waterfront, ON

This one was tricky from day one. The client wanted to convert an old warehouse into 24 residential units without losing that industrial character everyone's obsessed with these days. The existing structure had some serious issues - foundation cracks, outdated electrical, you name it.

Key Challenges
  • Heritage designation restrictions
  • Structural reinforcement needed
  • Maximizing natural light
  • Noise insulation between units
Our Solutions
  • Preserved original brick & beams
  • Steel reinforcement framework
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Double-wall construction

"Honestly, we were skeptical at first. Converting a warehouse? Sounded like a headache. But the Pyrest Halquintar team really got what we were going for. They kept the gritty character we wanted while making it actually livable. Our residents love it."

- Marcus Thibault, Developer

Floor Plan
Section Drawing
Before Renovation
18 mo
Duration
24
Units
LEED Silver
Certification
GreenTech Hub Before
BEFORE
GreenTech Hub After
AFTER
Commercial

GreenTech Innovation Hub

Liberty Village, Toronto, ON

A tech startup bought this 1970s office building and wanted it transformed into a collaborative workspace that actually practiced what they preached about sustainability. The building was an energy hog - single-pane windows, no insulation to speak of, and an HVAC system from before the internet existed.

We basically had to gut the interior while keeping the shell intact because of zoning stuff. Turned out to be a blessing though - gave us freedom to completely rethink the floor plan and add all the green tech they wanted.

"We needed a space that reflected our values, not just talked about them. The team didn't just slap some solar panels on the roof and call it sustainable. They thought through every detail - from the materials to the airflow. Plus, our energy bills dropped by like 60%. Can't argue with that."

- Sarah Chen, CEO GreenTech Solutions

Sustainability Features
  • Rooftop solar array (85kW)
  • Rainwater harvesting system
  • Triple-glazed windows
  • Green roof & walls
  • Geothermal heating/cooling
  • LED lighting w/ sensors
  • Reclaimed materials throughout
Interior Workspace
Elevation
64%
Energy Reduction
LEED Gold
Certified
12 mo
Completion
45,000 sq ft
Total Area
Heritage Restoration

The Merchants' Building Revival

King Street East, Toronto, ON

Okay, so this project was intense. This 1889 Victorian commercial building was literally crumbling - water damage, structural issues, the works. But it's a designated heritage property, which meant we couldn't just do whatever we wanted. Every single decision had to go through heritage committees and preservation boards.

The original pressed tin ceilings were mostly intact but buried under decades of modifications. We spent weeks carefully removing layers of drywall and suspended ceilings to expose them. Worth it though - they're gorgeous.

What We Preserved
  • Original brick facade
  • Pressed tin ceilings
  • Cast iron columns
  • Heritage storefront windows
  • Corbelled brickwork details
Modern Additions
  • Hidden HVAC system
  • Seismic reinforcement
  • Accessible entrance
  • Updated fire safety systems
  • Energy-efficient lighting
Restoration Detail
Original Plans
Tin Ceiling

"We almost gave up on this building. Everyone told us to just tear it down, but it's been in our family for three generations. Pyrest Halquintar fought to save it with us. They dealt with all the bureaucracy and found ways to make it work financially. Now it's a thriving mixed-use space that honors its history."

- Robert & Diana Kowalski, Property Owners

24 mo
Duration
1889
Original Build
Heritage Award
Winner 2023
Before Restoration
BEFORE
After Restoration
AFTER
Residential Addition

Rosedale Family Home Expansion

Rosedale, Toronto, ON

Before Addition

Original 1950s Bungalow

After Addition

Contemporary Addition

Growing family, not enough space, but they loved the neighborhood - story as old as time, right? Instead of moving, they asked us to add a second story and expand the back. The tricky part was making the new addition look intentional, not just slapped on top.

We went with a contrasting approach - kept the original brick visible and made the addition clearly contemporary with large windows and clean lines. It's honest about being an addition, but they work together really well.

Before
  • 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
  • 1,200 sq ft
  • Dark, closed-off kitchen
  • No home office space
  • Limited storage
After
  • 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
  • 2,800 sq ft
  • Open-concept main floor
  • Dedicated office w/ skylight
  • Custom built-in storage
Floor Plans
New Kitchen

"We were really worried about living through a major renovation with two kids, but the team kept everything on schedule and actually under budget somehow. They also convinced us to add those big windows in the addition - we weren't sure at first, but now it's everyone's favorite part of the house. So much light!"

- Jennifer & Paul Martinez, Homeowners

10 mo
Duration
+1,600 sq ft
Added Space
$385K
Investment

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