Solterre's philosophy is simple: great green architecture meeting the client's needs.
We achieve this by understanding the particular effects of natural resources, materials and energy on the built environment, and by incorporating good design principles while keeping economy in mind.
We have project expertise in energy efficient and off-grid projects, energy retrofits, Passive House (Passivehaus) design and LEED certification. Our architectural design experience includes mid-size commercial, residential and multi-unit residential, and small educational. Our green consulting experience covers every type of building program, including educational, long-term care, large commercial, multi-unit residential and defence.
Ultimately, Solterre aims to build better instead of bigger -- by incorporating design features that make smaller spaces more adaptable, aesthetically-pleasing, economic and environmentally beneficial.
armillary sphere
In its simplest form, consisting of a ring fixed in the plane of the equator and a gnomen representing a line through the earth’s poles, the armillary sphere is one of the most ancient of astronomical instruments. Shadows from the gnomen cast on the ring indicate the sun's position.
This sundial, located near Zealandia, Saskatchewan, was built by iron craftsman John Little of East Dover, Nova Scotia.
As the basis for our logo, the armillary sphere is emblematic of the sun and earth, from which Solterre derives its name.
high performance architecture
Buildings affect the environment in many ways - from the resources used, to the energy required to transport materials, to the quality of the indoor air. Our experience in Green Design - an ecological approach to building - offers the most up-to-date information on practices used in the new construction, renovation and restoration marketplace. Our mission is to provide comfort and quality while minimizing the environmental impact of each Solterre design.
Passive Solar Design and Energy Efficiency The most direct environmental impact that any building has is the energy used to heat it. The initial steps in reducing this impact is to use energy efficient construction techniques and to choose an appropriate heat source. Solterre brings extensive experience and expertise to bring long-term value and savings to our client’s projects.
Many people are surprised to know that Nova Scotia boasts one of Canada's best locations for utilizing passive solar energy. As the sun is a free and readily available energy source, Solterre Design strives to use passive solar design techniques wherever possible.
For those wanting to live outside of the established electrical service range, off-grid living is feasible in many applications. Working with wind, sun and energy-efficient design, buildings occupants can limit their long-term dependence on fossil fuels and offer alternative energy options for producing heat, domestic hot water and electricity.
Sustainable Building Certification
Passive House (PassiveHaus), a German engineered certification that is the world's most stringent energy efficiency building standard. Passive House (PassivHaus) provides energy savings of up to 80% over conventional construction while improving comfort and air quality. We've designed several Passive House buildings including - the Solterre Concept House.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is North America's most popular building certification, which covers a broad range of environmental and occupant health issues. We are proud to have designed the Bullard House, the first LEED for Homes Platinum level home in Atlantic Canada. Solterre’s Concept House will be the second Platinum project from the firm.
Healthy Materials and Systems
We know the importance of a healthy environment in your building. Many people suffer minor effects from a poor indoor environment without even knowing it. Our experience will guide you through design choices that can improve indoor air quality. Many of these choices will have little or no effect on your project cost.
Resourceful Use of Building Materials
Recycled Material
As more and more manufacturers 'go green', materials choices become easier yet the selection can still be intimidating. There are many issues to consider -- sustainability, health, adaptability, life cycle, embodied energy, resource efficiency and energy consumption. We design with these issues in mind.
Salvaged Material Jennifer Corson is also the President of Renovators Resource Inc., a used building material store in Halifax which reclaims pieces from buildings destined for demolition. Incorporating salvaged materials can often save money while retaining our architectural heritage. Often these salvaged items can become the focal point in a renovation or a new construction.
