Densifying buildings is a win-win. It increases the profit returns on existing buildings, which can be reinvested in more extensive projects like façade renovations and systems upgrades. The result is a virtuous circle that drastically increases a building's resale value without any sunk costs.

We find opportunities for our clients to densify their buildings profitably. We start with a pre-study that sets out a long-term renovation plan for a building and outlines its cost. Then, we find the most cost-effective ways to add a leasable floor area that covers the cost of itself and the renovations.

Our clients for our Saint George project, a building with 80 apartments needed a full shell renovation and systems upgrade but could not dip into the bottom line to fund it. We conducted a cost-benefit analysis and determined that a two-floor addition would generate enough profit to pay for itself and the full-building renovation. Since it uses a timber structure, the expansion is light enough to build without adding reinforcement to the existing structure, making it financially feasible.

The profits from the new penthouses offset the cost of the much-needed façade replacement, roof repair, and HVACMEP systems sustainability upgrade.We also conducted solar studies that maximize daylighting and views in the existing building, lowering energy costs and enhancing the tenant experience.