Altius Architecture

Profile of Altius Architecture, headquartered in Canada. Fourteen projects submitted by Altius Architecture have been published on Architecture News Plus (ANP).

: [L-R] Trevor McIvor, Graham Smith, Cathy Garrido and Tony Round – © Altius Architecture

Principals

Cathy Garrido
Graham Smith
Trevor McIvor

Brief description

Altius has continued to move forward towards a complete, holistic and collaborative approach to building.

We believe that the best buildings are achieved when architects, engineers, consultants, constructors and clients come together to achieve something greater than the sum of their individual parts. We subscribe to a team approach to building and believe that the confluence of architecture, structure, mechanical systems and building technology must meet at the commencement of the design process in order to successfully meet the needs of our clients, their budgets and respond to our modern times.

We have established close relationships and continue to share knowledge with the best consultants available to us in the fields of structural, mechanical and sustainable systems design.

Altius considers sustainability integral and essential to the performance, look and feel of all of our projects.

Altius buildings perform twice as well* as a building constructed to our already quite aggressive Canadian building code standards. As a result of our routine use of optimal building orientation, passive and active heating and cooling strategies, advanced mechanical and electrical systems and water conserving fixtures and appliances, Altius buildings are well positioned for the energy needs of the 21st century.

*Our buildings typically use 20% more insulation and better glazing systems, while reducing the building’s surface-to-volume ratio. Large overhangs convey a sense of shelter, while also limiting heat-gain in Summer months, and our selection of the most efficient mechanical systems, fixtures and appliances available ensure that both architecture and the technology inside work together to reduce external energy demand to a minimum.

Published projects

: North Kingsway Residence by Altius Architecture The goal of the project is to covert a post-war house into a contemporary home and to provide a much needed addition. Preserving as much of the structure as...

: Mary Lake Residence by Altius Architecture The project is comprised of two solid volumes connected by a glazed entry space and indoor/outdoor living room. The roof of the living room is sheltered...

: Six Mile Lake Cottage by Altius Architecture The cottage replaces an old seasonal A-frame that was interesting but did not offer a reasonable opportunity for expansion or upgrade for year round use. The...

: Pine Lake Cottage by Altius Architecture The Pine Lake Cottage emphasizes affordability with an eye for efficiency. Emerging from the tear down of the previous residence, this cottage was built...

: Hewitt Ave House by Altius Architecture Our clients sought to recreate some of the well lit and open spaces they became accustomed to in their current loft. We designed this house to bring maximum...

: 360 Winnett House by Altius Architecture New construction of an open concept 3 Bedroom Single Family Residence on a challenging urban site. The 24' centrally located double height volume brings in...

: Shawanaga Bay Cottage by Altius Architecture The site offered phenomenal views and complete privacy, which allowed the main pavilion to essentially become a glass box. The open concept...

: Little Morgan Bay Cottage by Altius Architecture This cottage takes advantage of a grandfathered setback to fully engage with the lake from the buildings interiors while the stepped design and natural...

: Eels Lake Residence by Altius Architecture This project continues the Southern Ontario tradition of cottaging, while pushing the typology beyond one of occasional use into a year round dwelling. The...

: Beaver Lake Cottage by Altius Architecture This design is the unique result of our typically close collaboration with our clients. The clients had been living in Japan for several years and brought that...

: Ellis Park House by Altius Architecture Located in Toronto’s Bloor West Village neighbourhood the Ellis Park House was conceived as an ecological urban home that places a bold emphasis on...

: Muskoka River House by Altius Architecture Compact but generous volumes interconnected by an expansive, sweeping ceiling over the entire main floor create the “Right-Sized house” free of...

: Cliff House by Altius Architecture Set on the Cliffside of a much-cherished lake, this cottage seeks to enhance the extraordinary surrounding scenery through the thoughtful integration of...

: Christie Beach Residence by Altius Architecture Set on the south shore of Georgian Bay, this residence seeks to harmonize with its surrounding landscape with a minimal environmental impact while...