Projects | Ravencrest Quinth Architecture

Residential

The Kitsilano Family Residence

Location: Vancouver, BC | Completed: 2023 | Size: 3,200 sq ft

The Challenge

Our clients bought this 1960s bungalow with good bones but a layout that just didn't work anymore. They needed space for three kids, a home office that actually felt separate from the chaos, and honestly? They wanted something that didn't look like every other reno on the block.

What We Did

Instead of tearing everything down, we kept the original footprint and added a second story that feels like it was always meant to be there. The main floor opens up completely - we knocked out some walls that were basically just cutting up the space for no reason. Added massive windows on the south side 'cause why not use all that natural light, right?

The home office sits above the garage with its own entrance. Client works from home three days a week and didn't want the kids barging in during Zoom calls. Makes sense.

Second floor addition plans

Original 1960s structure

"We interviewed five firms before choosing Ravencrest Quinth. What sold us? They actually listened. They didn't try to push some trendy design on us - they figured out how we live and made it work. A year in, we're still finding little details they thought of that make our daily routine easier."

- Jennifer & Mark T., Homeowners

Sustainable Bits

Triple-pane windows throughout, spray foam insulation, and a heat pump system that cut their energy bills by about 40%. They're also catching rainwater for the garden, which wasn't part of the original plan but made too much sense not to do.

Commercial

Yaletown Tech Hub

Location: Vancouver, BC | Completed: 2022 | Size: 12,500 sq ft

The Situation

A growing software company was crammed into a cookie-cutter office space that was killing their vibe. They wanted something that'd help with recruitment, give people actual reasons to come into the office, and reflect what their company's about - which apparently involves a lot of collaborative chaos.

Our Approach

We took over two floors of a heritage warehouse conversion and basically created different zones for different working styles. Some people need quiet, some need energy. Fighting that is pointless.

There's a central staircase we designed that became this unexpected gathering spot - people have impromptu meetings there all the time. Wasn't exactly planned but we'll take credit for it anyway. The exposed brick stays because it's actually cool, not just because "industrial chic" is trendy.

Open concept floor layout

Collaborative work zones

The Numbers

Project completed 3 weeks ahead of schedule
Came in at 5% under budget (rare, we know)
LEED Gold certified
Client's employee satisfaction scores jumped 32% after the move

"The space works hard but doesn't feel corporate. Our team actually wants to be here, which says everything. Ravencrest Quinth got our culture from day one and didn't try to change it - they just gave it a better home."

- David Kumar, CEO, TechStream Solutions

Heritage Restoration

Gastown Gallery & Lofts

Location: Vancouver, BC | Completed: 2023 | Size: 8,900 sq ft

The Story

This 1889 building was sitting empty for years, slowly falling apart. Beautiful bones, but the previous owner's "updates" from the 70s had covered up most of the good stuff. The new owner wanted to create gallery space on the main floor with residential lofts above - ambitious but totally doable.

The Work

Heritage restoration isn't like regular projects. You're dealing with the city's heritage department, original materials that don't exist anymore, and surprises behind every wall. We found original tin ceilings under drop tiles - those stayed. The floor joists needed reinforcing but we did it without touching the exterior brick.

For the lofts, we added modern necessities (like, y'know, proper plumbing and HVAC) while keeping the character that makes these spaces special. High ceilings, original wood beams, huge windows. The gallery space on the ground floor has movable walls so they can reconfigure for different exhibits.

Original condition 2021

Restoration in progress

Completed restoration

"Working with heritage buildings requires patience and creativity. The Ravencrest Quinth team treated this project with the respect it deserved while making it functional for today. That balance is harder than it looks."

- Patricia Wong, Heritage Consultant, City of Vancouver

Lessons Learned

Budget for the unexpected - we did, which is why we weren't scrambling when we found structural issues. Also, heritage work takes longer than new builds. Just does. Anyone who tells you different is lying or hasn't done it before.

Sustainable Design

North Shore Passive House

Location: North Vancouver, BC | Completed: 2024 | Size: 2,800 sq ft

The Goal

Clients wanted a net-zero home that didn't look like a science experiment. Fair enough. They had a steep lot with killer views and wanted to build something that'd barely touch their energy bills while fitting into the neighborhood.

How We Got There

Passive House certification is no joke - it's probably the most rigorous energy standard out there. Super-insulated envelope, airtight construction, heat recovery ventilation, the whole deal. We oriented the house to maximize southern exposure, used triple-pane windows (which cost a fortune but they're worth it), and threw solar panels on the roof.

The tricky bit was making it not look like a boring box. Passive House design can push you toward simple forms, but we played with roof angles and added covered outdoor spaces that work with Vancouver's rain.

Solar panel integration

Natural light optimization

"Our heating bill last winter was $43. Total. For the whole season. The house stays comfortable year-round without us thinking about it. And it looks great - nobody driving by would guess it's basically a high-performance machine."

- Sarah & Tom L., Homeowners

The Results

92% reduction in energy use vs. standard construction
Certified Passive House
Estimated energy cost: under $400/year
Indoor air quality that's noticeably better than typical homes

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