Business Details
21 Years
experience
Sustainable Residential Architecture Experts in Toronto
Solares Architecture is an Ontario Association of Architects licensed studio founded in 2005 by Christine Lolley and Tom Knezic. Our expertise lies in sustainable residential design for new construction and renovations across Ontario, serving homeowners, developers, and investors. We prioritize passive solar design, low-carbon energy systems, and ultra-insulated building envelopes to create durable, energy-efficient homes. Our turnkey process guides clients through every project phase, combining thoughtful design with budget management for single-family homes, multiplexes, and laneway suites. With nearly two decades of experience, we maintain a reputation for excellence in high-performance building science and client collaboration.Our team's deep understanding of urban and rural contexts ensures tailored solutions that meet both aesthetic and functional needs. Recognized in major publications and through multiple Houzz awards, we remain committed to advancing sustainable housing practices. Our Toronto-based sister company, Eco-Flats Developments, extends our expertise to multiplex development and property management. We believe architecture should balance environmental responsibility with enduring quality, creating spaces that enhance clients' lives while minimizing ecological impact. This philosophy has earned us consistent five-star reviews and long-term client relationships.
Services
New Construction
Home Renovations
Laneway Suites
Multi-Unit Developments
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 18 years of specialized experience in sustainable residential architecture
- Our turnkey process manages projects from concept to completion
- We implement passive solar design and ultra-insulated building systems
- Our team holds multiple Houzz awards for design and customer service
- We provide collaborative client engagement throughout the project lifecycle
Associations and certifications
- Ontario Association of Architects
What people say
5-star reviews
Houzz awards
Exceptional attention to detail
Sustainable expertise
Excellent communication
Services
New Construction
Design and build energy-efficient custom homes using passive solar principles and low-carbon materials. Our process creates durable, aesthetically pleasing residences that meet Ontario's diverse climate needs while maintaining budget efficiency. Clients benefit from our expertise in urban and rural contexts.
Home Renovations
Transform existing homes through sustainable renovations that improve energy performance and modernize living spaces. We specialize in deep energy retrofits and accessibility modifications, combining technical expertise with design sensitivity to preserve architectural character while meeting contemporary standards.
Laneway Suites
Create functional laneway and garden suites that maximize urban space while maintaining environmental responsibility. Our designs optimize natural light and ventilation, featuring smart layouts that meet zoning requirements and enhance property value through sustainable construction methods.
Multi-Unit Developments
Develop high-performance multi-unit residential buildings with a focus on sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. Our approach balances density requirements with livability, creating communities that minimize environmental impact while meeting urban housing demands through innovative design solutions.
Sustainable Design
Implement comprehensive sustainable design strategies including airtight building envelopes, solar orientation, and low-carbon energy systems. We integrate advanced building science with practical considerations to create homes that achieve superior energy performance without compromising aesthetic quality or functional requirements.
People
Christine Lolley
Co-Founder & Principal
Licensed architect with 18 years of sustainable residential design experience. Leads Solares' creative direction while maintaining direct client engagement throughout project development and execution phases.
Tom Knezic
Co-Founder
Established Solares in 2005 with expertise in multiplex development. Now leads Eco-Flats Developments, applying two decades of residential construction experience to property management and development strategy.
Melodie Coneybeare
Senior Architect
Senior design professional with extensive experience in high-performance residential projects. Specializes in integrating sustainable technologies with functional living spaces across diverse project types.
Brigitte Martins
Architect
Registered architect contributing to both single-family and multi-unit projects. Focuses on technical precision and environmental responsibility in residential design solutions.
Lilia Sosedova
Project Manager
Manages project timelines and client communications with emphasis on sustainable building practices. Ensures seamless execution of complex residential developments from concept to completion.
Questions
What types of residential projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in new construction, renovations, laneway suites, and multi-unit developments across Ontario, with a focus on sustainable design principles.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We use passive solar design, ultra-insulated envelopes, and low-carbon energy systems while prioritizing durable materials and energy efficiency throughout all projects.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Ontario with particular expertise in Toronto and Ottawa's urban environments, handling both city and rural residential projects.
Can you handle both design and construction management?
Our turnkey process covers complete design through construction management, with sister company Eco-Flats providing additional development and property management support.
What experience do your architects have?
Our team includes OAA-licensed architects with 18 years of combined experience in sustainable residential design, supported by specialized project managers and technical staff.
