wood-burning technique used to preserve wood by charring its surface. “We did a lot of research on that one. There are many materials that look similar, but to really get the longevity of the product, you have to have a deep understanding of its properties,” explained Peeroj. The selection of BC cedar underscores the firm’s dedication to sustainability and the long-term performance of their buildings, even when the focus is on functionality and innovation. In addition to these large-scale endeavours, ph5 architecture is exploring mixed-use projects in North Vancouver. These initiatives are designed to reimagine conventional building typologies by integrating commercial spaces with innovative residential and public amenity spaces. “We’re one of the last few offices who are really generalists. If you throw a weird problem at us, we’re always happy to think about it and come up with a solution,” Henning noted. This willingness to tackle a wide range of challenges is what sets ph5 apart in an industry where specialization is increasingly common. According to Peeroj and Henning, ph5 also stands out due to their commitment to environmental sustainability. That commitment is reflected in their research-driven approach to material selection— exemplified by the Ministry of Forests project. Although the firm does not label every project as “green,” their meticulous attention to selecting long-lasting and high-performance materials speaks volumes about their environmental ethos. The careful consideration of material properties ensures that their designs are built to stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent renovations and minimizing waste. APRIL 2025
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