What we do.
Our broad experience includes building envelope and energy consulting for new construction, repair and renovation of existing buildings, industry guidance and policy work, building science research, and product evaluations. We work on large buildings, including multi-unit residential, commercial, institutional, and health care. There is a high probability we have direct experience with the specific solution you are considering for your next project - and can recommend alternate solutions to meet your project’s requirements. For new and emerging systems, we have the expertise and tools to objectively consider and evaluate the risks. We approach these assignments openly and draw from both our experience and a deep understanding of building physics, extending to solutions that may include mass timber, modular construction, and pre-fabricated wall systems.
Building Envelope for
New Construction
Enhanced new construction services as described in Bulletin 34 are a staple for the Lower Mainland. Having worked on new construction projects since the 1990’s, our team of professionals bring a diverse set of technical qualifications to the table; excellent moisture, air and vapour management with an emphasis on thermal performance and durability of building envelopes. What distinguishes Evoke from the competition is both its collaborative approach and having the expertise “at the table” which will help you navigate whatever project requirements you may have, from the BC Energy Step Code to Passive House certification or beyond.
Energy Consulting
Whether you're targeting the minimum code or pursuing the highest levels of performance, Evoke supports clients using experience and energy modelling to inform design and document compliance for new and existing buildings. We like to get involved early and work with the project team to develop targets and strategies starting at concept or schematic stage and offering services through to compliance, construction and operations. We pride ourselves on providing clear options using interactive visual tools, and connecting them to design and constructability.
We work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy cost, and energy use, and to meet your project’s targets practically and cost-effectively. We work on projects targeting the BC Energy Step Code, City of Vancouver Rezoning or VBBL, LEED, BCBC, NECB, ASHRAE 90.1, incentives such as CleanBC, and internal organizational targets. We also provide ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and 3 energy audits.
Hygrothermal and Thermal Analysis
There are many models and tools available to industry to simulate the transfer and storage of heat and moisture through the building envelope. Our experience is deep on both ends of the spectrum; we are comfortable with the standard tools, the more complex models, and research-oriented models (THERM, WUFI, DELPHIN, Nx, E+). We have dug deep into understanding the strengths and limitations of various software and know when to apply the right tool for the job.
Our strength is that we look at every model from the lens of experience gained by spending a lot of time in the field looking at construction details, investigating issues, controlled testing, and long-term field monitoring. Moreover, we have reviewed countless results from many modelers of varying backgrounds and fully appreciate the common pitfalls of computer modelling.
Our experience helps us put problems into perspective and focus on the analysis that is really needed to provide insight and answer your questions.
We work with manufacturers, design teams, owners, and researchers to see the impact of changes to building systems and help design the next evolution in performance.
Assessment and Investigations
Whether your problem is a simple rain leak, excessive condensation, or some other more complex building science issue, Evoke can assist. We are equipped with the right tools and backed-up by years of identifying and fixing building envelope issues. We are eager to investigate, identify the problem and make recommendations to repair and improve performance. We can set you up with short or long-term monitoring review services to answer the thorny questions when data will help you make the right decision.
If you are looking for assurance that your assets are being adequately managed and maintained, then we can help with post construction warranty review services at the 12 month, 15 month, and 2-5-10 year periods.
Deep Energy Retrofits
Evoke can work with you to develop strategies to achieve deep energy and carbon savings, and to put those measures in place. A deep energy retrofit usually targets savings of 50% or greater of a building’s current energy use. Retrofits are often part of a capital planning process and many successful retrofits are done over time rather than as a single project.
We help by understanding your building and developing a calibrated model, proposing and quantifying real-world solutions appropriate to the project, and helping to implement and follow through to achieve real performance gains.
Repairs and Renewals
Whether you are looking to replace aging windows, roof or balcony membrane, or want to fix a building envelope issue, we are here to support you. A detailed and accurate tender package can save headaches and construction costs. Evoke encourages owners to invest in a consultant that is willing to put enough effort into construction documents to achieve the desired outcome. There is nothing too complex; our experience spans over two decades and has addressed a wide array of building types and systems, including wood and steel framed, concrete, window-wall, mass masonry, and heritage buildings.