Behind the Build: Jackie Burgess & Chris Chevalier - s.no Architecture Pt.2

In the heart of Canada’s North, Jackie Burgess and Chris Chevalier are redefining architecture through their firm, s.no Architecture. Based in Whitehorse, Yukon, their practice is shaped by extreme climates, long winters, and a commitment to designing buildings that not only endure but thrive in the northern environment.

s.no Architecture’s work is informed by the dramatic seasonal swings of the Yukon—five-hour winter days, midnight sun in summer, and temperature fluctuations from -40°C to +30°C. Their approach balances energy efficiency with liveability, pushing beyond building code minimums to create durable, high-performing structures that remain deeply connected to place. Materials must be robust yet transportable, often prioritizing metal over masonry due to logistical challenges, while insulation strategies are tailored to mitigate permafrost shifts and extreme cold.

Beyond technical constraints, s.no’s work is also defined by sits cultural sensitivity. Much of their practice involves working with Yukon’s self-governing First Nations, where architecture intersects with governance, heritage, and long-term sustainability. They understand that buildings must not only function in a harsh climate but also serve the needs of communities with their own histories, priorities, and maintenance capacities.

Despite their deep roots in the North, Jackie and Chris are always looking outward—studying how other cold-climate communities design, adapt, and build for longevity. Whether learning from Scandinavian architecture or simply stepping away for a warm-weather recharge, they bring a curiosity and pragmatism to everything they do.

Through s.no Architecture, they are shaping the built environment of the Yukon with a forward-thinking, practical, and deeply local approach—one that considers not just how buildings perform today, but how they will serve their communities for generations to come.

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