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These semi-private spaces are envisioned to support informal gatherings that can facilitate the formation of sub-communities within the larger strata and help to break down the social barriers commonly associated with high-rise living. The outdoor breezeways also have significant environmental advantages by greatly improving the opportunities for natural daylighting, ventilation, and cooling.
Within the suites, the experience is centered on an expanse of views, spatial continuity, and reflective surfaces which experientially dissolve borders, encouraging a sense of being unbounded, much like a butterfly. Natural light and cross ventilation.
Emphasising natural air, light and materials, the tower seeks to stimulate the senses and encourage mindfulness in a way that transforms its residents each time they enter their suite.
Communal social spaces in rooftop gardens and giving back to the community
With the same spirit of mindfulness, the subsidised rental housing presented in the project’s mid-rise building offers communal social spaces in its rooftop gardens, encouraging friendships among its residents with a mix of community gardens, outdoor kitchen, and landscaped playgrounds. This component of the development also provides expanded facilities for the historic First Baptist Church to continue its ‘Shelter’ programme, providing meals and emergency shelter for those in need, along with a new counselling centre, church offices, a 37 space daycare, community recreational amenities, and a café.
Due to its unique height and large density on the site, this project complies with a series of stringent local codes and bylaws geared towards performance and leadership in sustainability and architectural excellence and exceeds standards for innovation in energy performance with greenhouse gas reductions equivalent to a 45% reduction in energy use and 22% reduction in energy costs compared to ASHRAE- 90.1.
Aside from the heritage component, the entirety of the proposed development is designed to meet minimum LEED Gold certification. The project will also meet City of Vancouver requirements regarding sustainable approach and innovations in energy performance, sustainable site design and food systems, green mobility, water efficiency and stormwater management, zero waste planning, affordable housing, and incorporates a number of community amenities.