The design of the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower, by Shigeru Ban Architects, has been revealed by Vancouver-based developer PortLiving. Named Terrace House, the project will be located in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour neighborhood, adjacent to the landmark-listed Evergreen Building, designed by late architect Arthur Erickson.
Ban designed the residential tower as a tribute to its neighbour, picking up the architectural language of triangular shapes, natural materials, and an abundance of greenery.
“Shigeru Ban has tremendous respect for Arthur Erickson’s work. It was the opportunity to design a building next to one of Erickson’s masterpieces that initially drew him to this innovative project,” said Dean Maltz, Managing Partner at Shigeru Ban Architects Americas.
The tower will stand 19 storeys and 71 metres tall, one storey higher than the current world’s tallest timber building – Brock Commons on the UBC campus. This marks the first time Shigeru Ban Architects has undertaken a project in Canada.
PortLiving has assembled a world-class team to bring Ban’s vision to life, including the original landscape architect who worked on the neighbouring Evergreen Building, Cornelia Oberlander. Another prominent member of the project team is internationally renowned wood structural engineer, Hermann Blumer.
“We have brought together the best of the best – a team of true experts in creative collaboration, working together for the first time ever on a single project. The result is truly a once-in-a-lifetime project setting new standards in design and construction,” said Macario (Tobi) Reyes, founder and CEO of PortLiving. “Every detail has been considered right down to the specific foliage on the terraces.”
The goal of this innovative wood, glass, and concrete tower is to make a prominent gesture that demonstrates Vancouver’s commitment to forward-thinking sustainable design and advanced timber engineering and construction.
The project is expected to undergo a 22-month construction period after the existing structure is completely demolished.
