Terrace House, Vancouver
In June 2017, new images were released of Terrace House, a residential tower in Vancouver that, when built, will be the world’s tallest hybrid timber structure. Designed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, and developed by PortLiving, the tower will reach 71 m-high providing accommodation over 19 storeys.
It will be constructed using a pioneering hybrid structure of timber, concrete and steel. The mono-pitched timber-framed structure will be clad with glass and supported by a concrete and steel core.
Terrace House is the latest of many developments featuring timber construction, as architects and engineers reappraise the building material for its sustainability, quality, strength and speed of installation.
Ban’s design shows the terraces lining up with its neighbour, the Evergreen Building which is fronted by stepped floors with zigzagging concrete roofs. Similar to the Evergreen, Terrace House’s terraces will widely landscaped. Ban was attracted to the project by the opportunity it gave to respond to the neighbouring listed building, which was completed in 1978 to a design by Arthur Erickson.
Ban’s studio said:
"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.
"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.”
Macario Reyes, founder of PortLiving, added: “Every detail has been considered, right down to the specific foliage on the terraces.”
Content and images courtesy of PortLiving.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.