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] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Robotics and the construction industry.
ECA comments on CLC's three-phase recovery plan.
Their diplomatic and architectural history.
The origins of the six volume series.
Built to defend British waters, only to serve as pirate radio stations later.
A balanced approach to the office
Wellbeing to influence mix of home and office based working.
An introduction to cobotics.
Survey reports on outlook for the engineering sector.
A simple path to possible error avoidance.
Construction + technology = ConTech.
Social distancing and construction sites
New low and high tech tools enter the marketplace.
Report looks at mental health in the built environment.
Radiant wall heating method to control rising damp.
What future infrastructure provision might look like.
Highlighting the health benefits of home improvement.
Pavilions for music, entertainment, and leisure. Book review.