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

• Fake Hills, China.
• Gaia Building, Ecuador.
• Hyperion, Bordeaux.
• Living facade.
• Occitanie Tower, Toulouse.
• Vertical Forest.