Visually Striking

BY CHERYL MAH

The distinct form of a new residential tower in downtown Vancouver is hard to miss. Rising 43-storeys into the skyline, the project is defined by a dramatic structural curve, and a moss garden that surrounds the base of the tower.

The unconventional design is by world renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and marks his first large scale residential tower in North America. Known as Alberni by Kuma, the project is a collabo- ration between Kengo Kuma and local architect of record Merrick Architecture.

When Kuma revealed the design in Vancouver, he said, “I have always wanted to have a project in Canada because of its closeness to nature. Typologically, this is a large-scale project in North America, a dream for any foreign architect. We have done towers, but not to this scale and level of detail.”

The design and construction of the mixed use project is anything but typical.

The curved form of the building, described as two emphatic scoops, is not only visually stunning but was conceived to both capture optimal views and separations from neighbouring buildings. The deep curved recesses also allow for deep balconies with wood soffits and decks.

The overlapping rows of vertical shingle metal curtain wall panels add another unique element, architecturally intended to offer reflections of neighbouring buildings on the lower levels and the sky on the upper levels.

The a mbitious 492,000 square foot tower is comprised of 181 units, eight levels of underground parking and mixed-use space for retailers. Amenities include a gym, pool, sauna, play area, public art, wine cellar, restaurant and more. The project is targeting LEED Gold with the ability to connect to the downtown district energy plant, one of the largest in North America.

Graham Construction was awarded the contract in 2017 and topped off the tower structure in November 2021. Substantial completion is scheduled for January 2023.

Challenges included a tight downtown site, unique floor plates at each level, managing pandemic related issues (procurement delay, safety protocols) and achieving complex design details.

To achieve the innovative and challenging form of the tower, a 20 storey concrete tensile strut was designed by Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers. The tensile strut acts to support the structural core.

The building’s unique facade features a new and innovative glazing and enclosure system, procured from a manufacturer in South Korea. The complex envelope design required careful technical detailing by RDH.

According to the design vision, the tower aims to be in harmony with its urban and natural surroundings, notably the mountains and the proximity of the waterfront.

Kuma’s inspiration by nature is clearly evident on the ground floor of the building where an extensive Japanese moss garden sits under arching structures surrounding an amphitheatre shaped space. The green space defines the entrance of the building and is meant to be a public amenity to be used for gatherings and events.

Wood is also used throughout the exterior and interior as part of a muted palette of materials. The most striking wood feature is the “kigumi” structure — resembling a large nest of wood sticks — above the main entrance and garden. It flows directly overhead into the swimming pool situated on the second level.

“Buildings should be part of the city, part of the environment. I believe that is the goal of architecture in the 21st century.” said Kuma.

The Alberni tower is a definitive example of the next level of iconic architecture in Vancouver.