Terrace House, Vancouver’s Most Exclusive Waterfront Condominium, Receives Tallest Approval for Hybrid Wood Structure in North America

Vancouver, BC, Dec. 20, 2017 -- Terrace House, the highly anticipated development by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, with its highest point sitting at 232’ above ground level, has received official approval to use exposed mass timber in the top 7-storeys of this 19-storey building.  The issuance of the Building Permit required approval of an “Alternative Solution” to demonstrate compliance with Vancouver’s Building Code, thereby allowing the use of mass timber in the construction of a high-rise building.  This approval from the Chief Building Official’s Office is significant as Terrace House is the tallest hybrid wood structure approved for construction in North America.

“As an engineer, it is imperative not only that I trust my own work, but that my work receives rigorous review and confirmation by others, including peer reviewers and competent authorities having jurisdiction, such as the City of Vancouver,” said Andrew Harmsworth, lead Fire Engineer and Building Code consultant from GHL Consultants Ltd.

Prior to the official approval of Terrace House, the use of exposed mass timber in a hybrid wood structure of this height had never been permitted in either Canada or the United States. While there has been much discussion of the environmental benefits of tall mass timber buildings, few exceeding 6-storeys have been permitted or constructed. The recently completed Brock Commons, an 18-storey student residence at the University of British Columbia, was permitted only as an exception to the BC Building Code and the acceptance was based in part on covering all the timber with fire-rated gypsum wallboard.

The approval is a milestone for Terrace House and the City of Vancouver. It was achieved through a process of performance-based fire and structural engineering tests supported by analysis of fire risks including risk of fire after earthquake. Tests demonstrated to the City and the expert peer reviewers that this hybrid mass timber building is as safe, if not safer, than a conventional concrete or steel high-rise. PortLiving thanks the City of Vancouver’s Planning and Building Departments for their support and confidence in the expertise of the design team. PortLiving is ultimately grateful for this opportunity to be inspired by Shigeru Ban’s vision and his team’s leadership for pushing the envelope of technology and pulling to together the world’s best consultants involved in wood construction today.

The approval is a major step forward in Vancouver's goal of being the Greenest City in Canada. Wood is a sustainable and versatile building material that stores, rather than emits, carbon dioxide for the life of the structure and beyond. The environmental and performance benefits of wood construction include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced embodied energy, renewable benefits, and direct occupant and builder health benefits. For Shigeru Ban Architects, wood is valued for many of these reasons, and particularly for its economy, tactile qualities and performance attributes.

Terrace House has advanced tall wood construction in Canada through its use of exposed mass timber not only as a structural, environmentally sustainable element, but also as an integral interior finish within a residential market high-rise. Terrace House is located at the center of Coal Harbour, a highly desirable residential neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver.

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About PortLiving:

Founded in 2003, as part of Port Capital Group, PortLiving focuses on developing innovative and well-located projects. Through property investments and exceptional developments, PortLiving is a focused, creative, responsible and award-winning real estate organization with unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality. PortLiving redefines urban living by creating working and living environments that are sustainable, practical, and serve to strengthen communities through innovative design and thoughtful intent. For more information and to view PortLiving's portfolio visit portliving.com.

Cale Boudreau
Brix Media Co.
[email protected]
604-215- 2749