A system of vertically shifted apartment modules enables dynamic yet rational and efficient layouts for residential units while the horizontal rotation of these modular elements projects living spaces outwards to introduce the concept of horizontal living in a slender high-rise. The resulting multiple terraces generated from these horizontal shifts create both physical and emotional connectivity between the indoor and outdoor environment. Special consideration has been given to maintaining existing spatial qualities while enhancing and reinvigorating aspects of the public plaza and its heritage. As a special place in the city for Vancouverites who have fond memories of the existing office building and water cascade by architects Rhone and Iredale, the design retains the modernist Crown Life Place and enhances the qualities of the site and respectfully translates the original character, while offering new possibilities to the community. The minimized footprint of the residential tower touches the ground and embeds itself into a multi-level water landscape. “Vancouver possesses a unique balance of urban conditions surrounded by spectacular nature that provides fertile ground for envisioning new possibilities for future living in a cosmopolitan and environmentally-friendly city” says Ole Scheeren. “The design for this building exemplifies our ambition to reconnect architecture with the natural and civic environment and go beyond the hermetic confines of towers that increasingly inscribe our lives.” Sustainability strategies for passive and active energy savings are integrated with the architecture to target significant reductions in energy consumption and aspire to achieve LEED Platinum. Renewable energy sources at the top of the building’s sculpted crown generate 100% of the energy for the public amenities at the ground, creating a new model that visualizes sustainability and gives carbon-free space back to the public. Commissioned in early 2015, 1500 West Georgia further expands Büro Ole Scheeren’s growing international portfolio. The practice is working on a range of citydefining structures and cultural projects, ranging from more intimate spaces to large-scale urban developments in several of Asia’s capitals, with Mahanakhon, to be completed in 2016 as Bangkok’s tallest tower; DUO, a mixed-use development in Singapore set for completion in 2017, and the Guardian Art Center near the Forbidden City in Beijing just having completed its steel structure and opening to the public next year.
AHEAD OF THE CURVE Heidan Construction makes it a point to stay ahead of green industry trends
S
ome people try to keep up with the Joneses, but Daniel Meirovitz of Heidan Construction Ltd. goes much further than that. As president of Heidan Construction, Meirovitz makes it a point to constantly stay ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the sustainable needs of his clients. “We definitely keep up with the times and adapt to the changing needs of clients to build exactly what they request for any green project in their homes,” says Meirovitz, whose company offers construction services in the design/building of custom homes, additions, renovations and commercial office spaces. “Each client has his or her own definition of what they feel they want to spend or understand to do their part to help the environment. For some, it just means simply purchasing more energyefficient new appliances, but to others it is a top priority.
90B Centurian Dr. Unit 7 Markham, ON L3R 8C4 905-415-7599
www.Büro-os.com
32
Green Building & Sustainable Strategies
WINTER 2015
WINTER 2015
Green Building & Sustainable Strategies
33