The Vancouver House is an innovative, 59-story tower that stands at the gateway to downtown Vancouver. In addition to its prominent location, the building is known for its unique honeycomb-shaped window wall façade. The complex also includes two podium buildings that are situated on either side of the Granville Street bridge. When the project is completed in 2019, the complex will provide space for both commercial uses and residential apartments.

Our role on the project was to provide a structural analysis of the building’s unique window wall system. We have also assisted with design development and field review of the façade system during its construction.

While the building’s unique façade is one of its most appealing features, it also raises some design challenges in relation to the façade’s structure. The intricacies of the transition from floor to floor mean that the structural loads continually vary, so our team has had to adapt the structural calculations to account for these varying stresses.

By using our team’s extensive experience, we were able to adjust and develop calculation packages that would allow for the desired façade design. Working closely with the contractor throughout the construction phase, we were able to ensure that the calculations translated correctly when applied on-site. It was extremely important that we were able to keep the project on schedule while also keeping the architectural vision intact.

Upon completion, the Vancouver House tower will stand as the fourth tallest tower in the downtown Vancouver core.

Date:

May 22, 2019

Architect:

Bjarke Ingels

Clients:

Glastech Glazing Contractors Ltd., lljin Wall Tech Inc.

Our Role:

Structural Glazing Engineer

Key Services

Early Stage Design Assistance
Design Construction Documents Review
Design Fabrication Support
Structural Field Review
Structural Testing

Often the best value that our Façade Structures team can contribute to a project is during the early stage of design. We help our clients explore conceptual design opportunities and support the design team by answering questions such as “Can we actually do this?” “What will this cost?” and “How can we optimize our systems?” Our team is able to assess the interaction between the building enclosure design, energy performance, and ventilation strategies to support the development of advanced and unique building façades. Once we have defined these elements of the project, we are able to better focus our services during the subsequent stages of work.

David Vadocz | P.Eng.

Principal, Façade Structural Specialist
View Bio
the amazing brentwood

The Amazing Brentwood

The Amazing Brentwood is a 28-acre master planned community designed to integrate high-rise luxury homes with rapid transit connections, office space, shopping, dining, entertainment, and other amenities.

Read More

565 Great Northern Way at “South Flatz”

The 7-story structure designated as 565 Great Northern Way at “South Flatz” is a 160,000 square foot commercial building that is designed to integrate with the adjacent Emily Carr University of Arts and Design.

Read More
RDH Building Science