Vancouver House | BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group | Media - Sustainability

Certificates

LEED • Platinum • BD+C

V4

Efficient

The project employs comprehensive strategies to minimize operational emissions and energy consumption:

LEED Platinum Certification: As a LEED Platinum building, it meets rigorous standards for energy performance.
Green Roof with Photovoltaics: A green roof helps reduce solar heat gain and accommodates a photovoltaic installation, contributing to on-site renewable energy generation.
Efficient Lighting: LED lighting has been carefully considered for maximum efficiency.
Efficient HVAC Systems: HVAC system selection has been carefully considered for maximum efficiency.
Natural Ventilation: All offices have operable windows to increase natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
High-Performance Facades: Brick facades utilize modern construction technology to achieve high standards of energy efficiency.
Reduced Transportation Emissions: Connections to cycling and pedestrian pathways reduce reliance on automobile trips for occupants, lowering associated operational emissions.

Efficient

The project's strategies related to service and maintenance emissions include:

Consolidated Deliveries: A management system consolidates deliveries to the building, reducing the number of vehicle trips needed and subsequently reducing emissions from transportation and associated maintenance of delivery infrastructure.
Wind Mitigation Canopies: These systems help reduce wear and tear from wind, potentially lowering maintenance needs for certain facade elements.
Long-Term Structural Flexibility: The design for long-term flexibility of the primary structure (clear spaces 40’ either side of the central core and atrium) implies less need for major structural maintenance or disruptive alterations over time.

Adaptive Reuse and Flexible Design Considerations

Adaptive reuse and long-term flexibility were fundamental considerations in the project:

Adaptive Site Reuse: The project is a model for reclaiming "forgotten spaces under, above, and around infrastructure" for public and residential use.
Adaptive Infrastructure Reuse: The underside of the bridge has been transformed into a venue for public art, addressing the city's shortage of cultural performance and event spaces.
Long-Term Structural Flexibility: The building is designed for long-term flexibility, with its primary structure featuring clear spaces 40’ either side of the central core and atrium, allowing it to be reconfigured in many ways without the need to address the base structure. This indicates a high degree of structural adaptability for future programmatic changes.