4.7K 
Robert A.M. Stern's brand of "modern traditionalist" architecture could be coming to Vancouver, manifesting itself in the form of two residential towers rising from a common base in the downtown core. And the architect involved isn't the only noteworthy thing about the project: developers Landa Global Properties and Asia Standard Americas are aiming to make the towering duo the tallest passive house structures in the world.
Designed to eschew the standard energy-intensive building typology, structures that have adopted the passive house concept are heavily insulated and characterized by their tight building envelope. The proposed 48- and 43-storey towers would adhere to the standards outlined by the Passive House Institute in Germany, where the model originated. Passive Houses achieve a number of environmental savings and building efficiencies, conserving up to 90 percent of the energy used to heat and cool conventional buildings. Six of Canada's seven passive houses are located in British Columbia.
Local firm Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership is also a partner in the project, which evokes the classical ornamentation of seminal Vancouver landmarks like the Marine Building. To house approximately 400 units, the buildings sited at 1400 Alberni Street would replace the current 129-unit apartment building now occupying the property. A previous plan by Perkins + Will was scrapped when the site was sold in early 2016.
The development would be a shining beacon for the zero emissions building plan that council adopted in July 2016, an initiative that forms part of the mission to make Vancouver the greenest city on the planet. It sets out a target for the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions in all new building construction by 2030. Having just been submitted to the desks of the planning office, the Stern-designed project still needs approvals and rounds of public consultation before it can get off the ground. But if approvals are granted, the development could be ready for occupancy by 2022.
Additional information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.
