Following the demolition of a nondescript office block at Cardero and Alberni Streets, at the confluence of Vancouver's West End and Coal Harbour, the excavation site for Alberni by Kengo Kuma has now dug deep ahead of construction. Developed by Westbank, and designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, the 43-storey Alberni by Kengo Kuma will soon be home to upwards of 250 residents spread across 188 units. 

Alberni by Kengo Kuma, excavation site, image by Forum contributor Roundabout

Located within easy walking distance to Stanley Park, Robson Street, and the Harbour, Alberni by Kengo Kuma will be a prime address for those looking for the best the city has to offer. Close therefore to Vancouver's many Japanese restaurants along Robson, the project will likely appeal to those with a love of urban living and fresh sushi rolls. 

Alberni by Kengo Kuma, as it will appear upon completion, image via Westbank

For its part, the boldly-designed Alberni by Kengo Kuma (above) will form a large "scoop," the interior side of which will be faced in a series of wooden balconies. In keeping with the tower's Japanese design inspiration, the grounds will be covered in a lush moss garden over which the scoop will form a sort of wooden canopy (below), thereby adding a sense of calm just outside of the main entrance. 

Alberni by Kengo Kuma, green space, with wooden canopy, image via Westbank

Once complete, the architecturally significant tower will be a fine addition to the West End, its $1 million-plus starting price for suites reflective of its prime location and special appeal. 

SkyriseVancouver will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.