SPA was appointed by DeCotiis to provide concept design for this residential tower.

 

The proposal is to develop the site with a new residential use tower as a landmark of high quality design. The design intent is to provide affordable rental housing with communal gardens at top of podium and sky gardens in a striking new tower with expansive views over Downtown Vancouver. The Aerofoil Tower Project includes residential and retail uses to form a square footage of 75,000sq.ft resulting in a proposed density of 10.0 floor space ratio. The street frontages will be animated with commercial retail uses and the residential entrance lobby. The lane to the East will provide access to the underground parking and delivery access to the rear of the retail units.

 

At only 36’ wide x 115’ long and 280’ tall, the aerofoil shape will be a unique tower design in the City. Coupled with sky gardens puncturing the smooth façade and detailing of the highest quality, the building will be iconic. The height of the retail / commercial podium will match that of the podium adjacent thus addressing its local context favourably.

 

The extent of glazing will be limited to approx 50% in order to achieve a LEED Gold rating, however glass will be used as opaque panels in order to keep the smooth aerofoil shape. There will be a small amount of balconies, however all units will have Romeo + Juliet guardrails with operable sliding doors to welcome in the outdoors into the units. The smooth form of the tower will benefit from this design move.