WINNER OF A 2021 CANADIAN ARCHITECT AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
How do we bring biophilic design into towers" This 57-storey building essentially eliminates interior corridor space, instead including an outdoor breezeway that extends vertically to a very tall height. This brings natural ventilation and a communal connection to the outdoors through the core of the building, and introduces the possibility of cross-ventilation at higher elevations. It?s an innovative move that pushes the envelope of the tower typology. -Jury Comment
Old downtown churches and new luxury condominium towers may sound like strange bedfellows, but in this case, each has something to offer the other?and the community benefits as well. The Butterfly and First Baptist Church (FBC) development is the symbiotic union of a 1911 church on prime Vancouver real estate and a new 57-storey luxury residential tower. An expanded podium level, landscaped areas, and galleria spaces are closely integrated with FBC?s heritage building. Along with seismic and code upgrades, the restoration of its sanctuary interior and the rehabilitation of other parts of the church, what FBC gets out of the partnership is a new multi-level space for a 37-space daycare facility; community support spaces offering counselling, meals, emergency care and shelter programs; and café, administrative, and multi-purpose community spaces, including a new gymnasium. Additionally, FBC will operate a new seven-storey affordable rental/social hous...