The new development at 1468 Alberni Street is strategically located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, where tall buildings are permitted to be developed under the City’s “General Policy for Higher Buildings.” The project is to be designed in accordance with a number of stringent standards such as the City of Vancouver’s Higher Building Policy, Sustainable Policy for Large Sites and Zero Emissions Building Program. The development consists of two residential towers (43 and 50 storeys) with a 5 storey podium, including a daycare center totaling approximately 600,000 ft2 of space. The project is being designed to become the world’s tallest Passive House development to date.
Williams Engineering Canada (WEC) is providing the mechanical and electrical engineering design services, as well as the energy modeling services for this high-profile project. To reach the low to zero greenhouse emission target, the options for the building systems design includes; water source variable refrigerant flow (VRF) coupled with high efficiency Passive House certified Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), air to water heat pump with four-pipe fan coil system, a sewage heat recovery system and an earth tube system. In order to minimize possible thermal bridging, a central ventilation system over a conventional small localized HRV system is being considered as-well-as various envelope options which includes Isokorb structural thermal breaks and thermally broken window frames. In addition, the electrical system is being designed to accommodate an electric charging station for electric vehicles for each suite in the building.
Our goal is to reduce, minimize and ultimately eliminate the carbon footprint of vertical infrastructures by providing our clients with integrated design solutions for new and existing buildings while implementing responsible solutions that take into account economic, social and environmental issues. The 1468 Alberni Street development is both an inspiring and innovative project to be a part of. We look forward to being a part of this historic project which will positively impact the City of Vancouver and contribute to its zero emissions plan.