KPF unveils design for the tallest exposed hybrid mass timber office building in North America

International practice, KPF has submitted proposal plans to develop 450,000-square feet of exposed hybrid mass timber office building in Vancouver. Part of the Bentall Centre in downtown Vancouver, the 16-storey structure, 'Burrard Exchange' will add office and retail spaces in Vancouver’s urban core.

Once completed, Bentall Exchange will be the tallest mass timber structure at 260 feet to be built in North America. The design proposes a modern loft-like structure with high floor-to-floor ceiling to bring in ample light and utilises KPF’s innovative style to create high-rise mass timber building which was previously only reserved for low-rise structures.

The design pushes the sustainability agenda by reducing the carbon footprint of the new building and creating state of the art green office tower, that will also remove carbon from the atmosphere over the building, lifetime.

Timber has also been used as a design element, with it being visible throughout in natural finishes, which communicates the project’s ambition to be zero carbon.

The office space offers 3000-square feet floor plate, which is nearly double the size of a typical office building in Vancouver. The building’s 14.5-foot floor height ensures plenty of natural light inside the workspace while providing a sense of openness to the people inside.

To improve the tenants’ connection with Nature, half the floors on the new developement feature outdoor terrace and loggias spaces, providing easy access to outdoors. The outdoor terrace spaces together make up about 21,000 square feet, serving the growing demand for high function outdoor areas and fresh air access.

On the ground level, the existing parkade is replaced by new public amenities and the lobby level connects people with the below-grade shops at Bentall Centre, offering retail and other services.

The new 20,000-square foot plaza has been developed as one of the largest gathering spaces downtown featuring a mass timber pavilion.

The project is a collaborative effort between KPF and local architecture firm, Adamson Associates Architects. It is expected to begin construction in early 2023.

 

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PROJECT DETAILS

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The firm consists of over 700 staff led by 34 principals, with offices in New York, London, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Abu Dhabi, Berlin, and Singapore.