Size1,208 square metres
General ContractorPowers Construction and CDC Construction
Structural EngineerGlotman Simpson
Project MaterialsGlue-laminated timber (Glulam)Siding
Structural SystemsMid risePost + beam
A freshly renovated century-old heavy timber warehouse gives the space a warm, flexible office.
Located in Vancouver’s historic Yaletown, the century-old timber post-and-beam structure features expansive NLT decking and proves well-suited to the flex-in-place needs of a modern workplace.
Architects took their inspiration from the industrial character of the 1911 warehouse. Exposed wood beams reflect the building’s history, but the Yaletown office has numerous contemporary features. Employees and visitors are greeted by a double-height atrium with bleacher-style seating that is used for town-hall-style, company-wide meetings. The dramatic, open space fosters interconnectedness across the multiple floors of the space.
Wood is used throughout the Yaletown office project, complementing the original timber structure. Custom-designed mobile meeting boxes, constructed with simple plywood, are put on wheels for impromptu meetings and collaboration.
A heavy-timber beam, removed to create a double-height atrium space, was repurposed as a 5-metre-long table in the employee lounge. CNC-milled wood partitions include circular openings, drawing natural light into the individualized working areas while also meeting the building code requirement to keep the ceiling open for fire sprinklers.
A natural green wall, made of lichen, serves as a striking focal point while acting as a partition for privacy. An abundant use of wood furniture and finishes, along with other natural materials (e.g., greenery, charcoal, cork, buttons, and burlap) reflects a growing interest to bring calming elements of nature into the workplace. This is the case down to the smallest details: for example, each button on the banks of upholstered benches is unique—six different sizes, shapes and species of wood and three different colours of thread.
“Representations of nature are placed throughout the space as reference to the larger context of the city of Vancouver and the local Pacific Northwest climate.” CRISTINA BELMONTE – LECKIE STUDIO ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
“Representations of nature are placed throughout the space as reference to the larger context of the city of Vancouver and the local Pacific Northwest climate.”
