Taking its inspiration from organic forms and nature, The Van Dusen Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre is a multiple award winning, LEED™ Platinum building that was the first in Canada to apply for the Living Building Challenge, the most stringent measurement of sustainability in the building industry. Elegantly designed in wood and glass, the undulating orchid shape of the building integrates itself within the context of the Botanical Garden. Fully recyclable aluminum and salvaged wood was combined with panelized curtain wall, skylights and a canopy system supplied by Columbia Glazing to create roof ‘petals’ that appear to float above curving rammed earth and concrete walls. The operable glazed oculus in the atrium may be the most stunning and apparent feature, infusing the center with natural daylight and serving as a solar chimney that exhausts hot air.
Columbia Glazing Products
• Custom Geometric Design
• Unitized Curtain Wall System
• Skylight Oculus – Operable Venting
• Doors and Entrances
• Interior Glazed Partitions
Contractor
Ledcor Construction
Architect
Perkins + Will
Location
5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC
Size
19,000 sq ft
