The Vancouver House is a striking neo-futuristic residential skyscraper reaching 150.3 meters (493 feet) in height. Designed by the renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, in collaboration with structural engineers Buro Happold and Glotman Simpson, it stands proudly in Vancouver’s Beach District, a recent development project transforming the city’s waterfront.

Construction of this “unreal” building began in 2016 and was completed in 2020. Vancouver House offers a mix of residential units, with 375 condos and 106 rental units, alongside workspaces, retail shops, and various resident amenities.

Architectural Design.

The architectural vision for Vancouver House is truly unique. As D’Arcy Jones, principal of Vancouver-based D’Arcy Jones Architects, stated: “The building emerges subtly from the ground and expands as it rises, appearing like a genie let out of the bottle.”

The design reflects the constraints of the triangular plot of land, starting with a triangular base and gradually transitioning into a rectangle as it ascends. The east and west facades feature box-shaped balconies, creating a captivating honeycomb texture.

Significance and Impact

Vancouver House has become a significant landmark in Canadian architecture. Its innovative design has put Canada on the international architectural map, attracting attention and potentially boosting tourism. Furthermore, the building plays a crucial role in addressing Vancouver’s growing population and high housing demand by providing much-needed residential units.