THE SIGHT OF MUSIC
Vancouver’s Timbre and Harmony buildings,  
a showcase for passive excellence
By James Peters
PROJECT PROFILE
Timbre (n., pronounced tam-ber): the quality of a sound that distinguishes different instruments or voices.
Harmony (n.): the combination of different notes played together to support melody for pleasing effect.
A
s metaphors, timbre and harmony seem pitch-
perfect for representing the two six-storey build-
ings recently completed in Vancouver's Grand-
view-Woodland neighbourhood. In October, 
Ryder Architecture announced the completion 
of the buildings, characterizing the project as “a 
landmark non-market housing development designed to meet 
rigorous Passive House standards.” 
Adam James, Ryder principal, explains, “The buildings have 
been designed to rigorous Passive House standards for people 
55 and older and people with disabilities. The two six-storey, 
L-shaped volumes anchor the site on either side of a central 
right-of-way. Between the buildings, the ‘Commons’ are a 
throwback to the lobbies and garden courts of Vancouver's 
postwar apartments. Together, the buildings contain 157 
secure, energy-efficient homes located along the city’s attrac-
tive East 12th Avenue area.”
The layered facades, informed by mid-century design, include 
colourful balconies with mosaic tiles, painted trims and 
details inspired by Vancouver’s apartment buildings from a 
bygone era. While referencing this nostalgic style, the new 
buildings are optimized for energy performance, daylight and 
community life. 
James adds, “We wanted the buildings to feel rooted in 
Vancouver's apartment tradition while projecting a new 
vision of beauty, affordability and sustainability. The archi-
tecture is driven by carefully proportioned facades, abundant 
natural light and the shared green space of the Commons.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIEN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY
10  BCBEC ELEMENTS  A BCBEC PUBLICATION

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