PROJECT PROFILE inclusive, resilient communities. Ryder has shown that archi- tecture can advance not only sustainability and affordability but also joy, beauty and a renewed sense of belonging.” ENERGY MATTERS According to Ryder, the housing development’s envelope-first philosophy achieved a 56-per-cent reduction in energy use and carbon emissions (compared to 2025 National Energy Code for Buildings Canada 2015 standards), with a heating demand of 12 kWh/m² per year. Additional features include: • A low, 20-per-cent window-to-wall ratio tuned for daylight and thermal balance; • An airtight envelope with thermally broken balconies and fixed sun-shades that act as passive cooling devices; • Triple-glazed windows; • Ductless heat recovery ventilation; and • Rooftop domestic heat pumps for hot water. Together, these all-electric strategies demonstrate how to deliver affordable, climate-resilient housing at market-stan- dard cost and on a compressed schedule. RYDER CULTURE Ryder is part of a larger group of architectural teams located worldwide, but mainly in the U.K. James says, “At Ryder it’s a team culture. This latest experience was a clear demonstra- tion of how the best architectural projects are often created by small, agile teams passionate about great architecture. We tend to work in a ‘teams’ model that allows us to keep the groups manageable, but with individuals connecting and collabo- rating when needed.” The passive approach to architecture has its origins in 1990s Germany, which drew inspiration from the 1970s era energy efficiency work in Canada, which was later refined and devel- oped with further European research into low-energy building performance. The concept was developed to address why low-energy building performance often did not achieve the anticipated energy savings. James adds, “From this emerged an approach and method- ology now known as passive architecture, focused on elements like continuous airtight envelopes, high-performance windows and heat recovery and ventilation systems. Energy modelling is therefore integral to the design process, and it’s something we undertake in house as part of our team approach.” “The building site itself was interesting. It sits over China Creek, which influenced the size and scale due to the build- ings natural gap. That's why there are two buildings. China Creek is one of the hidden streams in Vancouver and flows beneath some of these sites with very old brick culverts. We knew we couldn't build on top of it as it forms part of the city’s sanitary system. This helped define key parameters from the outset, along with the need to build taller in the Grandview Woodlands area, while retaining as many mature trees on site as was possible. “We're not trying to be showy with our architecture or too extravagant. The design of the Timbre and Harmony housing development is very restrained. That fits the Passive House approach as well – the essential criteria are to be as efficient as possible.” James concludes, "This project is about more than just adding homes; it's about reimagining the DNA of Vancouver's apart- ment housing so that seniors and vulnerable residents live in places of dignity, comfort and connection – homes that are both timeless and forward-looking." PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIEN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY THE LEADER IN WINDOW WALLS AND DOORS FOR CONDOS, OFFICES AND HOTELS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA. CURTAIN WALL. WINDOW WALL. RAILINGS. (866) 320 – 7307 TOROGROUPOFCOMPANIES.COM 12 BCBEC ELEMENTS A BCBEC PUBLICATION
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