Cardero

Henriquez Partners Architects

Short description

Adjacent to Vancouver’s spectacular Coal Harbour waterfront, Cardero is a modern obelisk marking the entrance to downtown while acknowledging its spectacular location and unique setting at the intersection of two city grids.

The architectural sunshades on the south and west facades are an iconic feature, lending practicality and a unique identity. These origami-like screens were inspired by the nautical surroundings – seagulls and seaplanes of Coal Harbour – and hang-gliders alighting from nearby Grouse Mountain. Constructed of plate steel, the sculptural sunshades provide privacy and shading while reducing solar heat gain – a form of public art offering passive sustainability.

The striking geometry acknowledges the building’s location at a pivot point between two city grids, relating in one direction to the old grid then rotating and taking form in another geometry to address the downtown grid. At West Georgia Street, Cardero comprises a slender 26-storey tower, relating to the scale of surrounding hi-rises, then along West Pender Street it drops to 21 storeys, receding to complement neighbouring residential towers. This unique dual form also reduces the overall perceived mass.

Cardero includes 118 residential housing units, 60% suitable for families with children, addressing Vancouver’s goal of increasing family housing. The units were designed to frame spectacular views, and provide creative solutions to optimize livability, including kitchen elements like concealed range hoods that contribute to clutter-free spaces.

The residential units sit atop a four-storey podium with at-grade retail and 45,000 ft2 of co-working office space above. On-site amenities include multi-purpose spaces, a common roof deck and urban agricultural plots.

Supplementing the solar shades, Cardero incorporates additional sustainability features to achieve LEED Gold certification including stormwater management, high performance double-glazed curtain window wall, operable windows, concrete with recycled content and personalized thermal control. The design also allows for connection to a future neighbourhood district energy system.