Prototype (M5)

A net-zero prototype finds design inspiration in the nature and traditional arts of British Columbia. Prototype (M5) is a Tall Wood Net Zero Lifecycle Carbon affordable rental tower located in Vancouver. Its intention is to be a replicable, open-source prototype and hybrid mass timber case study to help British Columbia achieve a significant reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions, while addressing Vancouver’s affordable housing crisis. A primary objective of Prototype (M5) is to find the most effective way of reducing operational and embodied carbon, and to offset residual carbon with credits through an upgraded on-site district energy plant, ensuring the investment has the greatest impact on carbon reductions. Energy modelling has shown that the project can improve standard sustainability targets significantly, exceeding the requirements of the City’s Zero Emissions Building (ZEB) Plan with a 60% reduction over ZEB compliance, and an over 90% reduction compared to conventional gas heated buildings. Put another way, Prototype (M5) will have almost the same net environmental impact as though it was never built. This new tower will be one of the world’s tallest mass timber buildings and uses an innovative, cost-effective hybrid approach to construction combining CLT floors (cross-laminated timber), steel columns and a low-carbon concrete core. Sustainability is further promoted with a zero-parking strategy, and enhanced bike facilities will support an active bike culture, celebrated throughout the building interiors. By replacing a surface parking lot, Prototype (M5) enhances the area plan which aspires to create a vibrant neighborhood, safe and active at all hours of the day. This project also fits into a larger comprehensive public realm strategy structured around a framework of active ground floor uses and activated laneways, inviting civic spaces and carefully curated public realm programming to encourage participation and collaboration. The project’s provision of purpose-built rental housing further strengthens the community, helping to address housing challenges in Vancouver, with one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the country – averaging 1%. The architecture and tectonics of M5 Prototype find inspiration in traditional weaving techniques and in the sculptural form of pine cones found in BC’s forests. The art of weaving cedar fiber baskets provides an almost water-tight membrane, producing a product that is beautiful and practical. Likewise, the scales of a pine cone inspired the exterior wall assembly panels, designed to protect the interior from rain and cold, and provide solar shading. A series of interlocking panels are “woven” together to create a seamless composition of solid and void that articulate the high-performance envelope. Wherever feasible, mass timber is left exposed as an architectural expression of warmth, texture, and tactility. Prototype received an endorsement from BC’s provincial government in the form of a construction grant. Not only will the project contribute significantly to zero carbon efforts, it also showcases the cost effectiveness, reduced construction elements, and faster construction of mass timber developments compared to conventional methods. Drawing inspiration from art and nature, Prototype (M5) takes us a significant step forward towards communities that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.