A new development in Vancouver is getting a city first: a shared swimming pool with a glass bottom. Underneath the glass floor panes of the pool is a drop of 200 feet.
The architects of Concord Pacific’s upcoming building — called the ARC after its distinctive shape — are sacrificing residential space for iconic impact. It is estimated that the space unused inside the building’s “arc” would be worth millions if developed into dwellings, but in order to create a distinctive impression the company is forgoing the revenue.
“What we realized is that there’s an opportunity here where if we actually have these two towers that are in fact connected at a higher level, we could put the amenity up there and all the residents from their homes could go up and enjoy the views and outlets from this higher level amenity,” said Concord Pacific Senior Vice President Peter Webb.
In order to manage the “arc” structure, the building will include giant steel and concrete beams that will be made at the building site. Glotman Simpson Engineers will undertake the engineering work for these elements as well as the 60 foot horizontal span that will sustain the pool area.
“In this particular case we really challenged our office and went back and forth with Walter and with Peter to try and create a space that gave them what they wanted, which was this really cool clear span space that’s high, that has the ability to put a pool in it, between the beams,” said Principal at Glotman Simpson Geoffrey Glotman. “And to do that overall was a really interesting, exciting opportunity for us.”
By Andy Stern
Images: Concord Pacific
