New Vancouver Office Building is Canada's First to Feature All Smart Windows
A new state-of-the-art project in Vancouver, British Columbia, features Canada's first office building to use smart window technology throughout the structure.
The 102,000-square-foot building, built by Vancouver-based BlueSky Properties, uses View Dynamic Glass windows from View Inc., a Milpitas, Calif.-based company. The innovative product controls heat and glare, and reduces energy consumption and costs, while improving the health and wellness of individuals working in the space.
The Silicon Valley company developed the smart window technology to optimize the amount of natural light coming into a building without the need for shades or blinds. The windows control the light by automatically tinting sunlight to block glare, resulting in energy savings of up to 20%, claims the company.
“Our smart windows come packed with intelligence to make sure occupants are comfortable and enjoying the views," says Guthrie Cox, president of View's Canadian operation. “Windows have escaped innovation for a long time, but we have reinvented an intelligent system that adds value and a unique amenity to buildings."
The new office building was consciously designed to help promote the health and wellness of its occupants. Design for the project at 988 West Broadway in Vancouver was handled by local firm Chris Dikeakos Architects.
“Through the use of innovative technology, we've been able to design a building that puts tenant well-being at the forefront," says Dale Bosa, CEO of BlueSky Properties. “The environment creates a space where people can work better and be healthier, which ultimately leads to improved happiness, performance, and productivity."
In fact, according to a recent survey by Future Workplace, called the “The Employee Experience", natural light is the number one perk desired by office workers. The survey found that 78% of employees believe access to natural light improves their well-being, and 70% reported improved work performance. Recent research has also revealed that workers in daylight office environments report a 51% reduction in eyestrain, a 63% drop in headaches, and a 56% reduction in drowsiness.
Blending in. The new building includes retail on the ground floor and nine floors of office space. The surrounding neighborhood includes restaurants, banks, cafes, hotels, and shops.
Smart windows in action. View Dynamic Glass can block more than 90% of solar radiation, and helps to reduce overall HVAC energy consumption and costs.
In the LEED: The property is a LEED Gold-certified development. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Projects pursuing LEED certification earn points based on criteria such as location and transportation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. Based on the number of points achieved, a project is designated as Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
The iA Financial Building. The anchor tenant in Vancouver's new energy-efficient edifice is iA Financial Group, which was also a partner in the development project. The firm, one of the largest insurance and wealth management companies in Canada, occupies most of the 10-story building, covering 93,700-square-feet of office space on nine floors. The new office building rises above the intersection of West Broadway and Oak Street in Vancouver.
Thinking ahead. The building will have a direct connection to a future rapid transit line, with a SkyTrain station in the base of the building.
Finishing touches. The base building interior design was handled by BYU Design, and tenant interiors were completed by Square One Interior Design, both local firms.
Employees matter. “This new building reinforces our commitment and presence in Western Canada, and we wanted to create an environment that will make our staff love coming to work," says Alnoor Jiwani, senior vice president at iA Financial Group.
And parking, too. The building has its own underground parking garage, and also has space for secure bicycle storage.
