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The concept emerged from the site’s industrial heritage and a pressing need for dignified, affordable housing in Vancouver. The project comprises a 26-storey tower and a zig-zagging 6-storey low-rise, forming a unified response to its context. Drawing from the area’s sawmill legacy, the design uses solid massing and maroon corrugated metal cladding to reflect its history while challenging the dominance of glass towers in the city. The architectural language was shaped to foster community and identity.
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Located at a key entrance to the River District, the tower acts as a civic marker, anchoring the site within the urban fabric. The low-rise’s zig-zag form creates visual rhythm and pedestrian-scale interaction along the street. A shared courtyard invites daylight, encourages gathering, and defines a central public space. The massing strategy preserves solar access and openness while forming a permeable block that enhances walkability and connection to the surrounding area.
Sustainability is integral to the design. Passive strategies—careful orientation, a high R-value envelope, low window-to-wall ratio, and minimal thermal bridging—enhance performance. Durable materials like metal cladding reduce maintenance and extend lifespan. The project meets Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code and achieves the performance limits of Vancouver’s Near Zero Emissions Green Buildings policy for rezonings.
3338 Sawmill Crescent is a 337-unit affordable housing development composed of a 26-storey tower and a zig-zagging 6-storey low-rise. Located on a former industrial site in Vancouver’s River District, it offers a bold, place-specific response to the need for dignified, energy-efficient housing. Drawing inspiration from the area’s sawmill legacy, the design uses maroon corrugated metal cladding, solid massing, and framed balconies to create a highly sculpted, expressive form that contrasts Vancouver’s dominant glass tower typology. The tower anchors the district’s north entry, while the mid-rise animates the pedestrian realm. Together, they define a porous block with a shared central courtyard that invites light and fosters social connection. Delivered through a public–non-profit partnership, the project includes both co-op and below-market rental units, unified through a cohesive architectural language. Durable materials, passive strategies, and careful orientation support energy performance, achieving Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code and meeting Vancouver’s Near Zero Emissions Green Buildings requirements.
A remarkable example of how strategic partnerships can have a substantial impact on housing affordability. The Community Land Trust Foundation of BC (CLT), in partnership with TL Housing Solutions, was awarded the City of Vancouver owned site through a competitive proposal call administered through the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency (VAHA). 337 units will be delivered to CLT and its not-for-profit operating partners.
GBL Architects is a Vancouver-based architectural firm specializing in mixed-use commercial, market, and non-market residential projects, along with multi-phased master-planned communities. Our approach emphasizes the enduring impact of design, blending sculptural artistry with social responsibility to create dynamic and surprising experiences. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, GBL Architects Inc. delivers leading-edge solutions that shape the built environment for the future.
