Pomaria
Location
1475 Howe St
Vancouver, BC
Canada
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Certifications & Awards
- LEED Canada for New Construction and Major Renovations 1 Silver
- Award 2007 UDI Award for Best High-rise Development
Project Team
- Owner: Qualex Landmark Group
- Architect: Rafii Architects
- Structural: Reed Jones Christofferson Ltd.
- Mechanical: Sterling Cooper and Associates
- Electrical: Nemetz and Associates
- Landscape Architect: Durante Kreuk Ltd.
- Contractor: Intertech Construction
- Green Building ConsultantreSource Rethinking Building Inc.:
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Summary
Key Sustainability Features
- 45% energy consumption below the MNECB
- 30% reduction in water use
- 25% reduction in stormwater run off
Completed in 2007, Pomaria is a 31-storey concrete residential building, with 104 residential condominium suites, 30 townhouses, and four live/work units. Pomaria is located at 1455 Howe Street in Vancouver. The project is pursuing LEED© Silver certification.
A geothermal ground-source heat pump system provides space heating and cooling and domestic hot water for the building. Terasen Gas facilitated the installation of the geothermal system through a “utility loan”, the capital for which is provided by the utility, while strata owners use their energy savings to make payments towards the loan. This creative financing model shifts the responsibility of the cost and operation to the individuals who are receiving the energy saving benefits. Other energy efficiency features of the development include Low-E windows, Energy Star appliances, and lighting sensors in the parkade.
Perhaps Pomaria’s most notable feature is the incorporation of two “sky gardens” into its design. Located on the 16th-18th floors and the 19th-21st floors, these gardens are three outdoor spaces that each span the height of three stories. In conjunction with the extensive rooftop gardens and green roofs, the sky gardens help to manage stormwater on site while introducing vegetation into the urban fabric.
The use of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes helps create a healthy indoor environment. Dual-flush toilets and low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption. The project reduced the energy associated with construction materials by specifying locally manufactured materials and materials with recycled content, such as high volume fly-ash concrete. The Pomaria project’s large size has increased market demand for green construction materials in Vancouver.
Pomaria’s marketing campaign celebrated the green attributes of the project, which helped to educate the market about green design. In addition, all residents of Pomaria receive a homeowner’s manual explaining how their fixtures and appliances work and how their actions can improve the overall environmental performance of the building.
Green technology: geothermal ground source heat pump, windows, appliances, lighting sensors
This post was imported and updated from the 'Greater Vancouver Green Guide', it's part of the 'Green Guide Portal' to the Green Building Brain.
