THE BUTTERFLY

THE BUTTERFLY is expected to start construction this December. The sculpted facade features high-performance curved double glazing with high-quality insulated precast white panels. The building includes "sky gardens" in open-air breezeways on each level, and tree planters on every third floor. Glass walls were used for the second bedrooms in the units and the washrooms. For the washrooms, the glass is back-painted for privacy; for the bedrooms, it’s transparent with curtains. There will be a 50-metre, Olympic-length pool, and the overall development project includes a building with 61 units of social housing to the west of the tower and seismic upgrades and restoration work to the church. The Courier spoke to Kokalov about the inspiration behind the tower's design. He noted it was influenced by Thom’s overall philosophy that no matter what you dream, don’t forget the fundamentals such as nature, light, natural ventilation and natural materials. He said Thom typically wasn’t as interested in residential projects — his firm was more focused on projects such as performing arts centres — but Thom was convinced by Westbank founder Ian Gillespie to sign on. “[Thom] told me Ian is like us. He understands architecture, he values architecture, he wants to improve the quality of life, he wants to improve the city of Vancouver. This stimulates us to go and do this building,” Kokalov said.