Architecture studio Revery Architecture has completed a striking skyscraper with white, cylindrical facades that seamlessly integrate with an early 20th Century church in Vancouver. Developed by Westbank, the Butterfly rises to a height of 178.6 m, making it the third tallest structure in the coastal Canadian city.
The tower’s design consists of interconnected cylindrical forms, clad in glass and white pre-fabricated concrete panels. These forms frame balconies along the perimeter and create a breezeway in the recesses between the cylinders. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding urban environment, the design aims to create a distinctive landmark for Vancouver.
At the base of the tower, tall chamfered glass walls are inspired by the pipe organ structure of the adjacent First Baptist Church. The church is directly connected to the building’s lobby through a floor-to-ceiling glass structure on the ground level, known as the Galleria, which also serves as an event space for concerts.
The tower’s podium connects the Galleria and lobby, wrapping around the base of the structure. It houses amenities and is topped by a lap pool encased in a ribbed structure that echoes the design of the facade.
On each of the 57 stories, open-air breezeways connect the apartments to the sheltered central elevator core. These breezeways feature sculptural plant holders containing trees, which will grow over time to create a lush green effect on the facade.
The rooftop is designed to house skygardens, featuring large glass walls that are built into the crown of the building. The Butterfly’s suites, also designed by Revery Architecture, boast luxury interiors, including porcelain flooring and other high-end details.
