The challenge
The site’s proximity to Vancouver International Airport imposed height restrictions on one of the last waterfront developments in Greater Vancouver.
The solution
The landmark development offers housing, retail space, and pedestrian-friendly routes for one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing cities.
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The impact
River Green Village is a connected, livable 27-acre master-planned community that amplifies Richmond’s waterfront.
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900
new residential units
5
new public access points to the waterfront along the Fraser River
The challenge
Arcadis was challenged with bringing a new aesthetic to waterfront living in Richmond. Located on the banks of the Fraser River, the site became popular in 2010 when it became the home of the Olympic Oval during the Vancouver Olympics. Quickly developing into a hub for Richmond residents and surrounding cities, ASPAC Developments was looking to design a fully integrated community with residences, parks, water gardens, and amenities by the riverside to be enjoyed by all.
When designing a new aesthetic, the Arcadis team had to account for regulatory height requirements to accommodate flight paths due to the site’s proximity to the Vancouver International Airport.
The solution
River Green Village is a three-phase development that uniquely and adequately responds to the client’s needs and meets regulatory height requirements. Arcadis, previously Arcadis IBI Group, completed work as the master planner, design architect and interior designer on Parcel 9, the architect of record on Parcel 12, and the design architect on Parcel 17.
Parcel 9 is a two-tower development with 171 residential units fronting the river, adjacent to the City of Richmond’s new Middle Arm Park. The height restrictions encouraged the team to seek creative solutions. Stepped building forms were designed to address the glide slope requirements. This solution proved effective, creating larger terraces with a highly glazed façade to blend indoor with outdoor space, giving residents unobstructed riverfront views to the north and west.
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Parcel 12 hosts the retail component of River Green Village and is more urban in character. Like Parcel 9, it contains several at-grade townhouses fronting walkable streets in combination with a two-tower stepping form of development containing a total of 270 residential units. Parcel 17 consists of three towers and contains a total of 459 units.
An important part of defining the riverfront is the integration of engaging outdoor spaces. The master plan includes an enhanced waterfront park experience for the public which includes a boardwalk that was built for the public trail that runs along the site. The upgrades also include updates to the dike system to protect the community from future flooding.
The impact
River Green has become a connected, livable community with access to public transit, additional outdoor public spaces, childcare services, and a heritage forest that supports Richmond’s history and connection to the environment. Walkways provide access to the riverfront Middle Arm Trail, allowing residents and community members alike the opportunity to enjoy the dike path trail that spans 5.9 miles.
The new community, located only 22 minutes from Vancouver, Canada’s third largest city, reimagines Richmond’s waterfront and is a new urban center making it a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
