The intent of Oliva was to create a recognized green building that provides quality housing in close proximity to amenities and services. The design helps to reclaim the town core for pedestrians.
Environmental considerations during the construction process included the recycling of 95% of demolition materials and the reuse of glulam beams from the pre-existing mall structure. A local farm provided the slate used in the landscape features. A stormwater management system was also put into place during construction to decrease runoff from the site. By placing 80% of Oliva’s parking underground, the development avoided excess impervious surface areas.
Green building techniques used in the Oliva development include the solar domestic water heating combined with high-efficiency boilers. Rapidly renewable resources were used as building materials where possible, such as bamboo for flooring. A carpooling co-op was established to reduce the number of cars on site and encourage a cooperative environment.
Several sustainable design techniques were employed to decrease irrigation demands, including the use of native, drought-tolerant vegetation within the plaza and placing an underground water cistern below the site. The cistern collects and filters rainwater from the site for irrigation purposes.
Tours: Not available
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.
