Tallest Passive House tower approved in Vancouver

May 3, 2022



Nelson tower

Montreal-based developer Brivia Group plans on building the world’s tallest Passive House building with the 60-storey residential tower named Curv near downtown Vancouver.
“Curv will be the most energy-efficient structure of its type ever built. The idea of a super-tall Passive House tower is especially fitting in a city with such high environmental aspirations. CURV will be an eco-friendly landmark, contributing to Vancouver’s iconic skyline,” said Kheng Ly, President and CEO of Brivia Group.
Passive House is the world’s highest standard for energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings worldwide. It matches Step 5, the highest energy requirement under the new B.C. Building Code.
Curv may also be the most expensive new condo structure ever built in Canada.
A year ago, Brivia bought the 0.38-acre lot on Nelson Street, and the city-approved plans for the Curv from Henson Developments which had paid $68 million for the land in 2016. It was highest price–$3,855 per square foot–ever paid in Vancouver for a residential site. Vincent Kou, chief investment and development officer with Brivia Group, would not say what his company paid, but he noted Vancouver real estate prices have increased over the past six years.
Kuo also noted Passive House requirements could add 16 per cent to 20 per cent to the final construction cost of the Curv tower, as compared to conventional construction. According to Altus Group, it now costs more than $600 per square foot to build a luxury 60-floor residential tower in Vancouver.
Kuo said construction on the Curv could start this fall, providing pre-sales of its 350 condos show an appetite for the tallest and perhaps most expensive Passive House homes in the world.
In 2021, Brivia Group’s YUL condominiums in downtown Montreal was awarded the prestigious Énergir prize at the 35th Domus Awards gala for its commitment to delivering comfortable and elegant design in energy efficient residences that meet the needs of the local market and residents.