Vancouver, WA LRS Architects has completed its design work for a new apartment complex as a part of the revitalized Vancouver Waterfront, The Columbia. The seven-story, 300,000 s/f complex is a 248-unit U-shaped building with unobstructed views of the Columbia River and access to a variety of amenities.
The Columbia is positioned at the nexus of downtown Vancouver and its waterfront along the Columbia River. The location makes for easy commutes to downtown Portland and Vancouver. The Columbia also features straightforward access to Interstate-5, Highway-14, and Interstate-84.
"The Columbia is a beautifully engineered building with stunning architectural elements that all residents can enjoy," said Greg Mitchell, principal at LRS Architects. "The design goal was to incorporate as many waterfront views as possible while emphasizing a modernist architectural style that fits the Pacific Northwest aesthetic and uses the highest quality of interior and exterior materials."
The project's uniqueness does not solely lie in its features but also in the challenges it posed for LRS and structural engineering firm Kramer Gehlen & Associates. The property had to be built with hydrostatic pressure in mind due to the high water table, which provides distinct engineering challenges. The team carefully planned and executed on this engineering feat to ensure The Columbia's foundation would not be affected by hydrostatic pressure.
"One of the most challenging aspects of this project dealt with hydrostatic pressure," said Eeshoo Rehani, senior designer at LRS Architects. "It was crucial we built The Columbia to negate this effect. We had to schedule various parts of construction around the Columbia River's surface elevation to ensure the complex's foundation was sound and secure."
Sign up is quick, easy, & FREE.
