Sen̓áḵw: Squamish Nation's Indigenous-led mega development opens in Vancouver
The initial trio of towers at Sen̓áḵw, an urban project led by the Squamish Nation near Vancouver's Burrard Bridge, has been completed, offering 1,409 rental units, with more than 280 designated as affordable housing. Access will be granted in phases, starting with Squamish Nation members and Indigenous applicants, followed by the general public in early June. The design, crafted by Venelin Kokalov of Revery Architecture, encompasses ten residential towers, a 12-story mass timber office structure, and four commercial pavilions across a 10.5-acre area. With a goal of achieving net-zero operational carbon, the development emphasizes transit and cycling, allocating only 10% for parking. Ultimately, Sen̓áḵw aims to provide 6,000 rental homes and operates independently of Vancouver's rezoning regulations. Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, Chairperson of the Squamish Nation, highlighted the incorporation of Squamish culture.
Key facts
- First three towers of Sen̓áḵw completed with 1,409 rental units, over 280 affordable.
- Access phased: Squamish Nation members and Indigenous applicants first, general public in early June.
- Designed by Venelin Kokalov of Revery Architecture.
- Two typologies: Mountain Towers (crystalline, copper-fritted) and Long Towers (rectilinear, inspired by longhouses).
- Targets net-zero operational carbon via district energy plant using wastewater energy recovery.
- Parking for only 10% of units; site organized around transit, cycling, and pedestrian movement.
- Burrard Bridge covers 15% of site; areas beneath used for recreation and cultural programming.
- Full build-out: 6,000 rental homes, commercial, office, retail, community uses on 10.5 acres.
- Operates outside Vancouver's municipal rezoning framework due to Squamish Nation land.
- Squamish Nation Chairperson Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams emphasized culture embedded in design.
Entities
Artists
- Venelin Kokalov
- Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams
- Rebecca Keillor
Institutions
- Squamish Nation
- Revery Architecture
- Postmedia Network
- The Globe and Mail
- National Post
- House & Home
Locations
- Vancouver
- Canada
- Burrard Bridge
- Twin Sisters mountains