Key to making the International Village a visual standout amongst other attractions in a busy area of Vancouver was the use of 35,000 square feet of Alucobond aluminum composite material wall panels from 3A Composites USA Inc. The fabrication of the panels to fit the inverted conical ellipse at the building’s main entrance was challenging with its 60-degree radius and outward taper as it rises. Also challenging was the installation of stainless-steel tubes through which fiber optic light would travel to glass lens caps. The tubes were installed at four-way joints of featured panels.
Originally published: August 2001
Architect: Kirkor Architects, Vancouver
Fabricator/installer: Keith Panel Systems, North Vancouver
General contractor: Bird Construction, Vancouver
Metal wall panels: 3A Composites USA Inc., Mooresville, N.C., www.alucobondusa.com
