From Vision to Reality: Crafting of Vancouver’s Shangri-La Hotel
If you’re well-traveled, you’re definitely familiar with the illustrious name Shangri-La. Established in 1971, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is a renowned multinational hotel chain, boasting a collection of over 100 luxury hotels and resorts spread across the world.
As Vancouver emerges as a premier travel destination, especially for affluent individuals, it was a natural choice for Shangri-La to have a presence right in the city’s vibrant downtown core. Here, standing as the tallest structure in the area, the Shangri-La Vancouver not only symbolizes urban luxury but also showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of East and West Aluminum Craft.
The Iconic Shangri-La Hotel
The Shangri-La Vancouver, soaring 200 meters above West Georgia Street, stands as the city’s tallest building and marks the first Canadian branch of the prestigious Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. Opened in 2009, this five-star hotel is a cornerstone of luxury in Vancouver, consistently ranking among the top three hotels in Canada. Its design, blending contemporary sophistication with Asian influences, provides a serene and elegant atmosphere with stunning views of the city, ocean, and mountains.
Strategically located in downtown Vancouver, the Shangri-La has transformed its neighborhood into a luxury hub, featuring high-end retail and the gourmet restaurant Miantiao by Kitchen Table Restaurants. The hotel also hosts the Vancouver Art Gallery – Offsite, an outdoor exhibition space that showcases rotating public art installations, enhancing its urban environment and cultural appeal.
Our Contribution to the Tallest Building in the City
East and West Aluminum Craft is proud to have played a key role in shaping this iconic structure. Working in close partnership with Westbank Projects, the Peterson Investment Group, and their architectural teams, we developed a tailored approach to completing this complex project.
Guardrails and Handrails: Our team was responsible for a critical component of the Shangri-La’s design—the creation and installation of aluminum guardrails and handrails throughout its impressive 57 floors. This included both the 119 hotel rooms and 307 residential units. Our goal was ensure the highest safety standards and enhance the living spaces with designs that reflect modern elegance and clean lines.
Innovative Wind Screens: Given the Shangri-La’s commanding height, one of our significant challenges was to address the impact of high winds on such a towering structure. We engineered high glass “wind screens” specifically designed to reduce wind disturbances at elevated levels, making sure that all residents and guests could enjoy their balconies and the stunning views without discomfort.
Upholding Luxurious Standards: Aligning with the Shangri-La’s reputation for unparalleled luxury, we held our work to the highest standards of quality. Each railing was crafted with premium materials and cutting-edge techniques to meet the complex demands of this mixed-use skyscraper. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that each installation is not only functional but also embodies the sophistication associated with the Shangri-La name.
We are proud to have helped create a landmark that enhances Vancouver’s downtown skyline. This project underscores our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver on projects where luxury and durability intersect seamlessly.
Partner with East and West, an Industry Leader
Next time you find yourself near Robson Street or exploring the heart of downtown Vancouver, take a moment to look up and admire the stunning Shangri-La, a wonderful example of the quality provided by East and West Aluminum Craft, the city’s premier railing company.
You can rely on our expertise and meticulous attention to every project. With over five decades of dedication to crafting precision-engineered aluminum railings, we embody timeless sophistication and unmatched quality. Each railing we create is not just a fixture but a testament to enduring design and custom engineering.
Ready to elevate your next architectural project? Partner with East & West Aluminum Craft. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and our ability to meet custom requirements ensure that every project we undertake is executed with precision and attention to details.
Let us help you bring your architectural visions to life with the same expertise and care that define Vancouver’s skyline.
