Peter Busby, the architect best known for a long and storied career of sustainable design [and] developer Bruce Langereis … discuss their vision to build the world’s largest wood tower. They propose a 35- or 40-storey, mixed-use tower that would be a major feat – and not just a feat of wood technology, or convincing consumers to move beyond their appetite for concrete construction. If it passes the lengthy rezoning process, it would dwarf the neighbouring buildings of Burrard Slopes, between Kitsilano to the west and South Granville to the east. Mr. Langereis is usually excited about his projects, but this collaboration with Mr. Busby to build the world’s tallest wood tower and North America’s greenest has him talking about revolutionizing his own industry, which has been complicit in contributing to climate change. Mr. Busby is managing director at Perkins + Will …They plan… a rigorously high passive house envelope of about a foot-thick to reduce energy consumption. The building will mostly be made out of cross-laminated timbers (CLT) and dowel laminated timbers (DLT), manufactured in B.C. and culled from damaged trees. …Their building would be a testament to the potential of wood construction, which fits nicely with Premier John Horgan’s recent announcement to support the emerging engineered wood industry. …There is a belief that concrete construction is superior, which is still a public relations battle for wood construction. “It’s a risk I am prepared to take,” says Mr. Langereis. [A digital subscription to the Globe and Mail is required to access this full story]