Balance Design
Exchange Hotel + Hydra Estiatorio
LEED Platinum Heritage Conversion
The Exchange Hotel is Vancouver's first LEED Platinum Heritage conversion. Originally the location of the Vancouver Stock Exchange, this boutique urban hospitality which occupies 11 floors of the newly constructed 31 storey EXchange Tower is located within a dense downtown waterfront context, designed to merge business travel convenience with an elevated guest experience.
The hotel’s design language contrasts with the imposing Exchange Tower above, creating a layered visual dialogue between old and new. Custom murals on each floor give every room its own distinct personality, while brushed brass detailing enhances the warmth of the rich, pecan-toned casegoods. Marble detailing in the bathrooms, paired with bold black and brass accents, introduces a refined balance that blends modern sensibility with a subtle traditional elegance.
A restrained color palette of slate greys, deep blues, and warm neutrals reinforces a professional yet welcoming atmosphere. The overall experience is designed to feel streamlined and intentional, supporting both short-stay and extended urban guests.
Exchange Hotel Vancouver was conceptualized as part of an exploration into how urban hospitality brands can be repositioned for modern traveller expectations.
The project grew from analyzing downtown Vancouver’s evolving identity as both a business hub and cultural destination. The intent was to bridge these two audiences within a unified hospitality experience.
This concept is defined by its dual-focus approach, balancing efficiency-driven hospitality with expressive design moments. It moves beyond purely functional hotel branding by introducing layered identity systems that adapt to different guest needs throughout their stay.
This creates a more flexible and contemporary urban experience.
Final Presentation & Execution
The new EXchange building is Vancouver’s first LEED Platinum heritage conversion project, accompanied by highly efficient hydronic heating and cooling, integrated geo-EXchange thermal regulators, solar thermal panels, triple-glazed curtain wall envelope and solar shade louvres.
Material & Finishing Curation
Materials are selected to reflect an urban modern aesthetic within a 1929 facade. Layering visual textures and colours, using traditional brass fixtures + white marble detail, all withing a herringbone flooring pattern balance the modern with the heritage aspects.
Prototyping & Measurement
Spatial organization after a complete gutting of the heritage building allows a blank slate for guest room layouts. The guest experience is at the forefront; from micro rooms to spacious suites, the design flow is refined through planning studies that prioritize efficiency, accessibility, and intuitive movement.
Concept Development
Identity concepts are developed through structured visual systems, focusing on the history of the Exchange building. The juxtaposition of the heritage building from which a modern glass tower arises, is true inpiration for the ZGF Arch + Design Teams. The goal: clarity, modernity, and functional elegance within an urban hospitality context.
Documentation & Discovery
We begin by analysing Vancouver’s urban hospitality market, identifying guest expectations, competitive positioning, and spatial constraints + accessibility within a downtown environment.
Project Workflow
Project Showcase
1.
The EXchange Hotel's unique style can be found in each of its 202 rooms. Each room offers an iconic composition of colors, textures and a rare collection of art and culture. With custom-made oak veneer furniture, smoked glass, backlit mirrors and unique headboard murals, the rooms are complemented by marble bathrooms, inlaid marble mosaic floor tile, heated floors and oversized walk in showers.
2.
Named after the picturesque Greek island of Hydra in the Aegean Sea, Hydra Estiatorio is a modern Mediterranean grill and wine bar showcasing Vancouver’s freshest locally sourced seafood. The interior features vaulted ceilings, nautical-inspired chandeliers, and rich dark wood finishes, creating old-world charm within a contemporary setting. Beloved by both hotel guests and locals alike, it has become a true Vancouver favourite.