1 Jun 2026
,Germany
Vancouver’s Freedom Mobile Arch, known for its world’s largest freestanding timber roof, is nearing a major milestone. In August, Wood Central reported that the final beam had been installed.
“The roof structure was an extremely challenging one, and we are pleased that our general contractor, EllisDon, reached this significant milestone on time,” said Ming Tian, vice president of facilities and master planning for the PNE.
The roof is comprised of 60 glued timber arches arranged in six segments in the shape of barrel vaults. Some of the arches reach 25 meters, forming a 105-meter “star roof.” The support points are located in only three places, providing wide, unobstructed views that blend harmoniously with the surrounding park.
Each of the 27 roof segments spans up to 20 meters and weighs 16,000 kg. The project used over 800 tons of structural steel and 900 tons of glued and cross-laminated timber, selected for their strength, acoustic properties, weather resistance and fire safety.
Venelin Kokalov, Principal Designer at Revery Architecture, highlighted the innovative nature of the design:
"The roof reinterprets the traditional mid-century concrete shell with a solid wood structure".
The architectural team for the project included Revery Architecture, Fast + Epp and PFS Studio.
The cost of the Freedom Mobile Arch has increased to C$184 million, a C$46.2 million increase over the original estimate. Over the years of construction, the budget has grown: from CAD 64.8 million before the pandemic, to CAD 82.6 million in 2023, CAD 137.8 million in 2024, and finally to CAD 184 million today.
The city council approved the budget during a private meeting in May 2025. Officials explained:
«The main factors influencing the final budget were market-based increases in the cost of materials and labor, challenging soil and ground conditions, global construction cost pressures, upgrades to major utilities, and general site improvements».
The city added that the budget is based on finalized bid prices based on final drawings, and the target completion date — spring 2026, taking into account revenues from PNE events and the upcoming FIFA Fan Festival.
The arch was conceived by the PNE before the pandemic and identified as a key element of the city’s Hastings Park/PNE Master Plan in 2010. Preliminary planning began in 2018, and Vancouver City Council approved the concept and preliminary cost in 2021.
Construction is on schedule. City officials said:
«Construction crews are on track to complete the building envelope by January, with structural steel and seating installed in February, before final fit-out and opening in May — weeks before the FIFA Fan Festival venue opens in mid-June.
When completed, the Freedom Mobile Arch will be a landmark architectural landmark in Vancouver, combining cutting-edge timber design with a multi-purpose venue for entertainment and community events.
