Background
With a funding commitment to provide 600 units of temporary modular housing in Vancouver, the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency (VAHA) and the City of Vancouver continued to identify sites for safe, stable housing for homeless citizens, along with support services to assist them in transitioning to an independent lifestyle.
Challenge
As part of a larger building initiative, the desire was for the design of each new building to continually evolve, applying learnings from previous buildings and working to blend seamlessly with the surroundings to put to rest any myths about supporting housing and modular construction. As with other social and affordable housing projects in BC, time was of the essence to enable the new residents to move in as quickly as possible to get their “Fresh Start”.
At a Glance
Multi-point foundation system that is re-usable and reconfigurable for other locations in the future.
- 52 units, 25,139 square foot structure.
- Project timeframe: Less than 6 months.
- Units average 320 square feet, with slightly larger spaces for wheelchair accessible units.
- Self-contained bathroom and kitchen as well as private living space.
- Central amenity space features a commercial kitchen, communal area to encourage resident socializing along with common laundry and lounge.
- Unique “Butterfly” roof with extended overhands to add visual interest.
Related Projects
