Chilliwack Transitional Housing
Additional Info
Award Winner : Metric Modular
Architectural Excellence : The three-storey permanent modular apartment building features 46 self-contained units, including six units designed for people with disabilities. Each self-contained unit is approximately 350 sq. ft. and includes bedroom/living space with private washroom and kitchenette. The ground floor includes a commercial-grade kitchen, common dining area, laundry facilities, and support service rooms. The rooms were designed in a double-loaded corridor to maximize the space and obtain the greatest number of units possible within the footprint. The building was completed using 33 modules with the largest being 12’x60’ modules - the modules were built using BC wood; and were designed to meet the latest BC Energy Step Code - Step 3. This is the Province of BC’s new construction standard implemented last year to ensure a pathway to Net Zero ready buildings by 2032.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Building the main components in the factory while foundation and site work was being done simultaneously allowed the project to be completed much faster than conventional construction. Additionally, building the majority of the components offsite reduced the need for trades creating the following efficiencies for the project, for example, all areas, including main floor common areas and all stainless steel work in the commercial kitchen, were modularized to minimize site works. Utilizing a factory installed exterior cladding system, required minor site finishing and accelerated the overall finishing schedule. Services such as sprinkler systems and plumbing were pre-installed, as well as all fixtures, electrical and most of the flooring. All furnishings and finishes were completed and installed in the factory prior to delivery to site, meaning the units contained cabinetry, fixtures and even beds and furniture reducing the potential for move-in damage.
Design Firm Name : Mobius Architecture Inc.
Engineering Firm Name : Canstruct Engineering (Structural)
Green Building Description : The building was designed to meet BC Energy Step Code - Step 3. It required energy modeling up front in the design process and required blower door air tightness testing at completion. This building achieved an airtightness reading of 0.52 L/M*S2 while the target for Step 3 was 2.0 L/M*S2. This project achieved a reading lower than the International Passive House requirement – currently the highest energy efficiency standard in the world. In addition, by focusing on the Thermal Energy Demand Indices (TEDI) and Thermal Energy Use Indices (TEUI) during energy modeling, we were able to balance the specifications with the required energy targets and still maintain the overall construction budget. Meeting the Step Code airtightness targets was much easier to achieve by building the modules inside a controlled manufacturing facility, which protected the materials from wind, rain, and other elements on site.
Occupied Date : 4/1/2019
Owner Firm Name : BC Housing
Production Start Date : 9/4/2018
Project Location City : Chilliwack
Project Location State Name : BC
Technical Innovation : Sustainability was a very important aspect in the building of this facility as it was modelled and built to use 40 percent less energy than is currently mandated by building code. The building was designed to meet BC Energy Step Code - Step 3. In order to achieve this level of efficiency, particular attention went into the design of the building envelope and air barrier, had exterior insulation, included triple glazed windows and the use of a highly efficient ERV mechanical systems for the individual rooms. The result is a significant reduction in the operational expenses to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature with good air quality, which further helps the health and recovery process of its at-risk tenants. Additionally, the building was constructed using wood frame modules which offered a more cost efficient way to build, and resulted in a lower carbon footprint than other materials.
Total Square Feet : 23321
Category : Green Building