Goodacre Place
Additional Info
Award Winner : Nomodic Modular Structures Inc.
Architectural Excellence : Built for BC Housing to help alleviate the growing issue of homelessness throughout British Columbia, this three-storey, 14,580 sq.ft. supportive housing complex features 24 suites and main floor amenity space with a commercial kitchen, communal laundry area, and common dining lounge space. Each suite contains a bathroom, kitchenette, and living/sleeping space. Of the 24 suites, two are wheelchair-accessible and two are family suites, which each sleep 3 family members. The design and layout were thoughtfully designed with amenity and support service spaces that maximize efficiency for users and staff. The interior finishes are bright, neutral, and durable. The Alpine-themed exterior, featuring peaked roofs with dormers, Hardie plank, and stone veneer siding, compliments the community aesthetic and integrates well into the neighbourhood while avoiding an institutional appearance. The building recently received an ‘Excellence in Residential Development’ award from the Town of Smithers.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Given the tight project budget, it was important to save project costs while maximizing quality. Nomodic worked with the client to source the most appropriate fabrication partner who could match the project’s budget, schedule, material, and availability requirements. Due to lack of local fabrication capacity, this required the use of a fabricator outside BC. The offsite construction process provided a controlled environment that allowed material tracking waste reduction. Standardized suite plans increased cost savings and factory productivity. The modules were placed on a grade beam foundation with teleposts at the matelines for reduced materials/cost. This also resulted in larger spans in the crawlspace for utilities distribution. The building was craned into place in 3.5 days, minimizing labour needs/costs at site. Despite a small number of change orders, the project was completed with a modest 0.5% cost escalation, providing cost certainty to the client.
Design Firm Name : Douglas Sollows Architect
Engineering Firm Name : TWS Engineering Ltd.
Green Building Description : Goodacre Place meets Part 3, Step 3 of the B.C. Energy Code, which surpasses the current requirement in British Columbia. Exceeding current requirements is helping to meet B.C.’s climate change goals through the design and construction of more energy efficient buildings. The building falls under maximum thermal energy demands and meets stringent air tightness requirements in each module; these were tested both during manufacturing and again once the building was buttoned up and complexed. Additional ‘green’ features include an energy recovery ventilator in the HVAC system which enhances indoor air quality and lowers the operating costs, LED lights, high efficiency appliances and plumbing fixtures, and abuse-resistant flooring, furniture, walls, and other fixtures.
Installer Firm Name : Nomodic
Occupied Date : 3/6/2019
Owner Firm Name : BC Housing
Production Start Date : 7/15/2018
Project Location City : Smithers
Project Location State Name : British Columbia
Technical Innovation : Goodacre Place was built in accordance with B.C.’s Energy Step Code requirements, achieving specific energy targets set by BC Housing. This included meeting envelope and interior partition air leakage requirements, and exceeding typical building code with energy efficient building features and appliances. The building includes an innovative, addressable 2-stage fire alarm system, access control system, and surveillance/security system. Installation was completed on site. The site was on a slough with a high-water table. The construction team utilized a dewatering system to pull water from the slough and then compacted the ground to allow construction of the foundation. Pre-built modules were shipped to the semi-remote area, saving the community and environment a drawn-out construction process. Despite the small footprint and surrounding obstacles including power lines, craning of the building went smoothly and was completed within 3.5 days, minimizing community disturbance.
Total Square Feet : 14580