Location: Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB
Date: 2020-2023
Area: 550 sq. ft.
Collaborators: Opaskwayak Cree Nation Housing Department, Idle No More (Dr. Alex Wilson), David T Fortin Architect, Vereco Smart Green Homes, Voce Developments
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Intern Architect and Design Lead
The Opaskwayak Cree Nation Utility Core Project aims to develop a housing prototype that allows for the testing of the Universal Utility Core (UUC) design. These cores will be fastened to two housing shells in OCN in order to evaluate the potential of the cores and the suitability for use off-reserve, in rural, urban, and remote areas. The Universal Utility Cores are intended to allow remote and Northern First Nations to install the utilities in an isolated enclosed space separate from their main living areas. This improves access to systems that must be serviced by tradespeople and their ability to maintain these systems without relying on tenants for entry. The cores will contain all of the heating, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical utilities needed to support a dwelling unit up to 1000 sq. ft. These cores can be installed in detached, duplex, and multifamily housing projects. A comparative analysis of the cores and the units will be possible through two designs; the first reflects a Standard Home with economical mechanical equipment and construction assemblies. The second will be an energy-efficient High-Performance design that is highly insulated to reduce energy and operating costs for the First Nation. Both homes are constructed using Passive Design Strategies such as passive solar heat gain, daylighting and cross ventilation.
Our team collaborated with Vereco Smart Green homes, a Métis owned company that is a pioneer of energy efficient housing in Saskatchewan. They specialize in passive house, net zero and smart green homes. VOCE developments constructed the homes in Saskatoon, SK as RTM units and shipped them and installed the homes and cores on site in OCN. This project was truly a collaborative effort by all and a great success for the community. The project was funded through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative (IHII).
Photographs were generously provided by VOCE Developments.