Project Details
Type: 24-Unit Multifamily Housing Complex
Client: BC Housing
Date of Completion: February 2019
Location: Smithers, B.C.
Project Category: Affordable Housing, Multifamily
Scope and Challenges:
In October of 2017, BC Housing launched a Rapid Response to Homelessness initiative to alleviate the growing issue of homelessness throughout communities in British Columbia. Nomodic was named one of BC Housing’s 10 pre-qualified suppliers of design-build services for their initiative (one of only three suppliers outside British Columbia).
They required a quick turnaround and have invested $291 million over two years to build 2,000 modular supportive housing units. The site for the housing units is right beside town, so safety, noise, and general construction disturbances are a primary concern. Initially, the site required environmental remediation (lead and other contaminants were found in the soil), so it was crucial to minimize construction time and maximize efficiency to ensure a quick turnaround.
Solution:
The Smithers project was built quickly between August 1st 2018 and February 9th 2019, with minimal impact on the environment and disturbance to the community. The site was on a slough with a high-water table. Our dewatering system pulled water from the slough and then compacted the ground to allow us to construct the foundation.
Pre-built modules were manufactured offsite and shipped to the semi-remote area, saving the community and the environment a long, drawn-out conventional construction process. Craning the building into place was completed within 3.5 days. We diligently followed a colour theme and aesthetic that honoured local development.
In the end, we were able to provide a comfortable place to live with numerous resources for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it. The building will offer cold breakfasts and hot dinners to its tenants daily, and building staff will help to connect tenants with programs they may find useful, such as employment or mental health services.