Universal Utility Core Housing Prototypes
Location: Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB
Collaborators: Idle No More (Dr. Alex Wilson), Decentralized Design Lab (Jacob Mans), SOLO Architecture (Jason Surkan), VOCE Developments, Vereco Smart Green Homes
Date: 2020-2021
Role: Design Architect, Architect of Record
Area: 550 sq ft
The Opaskwayak Cree Nation Utility Core Project aims to develop a housing prototype that allows for the testing of the Universal Utility Core 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 feedback and 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 will reflect a Standard Home with economical mechanical equipment. The second will be an energy-efficient High-Performance design that is highly insulated (R41 Walls, R44 Floors, and R60 Roof) to reduce energy and operating costs for the First Nation.
Image of High Performance Energy Performance House courtesy of Voce Developments
Image courtesy of Voce Developments
Image of Standard Energy Performance House courtesy of Voce Developments
Image of High Performance Energy Performance House courtesy of Voce Developments
Initial Rendering of Interior