Sonder House
Additional Info
Award Winner : Nomodic Modular Structures Inc.
Architectural Excellence : This 27, 320 sq.ft. modular affordable housing project provides 52 supportive housing units to at-risk individuals, and was built for BC Housing to help alleviate the growing issue of homelessness throughout British Columbia. The design and layout of the main floor were thoughtfully designed with amenity and support service spaces that maximize efficiency for users and staff. These amenity spaces include a common dining and lounge space, commercial kitchen, communal laundry and medical treatment room, and offices for support staff. Each ~350 sq.ft. suite contains a bathroom, kitchenette, living area, and bed. The interior finishes are neutral and bright in both public and private areas. Durable materials were used throughout the building. Residing in a commercial area, the building has contemporary architecture and a forestry-inspired color scheme that compliment the surrounding landscape.
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 enabled waste reduction in material tracking. Standardized suite plans increased cost savings and factory productivity. Poor land conditions made it challenging to install a permanent foundation. The solution was to place the modules on a Triodetic Multipoint Foundation, which reduced the overall foundation cost and schedule. The building was craned into place in 5 days, minimizing community disturbances and labour needs/costs at site.
Design Firm Name : Douglas Sollows Architect
Engineering Firm Name : TWS Engineering Ltd.
Green Building Description : Sonder House 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 : 6/24/2019
Owner Firm Name : BC Housing
Production Start Date : 8/28/2018
Project Location City : Terrace
Project Location State Name : British Columbia
Technical Innovation : Due to the seismic difficulties of the site and unique subgrade conditions for this area, pre-loading or piles were not cost-effective options for the project. The solution to this challenge was to use a Triodetic Multipoint Foundation. Multipoint is a galvanized steel & aluminum, three-dimensional, reinforced space-frame that provides uniform support to the building above, regardless of soil conditions below. Sonder House was built in accordance with B.C.’s Energy Step Code requirements, achieving specific energy targets set by BC Housing. This includes meeting envelope and interior partition air leakage requirements, and exceeding typical building code with building features and appliances that are energy efficient and minimize long-term operating expenses. The building includes an innovative, addressable 2-stage fire alarm system, access control system, and surveillance/security system. Installation was completed on site.
Total Square Feet : 27320