BOREAL COmmONS

87 Unit Affordable Housing Complex

firm: kobayashi+zedda location: Whtiehorse, YT client: Sammy Hatchem date: 2019-2021

Boreal Commons is an affordable housing complex of 3 buildings (87 units total), located in the newest and soon to be largest subdivision of Whitehorse. The project is a recipient of funding from Yukon Housing which came with the requirement of 20% of all units to be barrier free to a CSA B651-2018 standard. I worked within the funding, site, code and zoning limitations and with civil, electrical and mechanical engineers, to create a site plan and repeatable building design which would maximize units on site without triggering an expensive sprinkler requirement or require an elevator. A new electrical pedestal and two new hydrants were required, and all interior roads have 12m corner radii to allow for firetruck access.

The building design uses a butterfly roof to minimize visual impact, and is clad in low maintenance corrugated steel and cementitious lap siding. The units themselves are designed to be highly efficient, maximizing living and storage space and minimizing corridors. Large windows are a must in apartments in the North since time outdoors is so limited by climate; fully glazed exterior doors and 5’-9” window units are used throughout.