Heather Place B Affordable Housing
This project calls for the revised design of an existing Development Permit submission for the second of three buildings in the redevelopment of the Heather Place site in the City of Vancouver. Heather Place was rezoned in 2014 to replace the aging townhouses with additional density to significantly increase the number of affordable housing units on the site. Heather Place B aims to maximize tenant affordability and livability by reducing the overall construction cost with a minor amendment to the existing Development Permit and pursuing alignment with potential funding partners’ standards that prioritize durability, accessibility and energy performance.
To meet these challenges, Local Practice has engaged in an Integrated Design Process (IDP) to prioritize win-win solutions in service of efficient, streamlined execution and the provision of healthy, affordable, and inclusive housing for a diversity of households. Through the IDP, the team has been able to engage a variety of stakeholders simultaneously, working alongside multiple disciplines, multiple departments at the City of Vancouver, multiple departments at Metro Vancouver Housing, and multiple potential funding partners, each with their own unique standards and considerations that must be carefully addressed and harmonized. As a result, Local Practice has been able to develop a cohesive, cost-effective design in line with BC Housing Design and Construction Standards, BC Housing GHGI targets, and CHMC Co-Investment Fund standards, all while supporting Metro Vancouver’s continued ability to deliver excellent affordable units, share leadership lessons with others and build up their reputation for providing inviting and inclusive communities.
The project’s focus on affordability has not come at a cost to building performance and tenant amenities. Through the use of sustainability metrics focused on true performance, future resilience and potential adaptability, the project team has adapted the original Development Permit design based on concrete construction and LEED Gold level building energy performance to an all electric, wood construction, low carbon building. Additionally, the project is pursuing levels of inclusivity and accessibility above and beyond regulatory requirements to support aging-in-place, as well as providing engaging, comfortable, and delightful year-round common amenity spaces. The Heather Place B project exemplifies equitable and inspiring housing, fostering both individual occupant well being and strong, vibrant communities.
Client: Metro Vancouver
Location: Vancouver, BC
Estimated Completion: 2025
Team: Local Practice