VANCOUVER — BC Housing has announced construction is underway on the seven-storey, 123-unit Vienna House project in Vancouver.
The project at 2001 Stainsbury Ave. will create affordable homes for seniors, families and people living with disabilities, stated a recent release. Units will range from shelter, low-income and market rentals and will include 29 studio units, 37 one-bedroom units, 35 two-bedroom units, 16 three-bedroom units and six four-bedroom units.
Ten per cent of the units will be accessible for people living with disabilities and all units will be adaptable. The project is the result of a partnership between BC Housing, the City of Vancouver and More than a Roof Housing Society and results from a collaboration between the cities of Vancouver and Vienna, Austria.
The cities and researchers are collaborating to develop innovations in the sustainable design of affordable housing.
“This affordable-housing project is providing individuals and families with 123 safe and environmentally responsive homes, so people can stay in the community they know,” stated Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon in a statement. “Our Homes for People action plan is all about increasing housing supply faster, so everyone can find a home that suits their needs, and it is partner projects like this that are helping us reach our housing goals.”
Among sustainability measures, using mass timber and prefabricated wall, floor and ceiling components will reduce emissions during construction, store carbon and contribute to diverting 75 per cent of construction waste from landfills. Achieving Passive House certification will represent an annual energy-use reduction of approximately 52 per cent.
Additionally, using electric appliances and hot water will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 90 per cent. Research partners at UBC will build a digital twin of the building to test and optimize components and systems, such as passive airflow.
More than a Roof Housing Society will own and operate the building on a 60-year lease from the City of Vancouver. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2025, with residents moving in shortly thereafter.
BC Housing is allocating approximately $22.2 million though two funding programs and the City of Vancouver will support the project with more than $13 million in combined land equity and waivers.
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