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YWCA Banff Courtyard Project

PDF - Report

This Case Study explores how the Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) is using recycled shipping containers to build low-cost green homes.

Rural communities often face severe shortages of housing that is both affordable and environmentally friendly. The YWCA Courtyard Project in Banff is a 3-storey, 33-unit building with an ambitious target of net-zero energy efficiency. Its design may offer new options in how affordable housing is built in rural communities across Canada.

Author:
CMHC
Document Type:
PDF
Date Published:
November 22, 2021
Download
ywca-banff-courtyard-project-enpdf

Project goals

The YWCA Courtyard Project goals were to:

  • build affordable rental homes for people who face barriers in finding suitable housing
  • achieve net-zero energy consumption and net-zero emissions
  • use a modular approach to lower costs and increase affordability
  • create a thriving neighborhood that fosters a sense of belonging, security and pride

Project overview

The YWCA Courtyard Project building is constructed primarily from recycled shipping containers. The design intended to combine energy-efficiency with an attractive, healthy and comfortable living environment.

The project’s modular approach offers the potential for cost savings in:

  • design
  • engineering
  • development
  • reduced on-site construction activities

The shipping container design was adopted as a flexible strategy that enables adaptation to the specific needs of future affordable housing projects. It allows for a variety of designs while still meeting the same high standards of energy-efficiency, affordability and livability. At least 5 suites are barrier-free to accommodate people with accessibility needs.

The overall cost of this project is estimated to be just under $9 million. The federal government provided a contribution of $1.35 million through the National Housing Strategy’s Affordable Housing Innovation Fund.

The project features a variety of energy-efficient construction techniques and technologies, consider tenant well-being and include key innovations.

About National Housing Strategy Case Studies

The research presented in this series explore topics in the National Housing Strategy priority areas of:

  • housing for those in greatest need
  • community housing sustainability
  • Indigenous housing
  • northern housing
  • sustainable housing and communities
  • balanced supply of housing

Get more information about the National Housing Strategy.

Related links

  • Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Affordable Housing
  • National Housing Strategy Project Profiles
  • Housing Research Newsletter

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