Award

g Sanford Apartments and Resource Centre otable architecture and design projects often involve towering highrises, state-of-the-art commercial buildings or palatial homes commissioned by corporations or wealthy owners ��� but Vancouver���s Sanford Apartments and Resource Centre is none of these. The development represents a joint effort between government and community partners, and far from having money to spare, many of the building���s tenants previously made their homes in the streets. Sanford is part of a long-term housing strategy initiated two years ago by the B.C. government and the City of Vancouver, the seventh of 14 residential buildings that will contribute to the city���s aim of ending homelessness by 2015. ���Sanford���s secure, stable environment allows its residents ��� many of whom suffer from mental health issues ��� to focus on recovery,��� explains Bonnie Rice, executive director of the Katherine Sanford Housing Society. ���Supportive housing like ours provides a base from which these individuals can reconnect with friends and family, and seek employment. In short, it sets them on the path to building a better life.��� Sanford is truly a community-oriented project, with the City of Vancouver donating land and the majority of funding provided by the B.C. government, Streetohome Foundation and Vancouver Coastal Health. The non-profit Katherine Sanford Housing Society owns and manages the residential units while the local Motivation, Power and Achievement (MPA) Society provides the support program and operates the Community Resource Centre. Both organizations have a long history of advocacy for people in need. Since opening in 1989, the Katharine Sanford Housing Society has helped to build 16 residences and four apartment developments in Vancouver and Richmond, while the MPA society was founded by and for individuals affected by mental illness. ���People with mental health challenges require adequate services to live independently,��� says Rice. ���Sanford Apartments not only offer shelter, but also in-house support staff and resources that address the residents��� unique needs.��� Situated in the Kitsilano neighbourhood, Sanford features nine storeys with 62 apartments on seven floors and a 10,000-square-foot Community N Sanford Apartments and Resource Centre p94-97IKEA_Sanford.indd 97 Resource Centre occupying the first two. Architectural design was completed by Neale Staniszkis Doll Adams Architects, a firm with more than 30 architects, technologists and support staff who have worked on social housing developments, health-care facilities and community buildings. ���We have extensive experience in designing projects for people with special needs, from individuals living with HIV/AIDS to seniors suffering from dementia,��� says Larry Adams, principal architect. ���Sanford gave us a fresh opportunity to showcase our creativity by designing a space that���s inspirational, socially relevant, economically viable and environmentally responsible.��� The team���s main goal was to create an environment that fosters independence by normalizing the living situation. In order to alleviate residents��� anxiety, circulation routes have visual access to the outdoors. The self-contained studios feature large windows, while overheight ceilings and extended kitchen counters create a sense of spaciousness. Finishes are durable and easily maintained, including commercial-grade vinyl flooring. And since most residents come from unsuitable homes with few belongings, suites are furnished. The dual-level Community Resource Centre serves as a social hub for residents as well as members of the MPA Society in the community. The ground floor features lounges, laundry and shower facilities, and an outdoor deck, while the floor above has music and art therapy rooms, a fitness area, support services and administration offices. As with other developments in the housing strategy, the Sanford project was designed to meet LEED Gold standards. The building integrates a number of sustainability measures, including a central heat recovery unit for suites; radiant in-floor heating and occupancy sensors. High-efficiency toilets, faucets and showerheads were installed, resulting in 43 per cent less water used. The team used low-VOC paints, adhesives and sealants to minimize indoor pollution. As a result of these measures, Sanford uses 62 per cent less energy than similar buildings. ���The high-performance building envelope is designed for longevity,��� says Adams. ���And we implemented a measurement and verification process to monitor systems for courtesy Neale Staniszkis Doll Adams Architects / photo: derek lepper by Sonu Purhar more than one year post-occupancy.��� Landscape architecture and site planning firm Perry + Associates designed the surrounding greenery. The team complemented existing trees with new trees set in a lawn boulevard. They added a terraced building setback complete with lawn panel and raised planting beds on the third floor for resident gardening. Trees and flowering shrubs accent the building perimeter, and special features were added that cater to the resident demographic. ���We created a raised entry mid-building and a wheelchair accessible route,��� says Dorsai Sharif, landscape designer. ���Our goal was to ensure treatments were both esthetic and functional for residents.��� Construction management was overseen by The Ledcor Group of Companies, whose comprehensive services proved particularly useful for Sanford. ���During the initial stages, we procured trade pricing, reviewed the drawings for cost savings and developed the construction schedule as well as the budget,��� says Gary Tzotzolis, project manager. ���And that was before we even broke ground.��� The team worked with structural engineering firm Fast + Epp, and lead engineer Jimmy Li agrees that meticulous planning played a major role in the project���s success. ���Our team thrives on difficult designs,��� says Li. ���Sanford was challenging, but the end result was incredibly rewarding.��� Sanford���s attractiveness to prospective residents is helped by its location. The complex is an easy walk from transit and community resources, and parking and biking facilities ��� as well as electric vehicle charging stations ��� are provided on-site. ���All individuals have the right to quality and affordable housing,��� says Rice. ���It���s particularly vital for people with mental illnesses to feel safe and supported by their living situation.��� Sanford clearly fits this requirement for those who have made use of its resources; as one resident puts it, ���The sheer peace of mind I get from living in my own place is astounding.��� After all, there���s no feeling quite like having a place to call home. ��� Location 1601 West 7th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. Owner/Developer Katherine Sanford Housing Society Architect Neale Staniszkis Doll Adams Architects Construction Manager The Ledcor Group of Companies Structural Engineer Fast + Epp Structural Engineers Mechanical/ Electrical Engineer MMM Group Limited Commissioning Consultant Inland Technical Services Ltd. Food Services Consultant Lisa Bell & Associates Landscape Architect Perry + Associates Total Area 45,961 square feet Total Cost $13,181,500 february 2013��� ��� /97 13-01-22 4:03 PM

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