The proposed design for the Beaverton Supportive Housing Project earned a 2021 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.
This is the first time a Region of Durham facility has received this honour, said a region statement.
The proposed design by Montgomery Sisam Architects features two structures—both a two- and three-storey structure—with a connective link that serves as the main entrance lobby and opens onto a landscaped courtyard.
The three-storey structure contains living accommodations for 47 residents, lounges, washroom facilities, laundry and administrative service areas. The two-storey structure has a dining room, kitchen, reading room, meeting and administrative space, and support rooms.
The Beaverton Supportive Housing Project is designed to run on solar energy and electric power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
To help meet the urgent need for supportive housing, this development will use prefabricated modular construction, which requires less time than traditional construction.
Supportive housing aims to improve residents’ quality of life through housing and wrap-around services that promote life stabilization. This includes on-site meals in a dining hall, mental health and addictions support, medical care, financial assistance, rental and tenant support, life skills teaching/counselling, and employment services.
The Beaverton Supportive Housing Project will also offer community resources to support all north Durham residents. This includes counselling and mental health resources, medical services and social services.
This project supports At Home In Durham, the Durham Housing Plan 2014-2024, and Council’s commitment through the Master Housing Strategy for the creation of at least 1,000 new affordable housing units to help meet the needs or residents across the Region.
“Life circumstances can result in crisis and, when this happens, people need support and a stepping stone to life stabilization. The Beaverton Supportive Housing Project will address the urgent need for supportive housing and the thoughtful design by Montgomery Sisam Architects, which earned a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence, will hopefully make residents feel warm and welcome,” said Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, Commissioner of Social Services.