DIALOG collaborated with Hi’yám ta Skwxwú7mesh Housing, the affordable housing developer for the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, to design two supportive housing projects on Nation lands in North Vancouver and Squamish, BC. Collaborating with NUQO, an Indigenous, woman-owned modular distributor, the projects used innovative volumetric construction methods. They feature accessible and energy-efficient designs, providing permanent, safe housing for low-income Squamish individuals, women, and children.
The projects incorporate Squamish cultural elements throughout such as natural wood materials, community art murals, weavings, a cedar welcome pole, a fish cleaning station, commercial kitchens for healthy meal service, and cultural rooms for gathering and sharing knowledge.
- Location
- North Vancouver, BC
- Client
- Hi’yam ta S?wxw? ú7mesh Úxwumixw Housing Society (HHS)
- Completion
- 2023
- DIALOG Services
- Collaborators
Lu’ma Development Management
NUQO
Cory Douglas (Modern Formline)
Kindred Construction
Architecture
Electrical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Sustainability
Energy Modeling
The modular units are bright and welcoming, with cedar wood and colour accents that reflect Indigenous culture. Built in desks and movable cabinets provide flexibility and make the most of compact, efficient spaces.
The community room with lots of natural light provides a place for residents to gather and share meals.
In collaboration with Indigenous designer Cory Douglas of Modern Formline, exterior colours were chosen to reflect Squamish culture and the “Sqaumish eye” supergraphics mark the entry into Nation lands.
The Team
A 3-D Axon view.
Project location.
Site plan of the Squamish Nation Rapid Modular Housing.
First floor plan.
Second floor plan.
