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Recently, we had the good fortune to collaborate with one of our long-standing home builder clients on a significant project: designing modular homes for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. This initiative aimed to address the urgent need for new housing across the territory. This project was particularly exciting for me because it offered and opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and learn about and tackle new challenges in a completely different environment.
The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Inuit communities was both humbling and inspiring.
Our office’s task was to design a series of modular-built bungalows to accommodate diverse family compositions. These homes will be constructed in Ottawa and shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway, navigating around our Atlantic coast to reach various communities spread across the vast and diverse Territory of Nunavut.
With over 30 years of experience in residential design within the market-driven builder and developer markets across the GTA and Ottawa, but with no experience in designing in the Far North and for the Inuit, I knew I had a lot to learn. I had to adjust my perspective and design process. Working collaboratively with our client I approached this project with a deep sense of humility and together we embarked on a quest to listen and learn from our neighbours in the North.
Understanding the Unique Needs of Northern Communities
I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Iqaluit with our building team, where we collaborated with a remarkably talented and passionate team of local builders, building scientists and mechanical and electrical designers. Together, we sought to understand the needs of the communities and technical challenges of building in the Far North. It was crucial to respect and respond to the unique needs and identities of these communities, understanding what rooms and spaces are important to them, how they socialize as a community and family, and the limitations they face in terms of facilities, resources, and access to home maintenance. This was an enhanced experience of learning and engaging with the community.
Innovative Solutions for Modular Home Construction
The challenges we learned of and faced were the complexities of designing and building modular homes that can be shipped by sea and land within a short window for delivery and installation while ensuring that these serve as a hearth for families and communities. Efficiency in plan, material use, build and delivery were critical, as were cost considerations. The homes are fined-tuned technically to achieve a robustness required for the climates they will reside in. These homes are not market-driven; this is important work driven by the necessity to provide essential housing to communities in need of updated living conditions. They are not investments for any individual person but investments in the community, aimed at ensuring family health, security, and growth.
I am grateful for this opportunity to share such a unique experience with my colleagues, our team at Q4A, and to learn about the Inuit and their culture. Our journey in this opportunity continues.
The beauty and richness of the Canadian Far North and the connection the Inuit have with the land are inspirations for me to continue to listen, learn and contribute to the best of my abilities.
Paul MacDonald
Toronto
With over 30 years of experience in residential design and construction, I have honed my expertise in creating innovative and thoughtful living spaces and communities.
I specialized in community and custom residential design, delivering projects that reflect both aesthetic excellence and functional integrity. My portfolio also includes a variety of industrial renovation projects, showcasing my commitment to learning diverse methodologies and understanding the needs of all client types.
I firmly believe in the importance of building strong relationships with our clients and team members, grounded in the ability to listen and foster a trusting, open dialogue.
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