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Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building is Canada’s first community housing project specifically designed for veterans. Located on the former Rockcliffe Air Base this three-storey, 40-unit apartment building provides safe, healthy, and affordable housing for veterans.

Full accessibility is provided for 20% of the units and all common amenity spaces, while the remaining suites are ‘visitable’. Partnering non-profit organizations have access to shared offices in the building to provide support services for the veterans as they adjust to civilian life. Communal spaces including a multipurpose room, a fitness room, and a shared kitchen are provided to promote community engagement and healthy living. A calming outdoor space includes a meditation garden, barbeque patio, vegetable garden, and fenced dog run.

The site was designed to maximize the amount of green space on the property. This has provided individual suites unobstructed views and access to abundant daylight. Inside the building, finishes were selected to avoid trigger colours for those suffering from PTSD. Exposed wood accents are used throughout the building, including large mass timber canopies, to evoke a sense of calm.

MHI chose to follow the Passive House standard for the design and construction of the building. Extra investment was made to achieve high levels of air tightness and thermal control of the building envelope. Ventilation air is provided by premium energy recovery ventilators, supplying continuous and balanced outdoor fresh air. Energy modeling shows that the building has a 43% energy use reduction and 57% carbon reduction relative to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2015 reference model.

Watch this walkthrough of the Andy Carswell Building, Veterans' House Canada's 40-unit home for veterans who previously experienced homelessness.

Photo credit to Krista Jahnke Photography

Sustainable Features

The building was designed to meet Passive House Standards. Energy modeling shows that the building will have a 43% energy use reduction and 57% carbon reduction below the NECB 2015 reference model. This was achieved through super-insulated and sealed building envelope, optimization of mechanical systems, and thorough commissioning. The unique building envelope features 11 7/8” deep Larsen trusses filled with blown cellulose insulation, achieving a wall insulation value of R-73. High-durability materials were specified to reduce life-cycle costs and maintenance.

Media:

Multifaith Housing Initiative: Veterans’ House | SABMag | November 8, 2021

Feds announce funding for unique veterans’ home in Ottawa | CBC News | July 9, 2019

Feds give $7.8M loan to affordable seniors’ housing project in Ottawa | Ottawa Business Journal | August 29, 2019

Veterans House: Bridging Military Culture and Civilian Life for Homeless Vets | Esprit de Corps | January 30, 2018

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MHI Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building

Sustainable Features

Media: