lac ste anne métis elders community
The Lac Ste Anne Métis Elders Community is located approximately an hour away by car from Edmonton. The community is designed to be constructed in phases – currently under construction are eight single family houses and two duplexes. When complete, the community will house 30 residents in single family houses, duplexes and in a long-term care residence, with a gathering hall at the centre of the community. The Elders Community is close tor the core of the Lac Ste Anne Settlement area, allowing Elders to continue their involvement in social and community events, to be nearby other language speakers, and to benefit from traditional land use and cultural practices such as fishing and hunting. The design intent honours the community’s collective history and culture as stewards of the land, and it looks to sustainable design principles that focus on critical strategies, from fire-protection to allowing Elders to age in place.
Collaboration with engineers and contractors began at the design stage, especially with the civil engineers. As great attention was given to the need for no-step entrances to the dwellings, the land was sculpted in gently sloping sidewalks everywhere. Just as in Ambrose Place, all bathrooms are wetrooms with wheel- in, curbless shower areas, and all kitchens are designed to be adaptable to easy modifications for individuals who may use wheelchairs. Affordability was considered a long-term issue and therefore extra expenses were made at the initial construction phase to save money in the future. For example, the heating and cooling system is not powered by gas, but electricity, and the building envelope uses prefabricated panels that provide high levels of insulation value. The adaptable and accessible design features for the dwellings added very little extra cost (maybe 1% extra) but will save thousands of future dollars and energy waste by not requiring major modifications for accessibility.
Ron Wickman Architect
RON WICKMAN is an Edmonton architect, engaged locally and internationally with participatory and inclusive design. www.ronwickmanarchitect.ca
25
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator