Alexander Street Community Building

Client: Portland Housing Society, BC Housing
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Timeline: 2008-2015
Certification: LEED Gold

Project Overview
One of the Provincial Homelessness Initiative projects, the Alexander Street project has 139 units, replacing 76 units of social housing. The building provides both transitional and supportive housing in one 7 storey tower and a second 10 storey tower. The building has a large amenity area with a kitchen and dining space, a lounge and outdoor patio and garden area. A solar hot water array adorns the roof.

Our Role

SSG provided the LEED certification stewardship for the project, consulting on sustainability design and programming features of the building.  The project was awarded its target LEED Gold certification status by the Canada Green Building Council.

Innovations and Achievements

• Bike storage, a greatly reduced parking allotment and transit proximity.
• A Large green roof area.
• 40% reduction in water use over conventional building.
• 47% reduction in energy use over Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings.
• Over 75% construction waste diversion.
• Over 15% recycled materials content.
• Over 20% regional materials content.
• Exclusive use of non-toxic paints, finishes, sealants, wood and carpeting.
• Excellent ventilation and daylighting for all suites, commercial and common areas.
• A green housekeeping and operations program.