Age-in-Place

Homeownership Options for Age-in-Place Housing

To keep our communities healthy and strong, SAS Architecture is committed to housing solutions that support neighbors, culture, economy, and the environment we live in. 

This video looks at densification strategies for age-in-place homeownership, in low-scale residential neighborhoods and compares this with high-density infill. The video is 1:48 minutes long.

Age-in-place housing is for seniors who wish to downsize and remain in their communities.

What is age-in-place housing? Examples of aging-in-place are: downsizing to back-alley homes, or generating passive income for families on back-alley lots where services already exist. This is an affordable home ownership model and a sustainable densification strategy.

When it comes to high density infill, we listen to communites. We hear citizens ask for healthy sustainable neighborhoods. We understand the communities’ concerns and we design for density with that in mind.

We are often asked these questions related to the Land Use Bylaw:

• Does this reduce homeownership for families, seniors and young couples?

• Will this increase housing land value?

• What is the impact on biodiversity?

• How does this impact daylighting quality on adjacent properties?

That’s why we propose housing solutions like: Aging-in-Place (the Flag Lot), to create homeownership and energy-efficient solutions for many!

HOUSING - SAS ARCHITECTURE - ASK US. - www.hipedmonton.com

Considering an Architect?

Are you considering an architect to design your dreamhouse?

Are you considering an architect for your dreamhome?
This video explains some of the things to consider when selecting an architect. Talk to us first!

Ideas to consider when choosing an architect:

• Architects are registered licensed professionals.

• Architects see the bigger picture.

• Architects help express your needs to convey to your builder.

Architects are a wise investment, not an added cost. Good design is sustainable. Good design is low maintenance. Good design increases resale value.

We partner with builders to create your dreamhome!

Housing Innovation Partnerships (HIP)

Our Expertise:

• Global Collaborations

• Creative Ideas

• Building Science

• Advanced Knowledge in Energy-Efficiency

• Custum Solutions

HOUSING - SAS ARCHITECTURE - www.hipedmonton.com

CPC Apartments Vegreville

Sustainable Commercial Conversion to CPC Apartments Vegreville

CPC Apartments are a conversion from commercial to residential use of the building. This makes it affordable and sustainable!

The Vegreville Federal Immigration Building has been retrofit from office use to 41 family units! The Federal Immigration Case Processing Center (CPC) closed in 2018. The facility employed 280 people. Over 200 office cubicles have been converted to 41 spacious units. Unit plans offer spacious 1- and 2-bedroom units and several amenities in the building. A unit has a modern kitchen, livingroom views, and a spacious bathroom.

The courtyard is the heart of the building.This space is important and this is how it works. The courtyard:

• increases natural daylight;

• increases natural ventilation;

• creates space for social gathering and meeting.

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health & Well-Being

Universal Design:

• Accessibility for people regardless of their age;

• Ground related and accessible for people with disabilities;

• Includes fitness room;

• Includes social amenities for connection and well-being of the residents.

Affordability

CPC Apartments contribute to a circular economy. What is a Circular Economy? The Circular Economy recovers as much value as possible from existing resources. Waste is a resource, not a cost. Creative ways to better the environment and create affordability are:

Reduee. Reuse. Age out.

Reusing materials diverts waste from the landfill. The team reused:

• 1,370 tons of concrete

• 45 tons of structural steel

• Sheet metal

• Insulation

The team recycled these materials for cost savings:

• T-bar ceilings

• Skylights

• Lighting

• Doors

• Government furniture

• Specialized office built-in equipment

These building systems were reused to age out and allow equipment to be used to end of life:

• Roofing systems

• Electrical systems

• Mechanical systems

These strategies reduce the carbon footprint and reduce cost to the building owners and operators.

Economic Growth & Partnerships

Project developers were challenged by post-covid supply chain management of materials. The team worked diligently to supply materials and labor from local sources where possible. This also reduced transportation costs.

The CPC Apartments are affordable and sustainable housing. Commercial conversions are a great example of the circular economy!

If you would like more information on the benefit of commercial conversion, go to www.hipedmonton.com!

A Blanket of Warmth

"Wrapping Your Home in a Blanket of Warmth"

The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals were the platform used to address mold in First Nation homes. The project is mindful of the cost, the effects on the environment, our building codes, and our cultural values. The exciting part – the solution is very simple.

IES Modeling energy modeling and radiant technology achieve deep energy consumption reduction using a more effective way to distribute heat in the home. This project presents the early research development team, who partnered with Star Blanket Cree Nation, Uponor (pex piping), U of R, and the United Nations to create the ‘Blanket of Warmth for our Nations Homes’ project. The video is seven minutes.

Home Energy and Air Tightness

Capital Home Energy Feature

Featured Project - Lot F1 at Sunstone Ridge

Our first featured home of the month is this beautiful home constructed by Pedrini Construction and designed by SAS Architecture located 2 hours away from Vancouver in Sunstone Ridge at Pemberton, BC.

The mid construction result for this home was fantastic, with a super low airtightness score of 0.4 ACH (Air Changes per Hour)!