Blue Heron Housing Co-operative

Ottawa, Ontario

This project sets new standards for socially assisted housing in the Ottawa region in the areas of energy efficiency and environmental design. An apartment building situated along a busy roadway acts as a visual and acoustic buffer for row houses located on the balance of the site. A central "green" pedestrian route extends from the entry court through the site to a green recreation zone. A creek area, renaturalized with plantings, is a focal point.

The apartment building uses highly efficient heat pump/water loop heating and cooling system, using the building's east/west orientation to achieve a 35% savings in energy consumption.

Awards:

• Winner, Sustainable Housing Design, Ottawa-Carleton Home Builders Association Awards, 2006