Meander River Elders HousingAssumption, AB, Canada
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Currently, elders of the Dene Tha' First Nation requiring support must relocate to urban settings, separating them from family and friends and eroding the primary cultural bonds of the community. A facility providing even minimal care would enable many of these elders to remain vital, active members of their community.
This design creates two residential wings bridged by shared facilities including a living and dining area, kitchen, laundry, workshop and greenhouse. The central common area extends to a larger exterior courtyard, which includes a patio, fire pit and a garden adjacent to the greenhouse.
A large clerestorey lit dormer provides natural light from the north, giving the interior space an airy feeling reminiscent of tent structures. The exterior cladding of the building is primarily horizontal bevelled cedar, stained natural with coloured accents at vertically clad areas. The roof form creates a dramatic central space looking out into the courtyard. A deep roof overhang at the courtyard controls summer sunlight and provides partial protection for the patio during inclement weather.
This design creates two residential wings bridged by shared facilities including a living and dining area, kitchen, laundry, workshop and greenhouse. The central common area extends to a larger exterior courtyard, which includes a patio, fire pit and a garden adjacent to the greenhouse.
A large clerestorey lit dormer provides natural light from the north, giving the interior space an airy feeling reminiscent of tent structures. The exterior cladding of the building is primarily horizontal bevelled cedar, stained natural with coloured accents at vertically clad areas. The roof form creates a dramatic central space looking out into the courtyard. A deep roof overhang at the courtyard controls summer sunlight and provides partial protection for the patio during inclement weather.
