A new book published by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction examines two progressive and influential projects by Daniel Pearl of Montréal firm, l’OUEF. It examines the redevelopment of the first Global Holcim Awards Bronze winner from 2006, Benny Farm—the world’s first government-subsidized, large-scale, community-driven neighbourhood renewal project combining affordability, green building technologies, rehabilitation, and new construction.
The 128-page book also discusses a follow-up project at Rosemont, along with plans for the forthcoming Bois Ellen Cooperative Residence. Benny Farm and Rosemont: Community-inspired Housing in Canada summarizes innovations with respect to building envelope, energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ) rarely employed for affordable housing. The architects share insight into the complexities of new green technologies, subsidy programs, working with co-ops and government agencies, managing the challenges of building affordable green social housing, ‘future-proofing,’ and even provoking changes to legislation.
Free digital versions, and ordering info for hard copies, are available at www.holcimfoundation.org/canada.