Barry Hobin, BArch/74, and Gord Lormier, BArch/77: World Habitat Awards finalist

An affordable and environmentally sustainable housing development in downtown Ottawa, designed by Carleton architecture grads Barry Hobin and Gord Lormier, is a finalist for the 2013 World Habitat Awards.  Two awards are given annually at the annual United Nations global celebration of World Habitat Day to projects that provide practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems.

Barry J. Hobin & Associates Architects Inc. worked with Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation on Beaver Barracks Redevelopment to address the need for affordable housing for families, seniors aging in place and people with accessibility needs in the downtown core. Built to a high environmental standard on a former brownfiled site, the development includes geothermal heating and cooling, a green roof, tenant-run gardens and a high performance building envelope, including triple glazed windows. Beaver Barracks is also wheelchair accessible and smoke free.

With 254 dwelling units in five buildings, Beaver Barracks provides high quality rental housing to many households that would not otherwise be able to afford it.