Hwul’a’mut
Housing Society
Location: North Vancouver, BC
Scope: VDC, on-location panelization and light-frame wall assembly (manufacturing, installation, and integration)
Project Size: 53,500 sq ft, 1,700 prefabricated wall panels
Contract: CCA 1 Subcontract via Kinetic Construction
Sustainability: BC Energy Step Code 4, MBAR
Completion: In-progress
Applied Innovation, Mobile Prefabrication, & Social Value
The Hwul’a’mut Housing Society project is a 50-unit, 6-storey affordable multifamily rental building designed for and located on the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. This project marks the inaugural implementation of The Flying Factory™, Naikoon’s mobile prefabrication system, which brings the quality of off-site construction directly to the community, bypassing traditional logistical barriers.
Technical Excellence & High-Performance Panelization
Naikoon’s Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) team optimised the manufacturing and installation of approximately 1,700 prefabricated wall panels for this six-storey housing project. Our scope included:
- Manufacturing, Install, and Integration: Open light-timber framed walls.
- Proof of Concept: Factory-installed membrane and windows on specific Level 6 panels to demonstrate system adaptability and flexibility.
Team
Architect: Low Hammond Rowe Architects
Construction Manager: Kinetic Construction
Structural: RJC Engineers
Joint venture partner: Kʷasən Enterprises Ltd.
Sustainability & Climate Resilience
The project meets rigorous energy and environmental standards:
- Energy Performance: Built to meet BC Energy Step Code 4 standards.
- Climate Adaptation: Full compliance with MBAR (Mobilizing Building Adaptation and Resilience) requirements.
The Trifecta: Nation Building + Home Building + Skills Development
At its heart, the Hwul’a’mut Housing Society project is a story of First Nations partnership and social procurement. By mobilizing The Flying Factory™ on Nation land, the project and team created immediate opportunities for skills training and local employment. This model ensures that economic value remains within the community, fostering long-term economic sovereignty and nation-building opportunities for Tsleil-Waututh.
