Fountain Springs Housing

Client H5A & David Penner Architecture
Location | Winnipeg, Manitoba
Year Completed | 2016

 

A double cantilevering rigid steel frame pulls back the building footprint to maximize pedestrian access throughout the narrow site. Hambro floor joists allow sleek floor assemblies for this six-storey multi-unit housing project designed to modesty standards.

 

The cantilevering building frame allows for walk-able exterior main floor areas with an abundance of public space provided to both occupants and the neighbouring community.

 

“Excellent clients inspire excellent architecture. This robustly modern housing project offers shelter and assisted living to low-income residents and for those afflicted with mental illness. There's magic in the client brief and in the design. Given Canada's growing crisis of mental illness and its impact on rising numbers of homelessness and addiction, this multi-unit residence offers an important template: handsome architecture that lifts the existing street context, that captures light behind generous vertical windows and an elegant main street facade of wood.”

— Jury Member for Award of Excellence, 2018 Prairie Design Award

Photography: Lindsay Reid