Affordability and homelessness are pressing issues facing major cities across North America. In Canada these challenges are particularly severe among Indigenous peoples and communities. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw – an Indigenous First Nation – supported by our integrated design practice, is taking a “Housing First” approach and has created their own housing authority called the Hiy̓ám̓ Housing Society (HHS).
Rethinking The Future Awards 2025
Second Award | Housing (up to 5 floors) (Built)
Project Name: Estítkw Place Supportive Housing
Category: Housing (up to 5 floors) (Built)
Studio Name: DIALOG
Design Team:
Architecture – DIALOG; Structural Engineering – DIALOG; Mechanical Engineering – DIALOG; Electrical Engineering – DIALOG; Interior Design – DIALOG; Landscape Architecture – DIALOG; Energy Modeling – DIALOG
Area: 2,692 m² / 28,976 ft²
Year: 2023
Location: X̱wemelch’stn (near North Vancouver), British Columbia, Canada
Consultants:
Development Manager – Lu’ma Development Management
Modular Builder – NUQO
Squamish Nation Art Consultant – Cory Douglas (Modern Formline)
Construction – Kindred
Photography Credits: 2024 Eric Scott Photography
Render Credits: DIALOG
Other Credits: n/a
Together they have envisioned a new type of high-quality social housing to allow Nation members to return home for safety and healing.
HHS collaborated with DIALOG to create Estítkw Place — the first permanent high quality modular buildings of their kind in the area. Located in X̱wemelch’stn, near North Vancouver, BC, Canada, Estítkw Place consists of 55 units of supportive housing for vulnerable Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation members. Priority is given to people with disabilities, LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals, those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, and people dealing with mental health and substance use issues.
The team designed naturally lit spaces that foster daily living, build community, and promote individual healing. The building showcases Indigenous architectural expression in collaboration with Squamish Nation artist Cory Douglas, of Modern Formline Design, using relevant colour accents, artworks, natural materials, graphics, and massing. Culture as a means of promoting healing was a priority for this project, with the belief that culture can save lives. The objective is to counteract the harmful effects of historical and current colonial policies by offering healing opportunities firmly grounded in cultural values, land-based programming, and de-colonizing practices.
Estítkw Place is intended to be a location for healing and providing resources for those who may not have access otherwise. On-site, tenants are provided with daily food and meals to help fight food insecurity, allowing them to focus on rehabilitation and recovery while having a dignified space to live.
The project also prioritizes energy efficiency with an advanced building envelope, electrified low-carbon hot water, heating and cooling systems, and sustainable strategies such as an on-site rainwater management system and innovative modular construction methods.
A significant aspect of this project was its efficiency on-site during construction. The modular approach expedited the construction timeline. Additionally, local community members and businesses were employed to help build the project, bringing economic value to the nation and providing valuable training and experience to those living there.
DIALOG, Lu’ma Development Management, NUQO, and Kindred Construction are grateful to Hiy̓ám̓ and the Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation for the opportunity to help develop a unique, culturally significant, high-density community to Bring Squamish Home. This effort aims to create hundreds of new affordable homes in multi-unit dwellings built exclusively for Nation Members, providing much-needed equitable and diverse housing options. The project is sponsored by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rapid Housing Initiative.
