Project Essentials
- LocationVancouver, BC
- ClientBC Housing
- ArchitectNSDA Architects
- Size87,000 ft² (8,082 m²)
- BudgetC$22 million
- Sustainable FeaturesCertified LEED Gold
- Address675 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X7
Kwayatsut – a word from the Coast Salish language – means to seek one’s power or spiritual journey. It’s the name of the 675 East Broadway social housing project, a haven for low-income residents and vulnerable youth between the ages of 12 and 24. Programming is influenced by First Nations tradition, fostering a sense of purpose and community.
This building needed to be highly durable, environmentally-sustainable and welcoming to meet the varied needs of its users and the surrounding community. To minimize overshadowing north-facing residences, the design team chose separate six- and eight-storey tower forms.
Fast + Epp developed a cast-in-place concrete structure with flat plates, ductile shear walls and underground parking. The mixed-use residential and commercial building contains 103 units for tenants, and a wide range of social, health, housing, education, employment and life skills services.
The goal for its residents is to move towards more secure housing, greater self-reliance, and appropriate employment.