Housing in Remote Northern First Nations Communities: Building Science and Local Solutions

Over the past few years, housing conditions in remote northern First Nations communities have repeatedly made national news.  Prevailing approaches to design and construction have resulted in many buildings plagued with moisture issues, poor indoor air quality and premature deterioration. This presentation will describe recent research in a remote Native Canadian community, look at lessons learned (including the importance of local solutions) and describe the critical role of building science in addressing unique challenges such as high water tables, deep frost penetration, cold winters, and seasonal flooding. Application of these lessons to sustainable design more generally will also be discussed.