Modular Elder’s Complex –
Alderville First Nation: Another Success Story!

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Setting a module which includes common hallway and front portion of one unit. (click image to enlarge)
Typical unit layout. (click image to enlarge)

It has been over 8 months since Guildcrest initially sat down with the Alderville First Nation’s Chief & Council to discuss their Elder’s Complex and we are pleased now to see this project completed on time and on budget.

Providing appropriate housing for their Elders is a concern for many First Nations and this innovative building has caught the attention of Housing Authorities in many other communities throughout Ontario. The ability to build in a cost-effective, energy-efficient manner with a short building cycle has been of real interest to those looking to provide this kind of housing in their communities.

R. Moore Homes, an Authorized Builder for Guildcrest Homes, was the primary contractor on this project. The complex combined a site-built common area with two wings of factory-built modular components containing the dwelling units. In this case, the units were constructed in a total of twelve modules that were delivered over a two week period. Six modules were delivered and erected on one side of the common area in the first week and the second set of six modules was delivered and erected the following week

R. Moore Homes has been providing new home solutions for the Peterborough area for over 30 years but this was their first experience working at Alderville. “This multi-unit project is a unique opportunity”, commented Rick Moore, R. Moore Homes President, as the first set of modules were unloaded from the flatbed trucks after their 6 hour journey from the Guildcrest factory. “This is an important project for Alderville, for Guildcrest and for us”, said Moore.

The housing units now finished in Alderville are single storey, 722 square feet in size. Each has two bedrooms, a large washroom area and laundry facilities. Each suite is connected to a common area by an interior hallway. The common area utilizes post & beam construction and is finished in natural pine.

For those looking to modify these plans, or design another style of building, Guildcrest welcomes the opportunity to review how this can be achieved.  The project is a good example of how factory-built modular housing technology can be adapted to the specific needs of an individual community.

Modular buildings are constructed in large sections in the factory, transported by truck to the building site and set on the foundation using a crane. There is usually just a few weeks of “site work” to complete before the Housing Authority can be handed their keys. Site work consists of what Moore calls “stitching” the modules together. This involves finishing the spaces between the modules, inside and out, and then hooking up the electrical, mechanical and plumbing between the modules and to the local power, water and sewage services.

Peter Broeren, Sales Manager for Guildcrest Homes, sees this as another important project for the company. “Although we build homes for many First Nations communities, this project has been particularly rewarding. With everything we hear in the news about housing challenges in First Nation communities it feels good be a part of the solution.”

Guildcrest Homes is a modular home builder with their factory located in Morewood, Ontario, near Ottawa. They build 300 homes each year and deliver them throughout Ontario and Western Quebec.

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