Building much-needed new homes in remote locations is a challenge for many First Nation communities. So much so that many are now pursuing the idea of using factory-built, precision-fit wood framing components to quickly erect more and better quality homes.
Winton Global Homes, based in Prince George, BC, operates one of the most technologically advanced roof truss and wall-panel manufacturing facilities in Western North America. Delivering factory-framed housing components to First Nation communities in order to help alleviate the crisis in housing has become a key focus of the company.
Marlene Fehr-Power, General Manager of Winton Global Homes in Prince George alludes to shifting preferences she has noticed when it comes to First Nation housing, "Over time, it is becoming more and more popular for forward-thinking First Nation communities to build multi-family dwellings as a part of their community plans."
And the demand for housing is changing, says Marlene. "First Nations have a growing number of elders in their communities and these folks often require a form of housing known as 'Visitable Housing'." In simple terms, a Visitable Home is a home with a zero-step front entry and a bathroom on the main floor which incorporates a 3 ft. door. "Visitable homes enhance inclusion and participation in community life," says Marlene, not to mention the advantages of easier long term care.
Winton Global Homes also produces floor systems, pre-built wall panel and engineered trusses for major urban projects as well. "We have just finished building floors, walls and trusses for the Friendship House in Prince George, B.C., the new Prince George Native Friendship Centre Transition House that stands on the outer fringe of the city's downtown core.
This major new facility provides a warm and safe home for many disabled and displaced people in the northern B.C. city, but the company also delivers home packages far afield as well. "Our homes are shipped as far as Manitoba, and to the Pacific North West of the US."
Marlene says, "The truth about factory-framed or panelized or packaged homes is that they shine as housing solutions in remote areas." Many of the 700 Indian Reservations in Canada are remote and housing construction can cause difficulties when the planning isn't perfect. But now, Winton Global Homes can deliver a new home package directly to site that requires nothing but assembly. "It's all about controlling your costs. With easy to assemble pre-built wall panel and engineered trusses all packaged up and delivered with windows, doors, siding and roofing, you can keep a tight reign on 'construction cost over runs' which are so common with other methods of building these days. For people working within a budget this is the ideal solution."
This kind of cost control and efficiency applies to single family dwellings, multi-family projects and two-storey buildings as well.
"We help communities build the homes they so desperately need, from design through materials selection through to complete assembly instructions and project coordination," she says. "Our homes are basically assembled by number, and erected to 'lock-up' so finishing can occur on the inside."
Once the basic outside portion of the home is built the inside work proceeds. The choice and design of a community's factory-framed, panelized homes for remote communities can be done via telephone and with the use of e-mail. The factory in PG designs, builds and ships floor systems, numbered wall panels and engineered trusses directly to site for assembly.
"Follow the numbers and shoot the nails," says Marlene. "The personnel required to build the home only need a qualified carpenter on-site to help guide the process. And, it goes very smoothly." Remember, the procedure from lock-up is to install the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems that finish the new home in preparation for move-in day. "The panel-built home is quickly erected and trades do the rest."
As First Nations Drum reported previously this year, "We love a challenge in the design phase because our goal is to give the customer exactly what they want," says Marlene. Winton Global Homes has been constructing panel-built housing for the past 30 years, previously doing business as Spruce Capital Homes. Feel free to view a comprehensive selection of affordable new home designs at their Website by visiting www.wintonglobal.com .
