Located in Langley, British Columbia, the Birch Project is the first of many phases of redevelopment for the Langley Lions Senior Housing Society. Once completed, the development will provide over 900 homes at affordable prices for seniors and people living with disabilities in the community. All suites will be rentals, with 50 percent of residents paying rent based on their income, 30 percent will be moderate-income individuals paying affordable market rates, and 20 percent of residents require deep subsidies for low-income. The building is funded by and designed under the BC Housing Design Guidelines, with an energy target of Step 3.
Williams Engineering is currently providing mechanical and electrical engineering consulting services for this project. The new building replaces a demolished building with an eight-storey residential concrete building totalling approximately 175,000 square feet. Designs for the power, communications, lighting, and life safety systems were provided by WE’s electrical team, in addition to the fire alarm system design and parking area lighting. WE’s mechanical team provided designs for the plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems. The building’s domestic hot water is provided by central high-efficiency hot water heaters with return recirculation. Each residential room is heated by electric baseboards, and ventilation for the suites uses centralized energy recovery ventilators.
Once completed, this development will address the ongoing housing crisis and provide safe spaces for many to call home. This new building helps support seniors and people with disabilities who want to continue to live in their neighbourhoods with access to the people and services they rely on.
