Kobayashi + Zedda was retained to design a 10-unit housing complex under the Yukon Housing Corporation’s “Housing First” Initiative, for the community of Watson Lake.

The Housing First overarching philosophy suggests that everyone has the right to safe, secure, aff ordable, and adequate housing. Housing First employs the principles of consumer choice, recovery-oriented supports, and harm reduction.

There are no pre-conditions or pre-requirements to accessing housing or supports. The final complex is organized around a central courtyard, with eight of the ten units having exterior entries to allow for a personalized sense of home. The project contains two barrier-free units with interior access, and a communal room overlooking the courtyard complete with kitchen.

Colours at building openings were inspired by First Nation beadwork themes by a local artist from Upper Liard and contribute to a welcoming feel along with laminated wood canopies and structures at openings.