The development includes a shared gathering space for celebrations, community events, and cultural activities. This project is part of NAC’s broader mission to provide affordable housing and supportive spaces that foster connection and learning beyond the classroom.
Nuutsumuut Lelum was constructed to meet the Passive House standard, meaning it consumes very little energy while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round—eliminating the need for conventional heating and cooling systems.
Our team provided building enclosure schematic design services as part of the integrated design team. We collaborated with DYS Architecture, the general contractor, and NAC to evaluate enclosure strategies and reach consensus on the most effective approach. Our scope also included design concept review, field review, and whole-building air leakage testing to verify performance of the air barrier system.
Formerly known as the Nanaimo Passive House, Nuutsumuut Lelum received the Award of Excellence in the Non-Market category at the 2019 Commercial Building Awards.
Indigenous leadership, real retrofit barriers, and a path forward. Read to learn more about the call to action for climate-ready housing in B.C.: Indigenous leadership in action — heat pumps and housing resilience | Vancouver Sun
Hear how the project came together from Thomas O’Brien, Manager of Housing & Property Operations: Indigenous leadership in climate action — heat pumps and housing resilience in B.C. – YouTube
