Northern Housing Prototype in Quaqtaq

In 2012, the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) launched a northern housing prototype project for Nunavik, aimed at optimising the energy efficiency of a 2-bedroom semi-detached and integrating sustainable construction practices, while offering living spaces that better meet the demands of Nunavimmiut.

In collaboration with the Makivvik Corporation, the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) and the Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau (KMHB), the SHQ organised workshops to define the needs of Nunavimmiut, which were then incorporated by EVOQ and the engineers into the prototype.

This prototype features foundations adapted to climate change, preserving the tundra, and achieves a level of energy efficiency close to the Passive House standard. Its aerodynamic design reduces wind resistance and the resulting heat loss. Furthermore, its reversible floor plan allows flexibility and an optimal orientation of living spaces based on the specific site and location.