Across Canada, small 1‑1/2 storey houses are a familiar sight in military family housing. With two bedrooms tucked into sloped ceilings above and the rest of the rooms below, the older layout and construction can be challenging today.
At 8 Wing Trenton, the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) has found a solution, converting 10 houses into light- and space-filled two-storey homes, significantly improving their safety, functionality, and energy ratings.
"I'm proud of improving the quality of our Forces' living conditions," says Sule Kisac, Coordinator, Construction Services, adding that DCC is handling contract management for the $2‑million project. Each home takes 140 days to renovate, creating an open kitchen, dining and living area plus two-piece bathroom on the main floor, and adding a second storey with three bedrooms and a full bathroom.
Kisac says renovating is a cost-effective alternative to demolition and new construction; in addition, maintenance costs will be greatly reduced thanks to quality construction and finishes, and highly efficient heating and cooling systems.