Design in Action
Annotated Spaces and Floor Plans
In this part of the WCD toolkit we present some indicative design and annotated floor plans and drawings. Annotated photos of some of the existing housing for women and their children/dependents operated and/or developed by BCSTH members are also provided.
These annotated floor plan drawings and images aim to provide tangible design actions and visual inspirations related to the design principles and strategies of women-centred housing introduced in the previous sections. Floor plan drawings provide some measurements and dimensions of the space. While getting inspiration from these images and floorplans, Toolkit users are expected to consider their contextual needs and factors to design housing spaces that best meet the unique needs of their communities.
The photos of units and common areas are from the YWCA Metro Vancouver housing sites, including the YWCA Cause We Care and the YWCA Pacific Spirit Terrace housing projects as well as the Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry housing projects including My Sister’s Place housing site.
My Sister’s Place is a community with 3 different levels of housing and supports in proximity to each other. My Sister’s Place consists of 18 bed Transition House – Amber House, Second Stage Housing (studio, 2- and 3-bedroom units) and 21 townhomes of long-term housing (1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units) using a women-led tenancy lens.
YWCA Cause We Care House is located above the Strathcona VPL library in Vancouver and provides 21 rent geared to income units (2-, 3- and 4-bedroom) to single mothers with dependant children. The building also consist of an outdoor play area for younger children, a BBQ and a small community garden, an amenity room with computer access and communal kitchen space and a playroom with toys for children, a bike storage, shared laundry room, and heat treatment room. In-unit laundry capabilities through built-in washer/dryer hookup are installed in the apartment units.
YWCA Pacific Spirit Terrace is located in Vancouver and above a fire hall. It provides 16 below-market units (2- and 3-bedroom) and 15 rent geared to income units, to single mothers with dependant children. The building also includes an outdoor play area for younger children, a small communal garden, an amenity room, bike storage, and shared laundry room. In-unit laundry capabilities through built-in washer/dryer hookup are installed in the apartment units for future adaptation.
Housing Units
Indicative Floor Plan: 1-Bedroom with Flexible Spaces – Total Area: 540 SF / 50 m2
Annotated Floor Plan Created by Human Studio
Indicative Floor Plan: Accessible 1-Bedroom with Flexible Spaces – Total Area: 570 SF / 53 m2
Annotated Floor Plan Created by Human Studio
Indicative Floor Plan: 2-Bedroom with Flexible Spaces – Total Area: 710 SF / 66 m2
Annotated Floor Plan Created by Human Studio
Indicative Floor Plan: Accessible 2-Bedroom with Flexible Spaces – Total Area: 861 SF / 80 m2
Annotated Floor Plan Created by Human Studio
Indicative Floor Plan: 2-Bedroom with Flexible Spaces and Studio Lock-off Unit
Annotated Floor Plan Created by Human Studio
Indicative Space: Unit Door From the Building Hallway – YWCA Cause We Care
Image by BCSTH
Accessible Washroom - Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry, Townhome in My Sister’s Place
Image by BCSTH
Accessible Washroom and Shower - Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry, Townhome in My Sister’s Place
Image by BCSTH
Accessible Washroom - Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry, Townhome in My Sister’s Place
Image by BCSTH
Housing Common Area
Indicative Floor Plan: Amenity Room and Rooftop Garden
Annotated Floor Plan Created by Human Studio
Indicative Floor Plan: Building Entry
Annotated Floor Plan Created by Human Studio
Indicative space: Amenity Room – YWCA Cause We Care
Annotated Floor Plan Created by Human Studio
Indicative space: Amenity Room 2 – YWCA Cause We Care
Image by YWCA
Indicative space: Rooftop Garden – YWCA Cause We Care
Image by YWCA
Indicative space: Rooftop Garden 2 – YWCA Cause We Care
Image by YWCA
Indicative Space: Secondary Entrance to Amenity Room – YWCA Cause We Care
Image by BCSTH
Indicative Space: Hallway – YWCA Cause We Care
Image by YWCA
