Sustainable Northern Communities

The Sustainable Northern Shelter project was initiated in 2008 to address the needs for sustainable rural housing in northern climates. The project investigates, develops and incorporates many sustainable solutions that will benefit northern communities by demonstrating a culturally designed, affordable, replicable and simply constructed home that uses very little water or energy. As interest in the program grew, the title was changed to Sustainable Northern Communities to reflect the many projects now being done in different areas of the state.

Anaktuvuk Pass Prototype Home
CCHRC partnered with the TNHA and the village of Anaktuvuk Pass to design and construct an affordable, energy efficient, and healthy home. Through a partnership with Iligsagvik College, local student labor was trained to construct the prototype house in June of 2009.
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North Slope Sustainable Northern Shelter Project
The Tagiugiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority (TNHA) is partnering with CCHRC to develop a design for affordable, energy efficient, healthy, homes in six North Slope villages.  The homes feature a unique foundation system adapted to the permafrost conditions in the high arctic.  Up to four homes will be constructed in the community of Atqasuk in Fall 2010, with plans to expand design and construction in the communities of Wainwright, Point Lay, Nuiqsut, Kaktovik, and Anaktuvuk Pass.

Quinhagak Prototype Home
The Native Village of Kwinhagak has asked CCHRC to partner with the residents to design a home that is affordable, energy efficient, and healthy. A prototype home will be built in September 2010.
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Mertarvik Evacuation Center
CCHRC was retained by the Newtok Traditional Council and the Newtok Planning Group to prepare a 35% Design Analysis Report (DAR) for the Mertarvik Evacuation Center, which will serve the people of Newtok as they relocate due to coastal erosion. The evacuation center design will serve the people in three stages of the move: first as an evacuation center in case of emergence, second as a staging facility during the relocation, and third as a community center. The design incorporates innovative approaches to make the evacuation center more affordable, sustainable, energy efficient, and to reflect community and cultural values.