Bloc10: Unique Prefab Condos Showcase Sustainably Sourced Wood in Winnipeg

<a href="http://www.bloc10.ca/" target="_blank">Bloc10</a> isn't your typical boring condo project. Hidden behind the black wood-slatted privacy screen is a unique arrangement of apartments that fit together like a 3D puzzle. Designed by Winnipeg, Manitoba-based <a href="http://www.5468796.ca/" target="_blank">5468796 Architecture</a>, Bloc10 was prefabricated from sustainably harvested wood in a factory nearby and completed in only 12 months. Owners of the apartments (which rang from studios to 3-bedroom units) moved into a blank slate and finished the interior to their needs and desires.

<a href="http://www.bloc10.ca/" target="_blank">Bloc10</a> is a condominium project that was designed by <a href="http://www.5468796.ca/" target="_blank">5468796 Architecture</a> for Green Seed Developments.

The project sits on a site formerly occupied by a gas station in Winnipeg’s River Heights neighborhood.

The developer wanted a modestly priced building that could be completed within 12 months.

To achieve those requirements, 5468796 Architecture designed a project that could be <a href="http://inhabitat.com/architecture/prefab-housing/">prefabricated</a> in a nearby factory.

The panels were delivered to the site then assembled, which helped accelerate the construction schedule, improve quality control and reduce overall waste.

The 3-story building features 10 units that vary from studios to 3-bedroom units (sized between 900 and 1300 sq ft).

The project was modeled after the ‘white-box’ concept, where each buyer purchases an unfinished unit with basic plumbing, heating and electrical systems.

Arranged like a 3D puzzle, the apartments interlock to create a unique layout that allows access to multiple sides of the building.

To build the project, wood was sustainably harvested from a number of sources including local white cedar, beetle kill cedar and western red cedar from British Columbia.

The exterior is clad in white James Hardie panels that act as a rainscreen, and black stained cedar slats are installed around the patios to provide privacy and shading while still allowing for views and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/daylighting/">daylighting</a>.

The striking facade provides privacy and shading, but also allows views and daylighting.

Example floorplan.

Example floorplan.