uwstudent.org

University of Waterloo architecture students have organized a housing co-op to provide affordable accommodations for students near their school in Cambridge.

Chantal Cornu, with help from Laura Knap, came up with the idea for Grand House Student Co-operative Inc. It is so named because, "The grand river runs through galt. Also, it is a grand idea," said Cornu over e-mail.

They started planning in May 2004 and the co-op incorporated in February 2005. They want to address the lack of quality, affordable housing in Galt, the part of Cambridge where the School of Architecture is located.

The 3,500 sq ft house is designed to accommodate 10 students, will be built by volunteers, and will have environmentally sustainable features. The house will have some uncommon elements including:

• It will be elevated off the ground
• To be constructed with bales of straw
• Passive solar design
• Green roofs
• Solar heated water
• Reclaimed materials (gym floor from preston school)
• Feature many ecological products and materials

The co-op has received sponsorship and donations of materials and services, but are working to raise the rest of the capital they need with their Buy-a-Bale fundraising campaign. They will unveil the project at the School of Architecture atrium this Saturday afternoon.

Grand House Project Unveiling Event
School of Architecture Atrium
10 June 2006
1-5pm

• Grand House Student Co-operative Inc.
• Buy-a-Bale Fundraising Campaign