Spaceframe Proves Itself in the Yukon

The Yukon Housing Corporation (YHC) relies on spaceframes as the preferred foundation system for houses built on problem soils. Permafrost conditions in the North cause the majority of foundation problems. Before the development of the spaceframe system, commonly used foundations included variations of surface footings and in some areas, driven piles or buried beam foundations. Surface systems require frequent maintenance, while buried systems suffer from uplift, especially in locations where the permafrost is irregular.

The spaceframe allows the ground to rise or fall without affecting the house, a crucial factor in earthquake or permafrost areas. Doors and windows continue to open close properly. The principle behind the system is load transfer through multiple bearing points. Numerous hubs join steel tubes to form the horizontal frame.

Overhead View of a Spaceframe Foundation System Enlarged Image

The YHC first used a spaceframe to save a four-plex that had severe structural damage from seasonal frost heaving. Dan Boyd of YHC explains, "A spaceframe was placed under the building, the building was repaired and there have not been any significant foundation problems since." YHC has never needed to go back and re-level a spaceframe foundation.

Spaceframes are assembled on-site and can be installed with an inexperienced crew. Typically, a two person crew can assemble a house frame in two or three days. A slide show of spaceframe assembly in Cambridge Bay is available from the Canadian Housing Information Centre. Materials costs, F.O.B. Yellowknife run about $50 per square foot. Additional freight charges to remote areas can increase the cost significantly.

At the September, 1993 meeting of the NoRTH Committee, members discussed whether it would be feasible for spaceframes to be manufactured in the North. It was voiced that an economic study of market potential was needed. Several committee members agreed to look into the question of patents, market potential and manufacturing feasibility for spaceframes.

For more information contact:
Dan Boyd, Yukon Housing Corporation
(403) 667-5759
discount hotels in PontaSlide show: Canadian Housing Information Centre
(613) 748-2367