Canadian timber construction expertise is helping Mongolia alleviate an urban housing crisis.
Wood products and building knowledge from British Columbia (BC) has resulted in two demonstration homes being officially opened in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar.
The homes follow an agreement signed last year between BC and the Mongolian government in which the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT) helped Mongolia update its residential wood frame construction building code to Canadian standards and provided training and technical support.
The houses showcase how the new standards can be applied to local needs and will promote residential wood frame housing, as well as training in construction and related trades.
More than 1,000 potential homebuyers toured the homes before the official opening.
Wayne Stevens of BCIT said Canadian building systems were suited to Mongolia’s needs.
“Like Canada, Mongolia experiences cold winters and requires energy-efficient, safe and flexible housing technology to meet the needs of its population,” he said.
Meanwhile, BC forests minister Pat Bell said rapid urbanisation was creating a housing shortage in Mongolia.
“BC’s expertise in wood-frame construction offers Mongolia an affordable, energy-efficient housing solution and continues to create new international marketing opportunities for BC wood products,” said Mr Bell.
