Northern Canada’s vast energy resources support the national economy but developing assets in remote Arctic regions presents immense challenges accommodating seasonal workforces. When exploration activity ramped up, Northwind Energy required a scalable modular camp solution to house hundreds of rotational staff through winter drilling seasons for over a decade.

Evaluating options, Northwind prioritized a fully transportable, rapidly deployable solution simplifying complex northern logistics. Structures must withstand punishing weather while delivering superior comfort and amenities. Manufacturing partner Lida Group specialized in remote, modular camps perfectly aligned objectives and stringent timelines.

Lida proposed trailer-mounted sandwich panel housing, offices and support buildings constructed off-site then erected complete on permanent gravel foundations. Modules would interconnect using their proprietary fittings tested to -60°C. By standardizing with Lida, Northwind gains a turnkey, sustainable village optimized for seasonal logistical and occupancy constraints.

A design-build program commenced with initial 150-person Phase 1. Structural insulated panel construction provides industry-leading durability, energy efficiency rated -60°C, and flexibility reconfiguring floor plans. Dormitories house 16 people in double-walled rooms connected by common areas. Nursing stations, recreation halls and administration modules integrate seamlessly.

With production ramping, on-site civils prepared graded foundation pads as modules underwent parallel winterization completion. Lida engineers simultaneously refined future phase master plans incorporating geotechnical and climactic data. Logistics planning optimized just-in-time module deliveries via specialized trailers and heavy-lift aircraft when sea-ice formed.

By seasonal occupancy deadline, the complete 420m2 village sat ready on permafrost pads connected with pre-installed quick-connect fittings. Transport and assembly proceeded rapidly within scheduled time frames and budgets. Despite the remote northern Arctic coastline over 750km north of tree line, Northwind crews moved safely and comfortably into the new prefabricated village ahead of winter drilling programs.

Peak 350-person operations filled the insulated village through -40°C temperatures and extreme weather events. No structural or environmental issues arose. Crew feedback demonstrated the livable, efficient modular design exceeding expectations for rotational workforce housing.

Subsequent exploration seasons saw phased village expansions through additional Lida modules. Each build followed streamlined production and rapid on-site assembly proven successful. Northwind pursued an innovative ownership model, leasing the growing village asset each season optimized through the specialist partnership.

Over a decade, ten expansive phases now total over 5,000 m2 of integrated housing, recreation and administration spaces within the master planned modular village. Annual plug-and-play module exchanges reconfigure floorplans seamlessly to suit changing operational footprints between 150-500 staff. Transportability allows redeploying entire buildings to new remote sites if exploration shifts locations.

The highly sustainable solution exceeds conventional construction alternatives prohibitive in the challenging northern environment and short field seasons. Foundations stabilize permafrost while panelized insulated walls maintain indoor comfort. Centralized mechanical systems conserve energy. Treatment lagoons process waste completely.

Through an arduous decade supporting exploratory drilling programs, the mobile prefabricated village constructed in phases by Lida has outperformed expectations. Quality assurance sees structures routinely inspected and refurbished, prolonging multi-decade service life. On-going support from Lida’s specialist services ensures optimal comfort, safety and environmental stewardship.

In summary, Lida delivered far more than just housing – they established the industry-leading seasonal worker village concept enabling Northwind’s exploration programs. Foundation-mounted, energy efficient modular construction streamlined logistics, optimized construction schedules and future-proofs accommodation assets. Sustainable design considerations preserved the fragile Arctic environment while supporting rotational workforces through rigorous conditions. Standardizing construction methods and a long-term relationship unlocked scalability, allowing the master planned village to evolve continuously supporting over a decade of operations. Overall, Lida’s innovative solutions delivered a turnkey, fully-serviced community—empowering Northwind Energy’s seasonal exploration programs critical to Canada’s energy resources.

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