How did we get here?
252 solutions submitted.
26 solutions shortlisted, receiving up to $150,000 each to prototype their solution.
16 prototypes were selected for funding and will share a pool of up to $36.1 million to start implementing their solutions today!
Round 4 of the Challenge is called Building for the Future – Innovative Construction for Housing Affordability. This challenge seeks innovative construction processes, techniques, systems or materials that will increase the supply of housing that is affordable, climate compatible and meets people’s needs.
Explore the 16 innovative solutions that received funding to bring their ideas to life.
- Providing affordable housing to remote populations by rescuing, modernizing, relocating and repurposing good value homes
- Single stair alternative solutions: A construction innovation for "missing middle" housing
- Using pods and standard components to add multi-family housing to existing single-family lots
- Intergenerational apartments: A new type of affordable housing
- Skeetchestn Dodeca-Homes: Affordable, sustainable, durable, traditional and culturally healthy homes for rural and remote First Nations
- L.O.V.E (Localized, Optimized and Versatile Environments): An adaptable prefabricated housing solution for rural to remote communities
- Strength of the industrial network: Standardized construction system to work together to meet major housing needs
- Combined heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water all-electric solution for passive house and net-zero ready housing
- Living with water: Flood-resistant construction tool kit
- Platform for remote construction reviews and guidance for First Nation Communities
- Assembly manufactured solutions for modular wood midrise housing
- Magnesium cement building materials manufactured from recycled waste and captured CO2
- Moose Cree housing design prototype
- Preservation through innovation: A low-cost and sustainable timber retrofit for increasing housing supply via building reuse
- Development of self-powered wireless switches and sensors for reduced wiring costs and enhanced energy efficiency
- HAVEN: A 12-storey pre-engineered, prefabricated mass timber overbuild solution for existing buildings
Providing affordable housing to remote populations by rescuing, modernizing, relocating and repurposing good value homes
Renewal Home Development (Stage 1 applicant: Light House Sustainability Society)
To address the housing shortage and affordability crisis in Canada, governments are promoting the densification of Canada's urban areas. In Vancouver, developers are acquiring over 2,700 single-family homes in low density neighbourhoods to make way for higher density development.
Forty percent of the homes slated for demolition are in good to excellent condition and can be identified, rescued, retrofitted, relocated and repurposed in remote communities. This approach aims to transform these homes into affordable, low-carbon, climate resilient housing that meet peoples' needs. Relocating and repurposing existing homes is not only more cost effective than new construction methods, it's also quicker with relocation possible in as little as 10 weeks.
By incorporating innovative strategies such as a modernization facility, transporter kits and moving multiple homes at the same time, the team seeks to reduce costs and carbon impacts. The team has conducted preliminary pilots and is now preparing to replicate and scale this process as a cost-effective turnkey housing solution.
As part of the implementation stage, plans are underway to leverage home identification software, centralize modernization processes and accelerate adoption through community engagement and education.
The team's goal is to provide 40 renewal homes in year one and 265 per year by year 5. This will benefit Indigenous communities and non-profit housing providers.
Single stair alternative solutions: A construction innovation for "missing middle" housing
LGA Architectural Partners
In Canada, multi-unit residential buildings require at least 2 exits for safety. However, international examples show that with extra fire protection features, buildings can be safely designed with one exit staircase.
This approach supports "missing middle" housing, maximizing land use on smaller properties while improving sustainability and design flexibility. A single stair design can add enough floor area for roughly one extra bedroom on each floor of the building. This could result in thousands of extra bedrooms in a city and make small-scale developments more financially feasible. This solution also makes it easier to include an elevator and make the building fully accessible to wheelchairs. Single-stair design can also allow for more natural light, fresh air and more family-friendly apartment layouts.
As part of the implementation stage, the team will prototype their solution by collaborating with 10 other architects across Canada. They will scale, replicate and adapt the single-stair solution for different cities and types of small, multi-unit residential buildings.
Using pods and standard components to add multi-family housing to existing single-family lots
Smallworks
To provide more housing options and improve affordability, the government of British Columbia is allowing up to 4 units on single-family lots across the province. Faster, cheaper and more efficient building methods are required since traditional construction practices cannot keep up with the demand. Smallworks, an experienced infill housing development design-build company, is filling this gap by leading a scalable and efficient approach to address pressing housing need. Their construction system includes 3 elements:
- A standard bathroom pod with mechanical room and a common wet wall for a kitchen. This high-quality main component is built in a factory and shipped to the site and installed in hours. The component is then surrounded by a high-performance wall system.
- Mass customization of the rest of the structure is done by using standard components, such as wall and roof panels, that can be fitted on-site for different infill lots.
Some sites will benefit from a Helical Pile foundation system. This eliminates the use of concrete and associated carbon emissions and the need for deep foundations.
Training construction personnel to have multiple skills both on and off site will increase productivity and result in infill homes being built faster.
As part of the implementation stage, the team will share this model with other infill housing, commercial and multi-family building developers. This collaborative response aims to build greener infill housing faster.
Intergenerational apartments: A new type of affordable housing
Village Urbain
There is a growing number of multi-generational households in Canada because of high housing costs, loneliness and an aging population. This living arrangement lets households save on monthly expenses and services, such as rent or caretaking. However, standard designs of high- and mid-rise buildings do not meet the needs of multi-generational households.
Village Urbain and Sid Lee Architecture will implement prototypes of intergenerational apartments in Laval. They will use a range of prefabricated modular construction designs that can be combined to create a variety of adaptable layout options. To adapt to changing household composition over time, the modules can be configured and then reconfigured after construction.
After installation, the prototype will be used for experimentation and research into intergenerational living. The main goal is to show that this new type of housing is practical and feasible, setting an example for future multi-generational projects on a larger scale.
Village Urbain will create a development guide to give architects, builders and municipalities the tools they need to build this type of housing. By highlighting the individual and community benefits, the project aims to change how intergenerational housing is perceived and developed, helping to build a more resilient future.
Skeetchestn Dodeca-Homes: Affordable, sustainable, durable, traditional and culturally healthy homes for rural and remote First Nations
Skeetchestn Natural Resources LLP
Dodeca-Homes offers eco-friendly and affordable homes that can be assembled quickly. Dodeca-Homes introduces a unique building system rooted in the traditional Secwepemc, 12-sided post-and-beam pit home design.
Using Douglas fir sustainably sourced from the Secwepemc Traditional Territory, this solution addresses the issues of insufficient housing supply and local unemployment. The homes are manufactured at Skeetchestn Band using prefabricated fir timber frames covered with structurally insulated panel building envelopes. The simple designs are culturally appropriate, affordable, durable and energy efficient. These modular house kits are easily packaged and shipped to communities and can be made weatherproof within a month. The modules can be connected to form bigger complexes.
As part of the implementation phase, the team aims to franchise their knowledge of timber-framing, design and building science. This will give First Nations all over Canada the opportunity to produce their own Dodeca-Homes. This will include predefined, certified and rigorously tested variants for many climatic and site-specific circumstances, using the Dodeca-Homes supply chain. The goal is to provide a product that addresses the need for housing on reserve and encourage First Nation communities to build their own housing. Training through micro-credentials will ensure that trainees are certified building professionals, contributing to local skilled labour and economic development.
L.O.V.E (Localized, Optimized and Versatile Environments): An adaptable prefabricated housing solution for rural to remote communities
Michael Green Architecture
Remote, coastal and island communities in British Columbia face significant housing challenges due to logistical, supply and site conditions. A partnership between BC Passive House's prefabrication process and Michael Green Architecture's people and planet focused design philosophy aims to address these issues.
This partnership aims to create an adaptable platform that can provide an affordable, localized, culturally appropriate and energy efficient solution to communities across BC and beyond. Prefabrication reduces material waste and time on site, reducing per unit costs. The design is then optimized so components can be shipped in a flat-pack format. The adaptable platform allows for rapid customization to suit individual end users without "starting from scratch" each time. The erected module size has been carefully considered to allow it to be internally subdivided into multiple unit typologies, from 3-bedroom single-family homes to duplex and triplex configurations.
MGA and BCPH partnered with the Texada Island Non-profit Seniors Housing Society and the Sts'ailes First Nation. Each partner community is seeking to build a variety of housing options using this approach.
The implementation phase involves the construction of a demonstration project at the Telmexw Awtexw Healing Centre in the Sts'ailes First Nation. This will involve unique partnerships with trades for elements such as roofing and interior finishing. Further partnerships will be explored to manufacture systems components and demonstrate the advantages of prefabricated "plug-and-play" components.
Strength of the industrial network: Standardized construction system to work together to meet major housing needs
Québec Wood Export Bureau (QWEB)
QWEB is a non-profit organization working with 3 prefabrication companies to develop a new volumetric modular construction system. This innovative approach, called GoKit, is based on a technical platform that maximizes industrial networks. It allows a large number of high-performance housing units to be built simultaneously by different manufacturers and then assembled together into larger buildings.
This solution offers a multi-manufacturer response to the significant need for affordable housing in Canada. The work done so far through the Housing Supply Challenge shows that GoKit is a promising option for groups focused on building and advocating for community housing.
The implementation stage will see a full-scale prototype built in Québec using the GoKit technology. This will highlight the affordability and resilience of these homes, thanks to advances in construction methods and building efficiency. To scale-up, the team plans to get more manufacturers to start using the GoKit system to expand its use.
Combined heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water all-electric solution for passive house and net-zero ready housing
Peel Passive House Consulting Ltd
This innovative solution introduces an all-electric heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and domestic hot water (DHW) system. It is tailored for both new and existing multi-unit residential buildings. The goal is to provide a cost-effective solution for transitioning from fossil-fuel-based systems to a low-load, low-carbon electric system. This construction solution supports Passive House/Net Zero Ready and Deep Energy Retrofits and has 2 main elements:
- A single cold climate heat pump that handles both heating, cooling and providing domestic hot water.
- A cold air distribution system, which uses very low temperatures to increase the cooling capacity of the air delivered to indoor spaces. This allows the ventilation system alone to meet all cooling and heating demands efficiently.
Currently, there is no commercially available mechanical system designed for very low passive home loads. Simplifying the mechanical components for these homes will reduce both the initial mechanical investment costs and ongoing energy costs.
Cold air distribution is a proven solution already used in the commercial and industrial sector. From the first stage of the project, lab experiments have demonstrated that this system can work in residential settings and be delivered comfortably for the occupants without the risk of condensation or mould issues.
As part of the implementation phase, this solution will be tested in several projects across different provinces and climates. This will be done for up to 2 years with ongoing adjustments to optimize the system's performance.
Living with water: Flood-resistant construction tool kit
Architecture Without Borders Québec (AWBQ)
In Canada, 15 million people live in flood zones where their homes could be affected by heavy rain. In addition, almost every home is at risk of water-related incidents such as sewer back-ups and broken pipes. It's important for construction and renovation projects to adopt a long-term perspective on living with water.
Architecture Without Borders Québec (AWBQ) has recently created "Housing + Flooding" fact sheets (available in French only). These guides provide best practices for adapting residences to be more resilient to flooding. AWBQ is working with university partners and the private sector to develop technical specifications for the installation of flood protection equipment and resilient architectural design based on laboratory tests and computational modelling.
To promote wide adoption of these flood resiliency practices, the team is partnering with the Government of Québec, municipalities, professional associations and insurance industry stakeholders. Together, they are developing training programs adapted to specific audiences and diagnostic tools to help check homes for flood risks. These tools aim to help make smart choices to protect housing from flooding.
Platform for remote construction reviews and guidance for First Nation Communities
AECO Innovation Lab Inc.
The AECO Innovation Lab, in partnership with the First Nations National Building Officers Association, has introduced the groundbreaking Platform for Remote Construction Reviews. The platform uses 3D reality capture tools to scan construction sites in First Nation communities.
This innovative approach transforms physical sites into virtual 3D environments, enabling efficient and detailed construction reviews. Scans create a virtual 3D environment where construction reviewers can remotely "walk through" sites. This allows them to identify issues that may affect the safety and longevity of buildings.
Due to the remoteness of many First Nation communities, on-site construction reviews are costly and difficult to coordinate. This solution makes comprehensive construction reviews accessible and cost-effective, reducing costs by up to 90%.
As part of the implementation phase, an administrative component will be developed to facilitate communication between the communities and the reviewers. This will include forms to submit requests (including the ability to submit documents), a case management system that supports construction review workflows and a way to deliver reports to communities.
Assembly manufactured solutions for modular wood midrise housing
Assembly Corp. (formerly R-HAUZ Solutions Inc.)
Assembly is changing the way housing is designed, built and assembled. Building affordable housing faces challenges such as inefficient one-off custom design, lengthy onsite construction and growing labour shortages.
Assembly builds standardized and prefabricated all-wood mid-rise housing that is faster to design and construct than traditional construction and is also more sustainable and affordable. Their turnkey housing solutions transform underutilized spaces in urban centers to increase housing supply and support social infrastructure.
As part of the implementation phase, Assembly plans to refine their standardized building components (kit-of-parts) and manufacturing process. They will do this by setting up a micro-factory near their targeted markets. Components are designed to be easily assembled on-site like Lego pieces, allowing for a range of housing designs. Combining productized building components with micro-factories for use-in-time logistics management could offer a scalable model for prefabrication across Canada. The organization intends to share their experiences through a learning network that connects stakeholders across the industry.
Magnesium cement building materials manufactured from recycled waste and captured CO2
ZS2 Technologies Ltd.
ZS2 creates construction materials that are strong, safe and have a low-carbon footprint compared to other cement board products. They produce precast magnesium cement boards from Canadian materials including mine waste, post-consumer recycled glass, carbon capture and waste brine.
These boards are used to custom manufacture structurally insulated wall, floor and roofing panels and other components. Building materials made from the boards resist humidity and offer a climate resilient construction alternative. By turning waste brine into high-capacity CO2 storage cements, these products offer affordable and sustainable alternatives to current practices for developing affordable and accessible housing.
As part of the implementation phase, the team will continue to work with a network of partners and collaborators to bring this technology to market. This includes working with local experts to bring products to construction industries. This hybrid distribution model allows these products to be used to build affordable housing from BC to Québec to Nunavut.
The products will undergo additional third-party testing for certification in new regions. Concurrently, ZS2 is developing additional made-in-Canada solutions and testing for new applications for this solution. They are also scaling production by purchasing state-of-the-art manufacturing lines.
Moose Cree housing design prototype
Moose Cree First Nation
Moose Cree First Nation is developing a new Indigenous-led housing prototype that reflects cultural values and traditional way of life. This initiative aims to build housing that is comfortable, affordable, climate-compatible and culturally appropriate.
The design incorporates unique features such as a central exterior cook tent for gatherings, a kookum suite for Elders and space in a separate garage for hunting and harvesting activities.
The house has been designed to accommodate higher occupancy rates through layout and ventilation. The prototype house will define a new construction standard for the community. The house will be built on a raised screw pile system to eliminate basements and crawl spaces. Walls and the roof will be constructed from a high-performance conventional wood framed envelope. All mechanical services in the house will be easily accessible to simplify maintenance. These measures and construction innovations will address common issues including mould, ventilation and maintenance.
As part of the implementation phase, the team will experiment with and refine prototypes for various layouts, aiming to serve as the new construction standard for Moose Cree First Nation. These adaptable prototypes can be customized in various combinations and are designed to support multi-generational living. These solutions could lead to the construction of 200 to 300 homes over the next 3 to 5 years. The prototype project will not just be an example project for Moose Cree First Nation, but it will serve as inspiration for other communities within Mushkegowuk Territory.
Preservation through innovation: A low-cost and sustainable timber retrofit for increasing housing supply via building reuse
McGill University
Canada is facing a housing shortage and the cost of building new homes is often prohibitive – especially in dense urban areas. Additionally, many buildings are reaching the end of their lifecycle, while others are vacant and in need of significant renovations.
To address this issue, this solution uses strategically placed low-cost timber framed panels to reinforce existing unreinforced masonry components. This approach can help improve the structural and environmental performance of existing structures. This approach increases housing availability while reducing carbon emissions. The project is focused on Eastern Canada. The region is home to a large portion of Canada's population and has many old masonry buildings.
As part of the implementation phase, the solution will be further tested and enhanced. This will be done through standardization that will allow prefabrication from readily available off-the-shelf components. The system can be manufactured and installed with common construction equipment. The retrofit can be adapted to be installed on the interior or exterior of a building's masonry components. It is designed to reduce disruption to existing building occupants. When applied at scale, there is potential to speed up and expand the conversion of existing buildings for residential use.
Development of self-powered wireless switches and sensors for reduced wiring costs and enhanced energy efficiency
University of Alberta
Self-powered wireless light switches and sensors can reduce the cost of electrical wiring for homes. However, the current battery-powered option requires frequent maintenance for battery replacement or recharging. This solution aims to develop and market wireless switches and sensors that harvest ambient radio frequency energy supplied by a few radio frequency power transmitters placed throughout the house.
This product has the potential to reduce both the material and labour costs for electrical wiring by up to 50%. Reducing the need for wiring can also make renovating much more affordable. These programmable switches will allow homeowners to save thousands of dollars on energy costs in the long term.
During the implementation phase, the team will take the proof-of-concept prototype to market. They will do this by developing a commercial self-powered wireless switch and its associated modules for use in residential housing.
The product development will be jointly carried out by the research team at the University of Alberta and the engineering and business team at the spin-off company, VitaWireless Inc. Throughout the process, several partner organizations will help by providing technical, product development and business consultations. Partner organizations will also provide access to houses under construction to field test the developed products.
HAVEN: A 12-storey pre-engineered, prefabricated mass timber overbuild solution for existing buildings
Archangel Ventures Inc
Archangel Ventures has developed HAVEN (C), a 12-storey, prefab, pre-engineered net-zero-emission mass-timber structure. This structure can be installed on top of existing class B and C office buildings. This initiative builds on precedents in Australia, Sweden and the Netherlands. It takes advantage of under-used air rights, existing site servicing and spare structural capacity in reinforced concrete structures. The solution leverages the high strength to weight ratio of mass timber to expand and convert commercial buildings into new, adaptively reused, low-carbon housing.
Buildings are carefully selected for their structural capacity, floorplate configuration and existing site servicing capacity to ensure they can add additional floors of housing. Archangel's research is predicting that about 200 to 250 units could be added per site and made available at 30 to 35% below current unit costs. The added housing can be built in 12 to 18 months. Designed as a purpose-built rental solution, HAVEN adds housing supply to existing neighbourhoods with amenities and transit access.
To support efficient scaling, Archangel Ventures has partnered with Nordic Structures, Canada's largest mass timber manufacturer and installer. This will leverage Nordic Structures' vertically integrated supply chain and in-house installation capacity. A building identification framework helps to pre-select suitable office buildings for this solution.
360 buildings in the Greater Toronto Area have already been identified with an estimated 2,000 more across Canada that could be potential sites for HAVEN. The team assembled to develop and deliver HAVEN includes industry leaders such as Multiplex Construction, ARUP Engineers, TAS Developments, Aspect Structural Engineers, BIM Studio, Vortex Code & Fire and Aercoustics.
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