State of Housing: Prefab, Mass Timber, and 3D Printed Housing Making Inroads in the GTA

As Ontario’s population expands and socioeconomic pressures mount, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) faces an urgent need for innovative housing solutions. This article delves into how alternative construction methods—such as prefabrication, mass timber, and 3D-printed housing—are gaining traction as viable strategies for addressing the housing crisis in the region.

The Housing Crisis in the GTA

Toronto’s housing market is experiencing unprecedented pressure. Prices continue to soar, leaving many residents unable to find affordable housing options. This situation has sparked a surge of interest in construction methods capable of delivering homes more quickly and sustainably than traditional methods. As housing demands grow, the emphasis shifts to innovative building techniques that promise efficiency and affordability.

Prefabricated Housing: Rapid and Affordable Solutions

Prefabrication stands out as one of the most promising methods for addressing the housing crisis. Systems designed for rapid assembly are being implemented to create emergency shelters and affordable living spaces.

A stark example is the Rapid Housing Initiative, which has recently leveraged modular construction techniques. This initiative allows for the construction timeline of housing projects to shrink from years to mere months, all while adhering to rigorous design standards. One landmark project, 1120 Ossington Avenue, completed just 17 working days after construction began, delivers 26 affordable units on a compact infill site, showcasing the accelerated pace of prefab housing.

Modular Homes as Transitional Solutions

The City of Toronto has expanded its Modular Housing Initiative, emphasizing transitional housing intended for those moving out of homelessness. Notable ongoing projects include the 185 Cummer Avenue development in Willowdale, which is set to provide 59 studio units designed specifically for individuals facing housing instability.

By manufacturing housing components in factories, modular projects significantly cut down both construction time and costs. Early residents of these units reflect a growing optimism as transitional models are implemented in various neighborhoods.

Image: Modular housing at 185 Cummer Avenue, image by Ed Skira

Scaling Production: The Mattamy Homes Approach

Pioneering the shift towards prefabricated homes is Mattamy Homes, which is doubling down on the concept of modular manufacturing through its new venture, Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc. (SAMI). This innovative facility, measuring an impressive 450,000 square feet, is designed to produce 3,000 residential units annually with the assistance of robotics and artificial intelligence.

The facility will not only increase production efficiency but drastically cut the time required for residential buildings, exemplified by their fast-track commitment to a six-storey building expected to be complete in less than six months. Such advancements promise to be pivotal in alleviating the housing shortfall in the GTA.

The Role of Mass Timber in Sustainable Housing

In parallel with prefabrication, the mass timber movement is finding its footing in Toronto. Companies like Leader Lane Developments and Windmill Development Group are engaging in several projects incorporating prefabricated wood systems. Noteworthy among them is Hälsa at 230 Royal York Road, which is set to attain LEED Platinum certification through the use of high-efficiency envelopes and eco-friendly materials.

The use of mass timber allows for lighter structural systems, meaning that less heavy materials are needed in the foundations. Thus, not only do these projects contribute to sustainability, but they also promise lower construction costs.

Image: Halsa at 230 Royal York, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor HousingNowTO

3D-Printed Housing: The Future of Construction

Though still in its infancy, 3D-printed housing is gaining momentum in Toronto. Companies like Leostar Development Group and Printerra Inc. are exploring large-scale printers that can fabricate structural components on-site. The potential for this technology is immense; by cutting labor costs and speeding up assembly, 3D printing could offer yet another method for rapidly delivering affordable housing.

However, broad adoption of 3D-printed homes will require alignment with building codes and regulatory standards, which are still under consideration.

Policy Support and Future Innovations

Encouragingly, the federal government is backing these innovative construction methods through initiatives like the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative, which allocates funding for modular and mass timber housing technologies. Moreover, Ontario is exploring bio-based materials such as hempcrete and mycelium composites for sustainable housing solutions.

As cities scramble to meet future housing needs, innovative building practices are crucial. With a target of nearly 430,000 to 480,000 housing starts annually through 2035, Toronto emerges as a proving ground for these experimental techniques.

Conclusion

As the housing crisis in the GTA intensifies, innovative construction methods are steadily paving the way for new possibilities. Prefabricated systems, mass timber, and 3D-printed houses offer a glimpse into how urban environments can not only meet existing demands but do so in a sustainable and efficient manner. These advancements signal not just a change in how homes are built, but a pivotal transformation in the narrative surrounding urban living in Canada.

In this ever-evolving landscape, the city’s ability to adapt and support these innovations will be critical in ensuring that all residents have access to safe, sustainable, and affordable housing.