In the bustling realm of Ontario’s housing market, modular construction is emerging as a beacon of hope amid a pressing demand for new homes. However, as Albert Bendersky, vice-president of design at Hamilton’s BECC Modular Solutions, points out, several barriers must be dismantled to fully harness this innovative construction method.

Chief among these obstacles is the absence of formal pre-approval or recognition by provincial and municipal authorities for standardized modular units. The existing building code, described as inflexible, does not yet accommodate the revolutionary technologies that modular construction could bring to the fore.

In an effort to bridge these understanding gaps, BECC recently hosted a group of planners at its facility, coinciding with the annual Ontario Professional Planners Institute conference. During this event, Bendersky emphasized the potential of modular construction to meet various municipal and aesthetic requirements, stating, “We can achieve the same results that have been achieved before,” advocating for a shift towards new technological solutions in the sector.

The essence of resolving the housing crisis, Bendersky asserts, lies in the mass-production of high-quality buildings. This involves integrating 21st-century industrial technologies akin to those used in automobile and electronics manufacturing. BECC, for instance, leverages Hamilton’s high-grade steel as a key component in their process, although other materials like wood or concrete are also viable.

The manufacturing process at BECC begins with pre-cut and pre-drilled steel parts, assembling modules complete with wiring, piping, insulation, and more. This modular approach aims to significantly reduce time and costs, paralleling modern industrial efficiency.

Bendersky highlighted a current project for a California client to illustrate the efficiency of modular construction when supported by an effective approvals system. Unlike Ontario’s layered planning and political processes, California’s system allows for streamlined approvals, enabling projects to proceed without repetitive bureaucratic hurdles.

To truly enhance the adoption of modular construction in Ontario, Bendersky suggests the development of a pre-approval system by large municipalities. Such a system would expedite projects by alleviating some of the red tape associated with building permits, especially for small to mid-size developments.

The integration of new technologies into the building code is essential, as existing codes hinder progress by not recognizing the capabilities of modern construction methods, Bendersky explained.

In conclusion, BECC is on the cusp of further technological advancement with plans to introduce robotic systems, poised to enhance manufacturing speed and efficiency. As the industry becomes more sophisticated, sustainable construction standards like Passive Haus and net-zero should become achievable goals, mirroring traditional building achievements.

Despite these challenges, the sector is advancing rapidly with the help of Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms and AI tools, enabling a more scientific approach to construction. Follow Don Wall on X/Twitter for ongoing updates in this rapidly evolving field.