BECC Modular Bringing Solutions For Toronto’s Affordable Housing Crisis | UrbanToronto
It is very clear Canada in general, and Toronto in particular, is facing an affordable housing crisis. What is less clear is what is being done to address it, and what solutions are open to us, but solutions are being sought, some more imaginative and innovative than you might think.
There are clever companies working on the issue, such as BECC Modular, which in its Ancaster, Ontario factory is custom manufacturing sustainable steel frame modular building units at scale to deliver high quality buildings faster and more economically than traditional buildings.
Finished module interior, image courtesy of BECC Modular
After 15 years as a general contractor, BECC transitioned to modular in 2020 to address the urgent need for rapid, sustainable and cost-effective building solutions. “There was a chronic skilled labour shortage and a gap in the market for quick and efficient construction methods, particularly in the affordable housing sector,” says Ali Ozden, CEO and Principal of BECC Modular. “We recognized that we could leverage our expertise to innovate and deliver market-leading products that meet these critical demands.”
By utilizing high-quality, durable materials, BECC’s innovative approach has drastically reduced construction time and waste in streamlining the process to help clients reach project goals faster. BECC uses light gauge steel frames and in-house manufacturing to create long-lasting modular buildings that align with modern needs for affordability and rapid deployment, particularly in the housing market.
BECC serves various markets including affordable housing, mid-rise residential, healthcare, education, hospitality and specialized sectors such as long-term care and food services, providing versatile modular solutions across a broad spectrum of industries. The majority of the manufacturing takes place in Ancaster, then the modular buildings are shipped and installed on-site. The savings are considerable through this approach.
Factory floor in Ancaster, Ontario, image courtesy of BECC Modular
“Modular buildings present significant savings primarily due to reduced construction times and minimized labour costs,” says Ozden. “Efficiency in material usage and reduced waste also contribute to the cost effectiveness. For instance, the controlled factory environment allows for precise construction, less material waste and faster project completion, which cumulatively leads to lower overall costs compared to traditional construction, typically in the range of between five and 30 per cent.”
A major advantage is how building modular and then shipping to a site impacts the on-site construction, offering quieter and cleaner operation. Since much of the work is done offsite, there’s considerably less noise, reduced traffic from workers and deliveries and minimal on-site waste, leading to less neighbourhood disturbance – something everyone in the GTA can appreciate.
“After modular delivery, the on-site assembly involves craning into position, aligning and securing the modular units onto the prepared foundation and to each other,” explains Ozden. “This stacking process is quick and efficient, often completed in a matter of days and involves connecting utilities, making plumbing and electrical connections between units, then sealing the modules together and finalizing the exterior and interior finishes. This is another big benefit for neighbours who could otherwise be living through months of disruption.”
A prime example of BECC’s work is a recent three-storey, 27-unit affordable seniors housing project in Chatham, Ontario where they rapidly deployed modular units to create high-quality, sustainable housing. The project addressed the housing crisis by providing fast, affordable and energy-efficient solutions.
Construction of the seniors housing project, image courtesy of BECC Modular
According to Ozden the largest barrier to growth of this solution is the lack of awareness and understanding of modular construction’s benefits in Canada and overcoming misconceptions about quality, durability and design flexibility. “The moment people see the quality of projects being done in Japan, Sweden or the United States, they get it and we need more market and government leaders to have that ah-ha moment,” he explains.
An aerial view of the construction of the seniors housing project, image courtesy of BECC Modular
There is no question at BECC that modular housing is a pivotal solution to Toronto’s affordable housing crisis as it allows for the rapid deployment of high-quality, affordable homes, meeting urgent housing needs efficiently and sustainably, aligning with government initiatives to increase the housing supply quickly. Design standardization policies to come will allow costs to be driven down even further, making modular an even better choice.
“It’s important to highlight that modular construction is not just about building faster, it’s about innovating responsibly,” says Ozden. “By prioritizing sustainability, embracing cutting-edge technology and focusing on quality, we’re not just constructing buildings, we’re building a better future.”
Rendering of the seniors housing project, image courtesy of BECC Modular
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