Canadian Government Turns to Mass Timber, 3D Printing, and Modular Construction to Speed Affordable Housing

Canada is turning to mass timber, 3D printing, and modular construction to fast-track affordable housing on its Atlantic coast, Wood Central reported (11-11-24).

The move comes after the Trudeau government announced it would establish the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII), a $50 million (CAD) fund over the next two years to reduce construction time and costs, making housing more affordable and sustainable.

The RHII promotes advanced building methods, including the following:

• 3D-printed homes: Large-scale 3D printers quickly create walls or entire structures with materials like concrete, cutting down on construction time and labor.
• Modular homes: Built in sections off-site, these “modules” are transported and assembled on-site, reducing time and waste while maintaining quality.
• Mass timber construction: Engineered wood replaces traditional materials like steel, creating a strong, renewable alternative with lower environmental impact.

“This initiative will build homes in a matter of weeks, not months,” said Gudie Hutchings, Canada’s Minister for Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The latest commitment comes just months after Canada pledged to invest $600 million (CAD) into prefab manufacturing, mass timber construction, panelization, 3D printing, and pre-approved housing designs, which amounts to one of the strongest commitments by a national government to supercharge social and affordable housing.