RC124 MayJun 2026 - Magazine - Page 32
CONSTRUCTION
Prefabrication and panelized systems can also greatly reduce
the project schedule. For example, the Evergreens Foundation built
the Pine Valley Lodge, a 100-bed seniors’ lodge in Hinton, Alberta,
using prefabricated and panelized components. By shifting much
of the work o昀昀-site, the project 昀椀nished 昀椀ve months faster than a
conventional build, while providing the community with a modern,
91,500 square-foot age-in-place facility that better supports local
seniors.
The same principle applies in the private sector. Whether it’s a
modular or prefabricated seniors’ residence, hotel or school, these
projects can open 25 to 50 per cent faster, generating revenue sooner
and reducing months of 昀椀nancing, insurance and carrying costs.
THE TAKEAWAY: The greatest bene昀椀t of modular and prefabricated
construction is speed. It enables project owners to move people into
homes sooner, unlock funding tied to delivery targets and create
lasting value in communities.
4. HIGHER QUALITY AND SAFER WORKSITES
There is a widespread belief that modular and prefabricated
construction compromises quality, but the opposite is true. Building in
a factory can create both higher-quality outcomes and safer building
conditions.
In a controlled environment, materials stay dry and protected,
trades work in stable conditions, and supervisors can monitor quality
across every module. Modules also need to withstand transport and
craning, so manufacturers use more structural material to produce
units that are often stronger than conventional ones.
32—RENEW CANADA – MAY/JUNE 2026
Worksites also become safer. In traditional construction, workers
face risks working at heights, handling materials in extreme weather,
or navigating uneven, debris-昀椀lled sites. Modular and prefabricated
construction shifts much of that labour to indoor manufacturing
environments that are ground level, clean, and climate controlled. When
housing modules arrive on-site, crews need to spend less time exposed
to active construction risks.
THE TAKEAWAY: Modular and prefabricated construction projects don’t just
save time, they deliver stronger, higher-quality buildings while creating
safer conditions for workers.
Strengthening communities
Modular and prefabricated construction changes more than how we
build homes—it changes how we deliver projects. Success doesn’t come
from the modules themselves; it comes from aligning the right people
with the right processes and delivery model.
When municipalities, non-pro昀椀t organizations and other a昀昀ordable
housing providers choose a collaborative delivery model, they unlock
the real strengths of modular and prefabricated construction: speed,
quality and safer outcomes. That means moving people into homes
sooner, strengthening communities faster and maximizing the return on
every investment.
If you’re considering modular or prefabricated construction for your next
a昀昀ordable housing project, start by choosing a delivery model like PDB or
IPD to foster early collaboration. It’s the 昀椀rst important decision you’ll make
to ensure your modular housing project delivers on its promise.
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