User:G&-xxx-M&/modular supportive housing project of toronto

This page will talk about a specific project the city of Toronto is working on to improve the lives of specific individuals by providing homes.

Modular Supportive Housing Project Of Toronto

The Modular Supportive Housing project of Toronto, is a project that is currently focusing on providing permanent, better quality long-term housing for those currently experiencing homelessness as well as helping those needing a more affordable housing situation to help prevent future homelessness. The city of Toronto, Ontario Canada decided to move forward on its project to increase the supply of affordable housing across the city as part a movement called HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, which involves the city creating 1,000 new modular homes. As of late they have already built or are planning to build 500 affordable homes.

What Has Been Accomplished

modular housing phase one designed by Montgomery Sisam Architect

The firm Montgomery Sisam Architects was assigned this job and has completed Phase 1, which includes two small-scale buildings on two distinct sites,

accommodating a total of 100 new homes, each home consisting of a bachelor suite with a kitchen and washroom, Each building also has a

communal kitchen, dining room, administrative space and program spaces. These buildings are located in residential neighborhoods, offering access to

public transit as well as good health community services. The integrated spaces were also designed to be welcoming as to fulfill one of its aims,

combating the stigmas associated with homelessness. This phase (fig1) (fig2) was completed in a mere 6 months after starting the design processes.

What Is Being Worked On

modular housing phase two designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects

The firm has also started on phase 2 of the project, phase 2 follows the same goals as the first on a much bigger scale. Phase 2 is an additional 398

units across six distinct sites in the city. It also includes test-fit studies for an additional 12 sites under consideration for future phases of the Rapid

Housing Initiative. Their plans, however, have evolved to reflect several lessons learned; these include the layouts of the rooms and building to

better accommodate those using the spaces, better function as well as the opportunity to expand on the building as necessary in the future,

integration and landscaping with the surrounding land, and better mechanical and electrical conditions.

What Is Modular Construction

example of modular construction

By employing the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities, a structure is created in "modules" off-site, under

controlled plant settings, in about half the time, and is then put together on site. (fig3) The high level of quality control that takes place throughout production in a

regulated factory environment making for a quicker construction timeline, improved commissioning, and higher cost certainty just to name a few advantages of this

pre-fabrication method. Off-site manufacturing also lowers transportation expenses, waste creation on- and off-site, greenhouse gas emissions on-site, and the

amount of space needed for staging when building on a small site.

References

Photo accreditation to the firm Montgomery Sisam Architects website; used with their permission.