Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

Catalyst Land Development is developing a revolutionary a new residential building model that focuses on modular housing units that can be expanded or contracted according to the needs of homeowners. The premise of this housing model is to create homes where additional rooms/living space can be easily added or removed through a ""plug-in"" model of home renovation. While this type of modular housing has been previously discussed as an efficient model of home ownership given the demographic changes in the Canadian population, there are surprisingly few examples of this type of building practice. A key issue in building this innovative type of housing is the ability to easily connect/disconnect electricity, natural gas, fresh water, telecommunications/data and sewer services from a local utility. Previous research conducted by Okanagan College and industry partners enabled development of a viable concept and prototype for electric utility plug-in connections for modular homes. This proposal will build on that success by examining plug-in concepts for the other utilities. This R&D project will also examine municipal permitting requirements and BC Building Code specifications that will need to be considered in prototype designs. The new modular housing concept will embrace leading edge sustainability construction practices, affordability and mobility requirements, and will satisfy a unique market need not already met. These new plug-in utility modular homes will reduce market demand for new housing stock and provide a viable infill solution to the ongoing housing crisis in Canada. Research findings will be of interest to land developers, engineers, municipal governments, construction managers, regional economic development groups, educational programs and architects.