A study led by Perkins&Will suggests modular mass timber could help Canada accelerate housing delivery while reducing environmental impacts and strengthening domestic construction capacity.

The study proposes a housing system that combines modular design, off-site manufacturing, and engineered timber components. The proposed system streamlines design, approvals, and construction. It uses a standardized structural grid and co-ordinated building systems to support different unit types, building designs, and site conditions.

The study says prefabricated mass timber can shorten construction timelines by shifting more construction into controlled manufacturing facilities. This improves quality control, reduces on-site labour requirements, and creates more predictable project delivery.