Calgary-Led Consortium Launches to Solve National Housing Crisis - Copy
Calgary-Led Consortium Launches to Solve National Housing Crisis: The Future of Housing Consortium
Driven by a vision to revolutionize the housing sector, Arthrotó and a powerful coalition of innovation leaders today launched the Future of Housing Consortium. This ambitious initiative is dedicated to transforming housing from a slow, site-based process into a highly efficient manufacturing discipline through advanced technology.
Initiated by Arthrotó, with support from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (SAIT) Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS), the Consortium aims to establish a new, scalable model for residential construction that prioritizes speed, sustainability, and long-term affordability. The launch event took place at SAIT, highlighting the direct link between academic research and commercial application.
This collaborative effort is launched at a pivotal moment. The Consortium, led by Arthrotó, is viewed as a catalyst poised to amplify the Government of Canada's new Build Canada Homes initiative, igniting the real, systemic change required to industrialize how housing is manufactured and developed across the country.
“Canada is in a critical housing crunch, and we can’t solve it using yesterday’s tools,” said Douglas Hayden, CEO and Founder of Arthrotó.
“Our unique structure brings together the most advanced manufacturers in new construction materials, like ZS2 and Kalesnikoff, and applies cutting-edge technology to both fabrication and smart home operation. Our partnership with ARIS is absolutely crucial: they will assist us with research and development, robotics integration, and, most importantly, provide the future workforce required to industrialize this sector,” he added. “This isn't just about building houses faster; it's about building smarter, sustainable, client-ready homes that cost less to operate over their lifespan.”
Uniting Western Canadian Innovation
The Consortium is structured to leverage the specialized strengths of key regional Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), including Calgary-based Falk Built, turning a local challenge into a national solution:
ZS2: Contributing next-generation construction materials that improve resilience, insulation, and sustainability.
Falk Built: Specializing in prefabricated interior construction and modular solutions to dramatically accelerate on-site finishing and improve quality.
Lawson Projects: Providing construction and project management expertise focused on adopting new methodologies and supply chain efficiencies.
Kalesnikoff Mass Timber: Bringing sustainable and low-carbon construction materials, emphasizing the shift toward high-performance, mass-timber solutions.
Fabrication Meets Operation: The Smart Home Mandate
A core driver of the Consortium is the integration of advanced technology into both the fabrication process and the home's daily operations. This dual focus ensures that the benefits of speed and sustainability translate into long-term financial savings for the homeowner.
Key technological innovations include:
Digital Twin Technology: Creating a precise virtual replica of every home before it is built. This digital process dramatically reduces on-site errors, optimizes material use, and cuts construction timelines.
Smart Operations: Integrating comprehensive Smart Home technology to manage everything from lighting and air quality to appliances and power consumption. These systems optimize energy use and reduce utility bills, making the homes truly affordable over the long term.
By merging new construction methodologies with sustainable, high-performance materials and operational intelligence, the Future of Housing Consortium aims to deliver housing units that are not only quickly deployable but also future-proofed for the digital and low-carbon economy.
About the Consortium Partners
Arthrotó is an innovation strategy firm focused on industrializing construction, led by CEO and Founder Douglas Hayden.
SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services is a driving force behind Alberta's cutting-edge research landscape. With more than 121,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art research labs and facilities fueled by a dynamic team of 80+ research experts dedicated to providing services and solutions for organizations.
ZS2 specializes in manufacturing advanced, sustainable building materials.
Falk Built provides innovative prefabricated wall systems and modular interior construction solutions.
Lawson Projects is a recognized leader in efficient construction and project delivery.
Kalesnikoff Mass Timber is a leading Western Canadian supplier of sustainable mass timber products.
