In Toronto’s east end, R-Hauz recently completed a prefab pilot project with major implications for the city’s housing crunch. R-Town is intended to offer a solution to Toronto’s “missing middle” the lack of modern, purpose-built housing for people who don’t want to live in a high-rise and can’t afford to buy a single-family home. “We’re in a housing crisis, and prefab isn’t the only solution, but it’s an important part of the solution,” says Catherine Krug, R-Hauz’s product director.

R-Labs CEO George Carras discusses why everything we now do in housing needs to improve, calling for an unprecedented level of collaboration between industry, consumers, and government.

“We’re scaling the concept in Toronto, building for non-profits and rentals. They have the land and we’re faster, more cost-effective and zero carbon (compared to conventional construction). With home ownership unaffordable for many, we focus on attractive, energy-efficient rentals that people can enjoy living in for the long-term.” Leith Moore

Homes that work for the long haul, transitioning to accommodate adult children and aging parents are gaining in popularity.

R-Hauz’s pilot project could signal a new era for mid-rise wood..

When communities found themselves squeezed out of city living, town planners in Toronto were forced to meet the challenge head on. With innovation at its core, the Missing Middle is now becoming an exciting new opportunity for development.

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the Ontario economy and impacted the short-term livelihood of millions of families. The immediate recovery imperative will be to fast track projects. It is hard to argue that getting Ontarians back to work should not be a government priority. Getting the cranes moving again on already approved projects is a positive step; construction is a leading employer in our province, and it will be a significant leader in job recovery.

R-Hauz secures funding to increase capabilities in product delivery and technology, invest in supply chain expertise and expand infrastructure in strategic markets.