Why Offsite Construction is the Right Choice for Affordable Housing in B.C.

Nomodic to build first modular supportive homes in Terrace and Smithers

CALGARY, AB – Nomodic, a design-build firm specializing in hybrid prefabricated construction, will begin building the first modular supportive housing complexes for Terrace and Smithers this year, as part of BC Housing’s Rapid Response to Homelessness initiative.

“Our passion is to create positive change and leave things better,” said Kevin Read, CEO of Nomodic. “We are honoured to have been chosen by BC Housing to build these apartments and help get people into a comfortable home as quickly as possible.”

The buildings will be three stories each. The Terrace complex will be 27,000 square feet and have 52 suites, while the 14,000 square foot Smithers complex will include 24 suites.

“Prefabricated or modular housing is the best way to succeed in a rapid response housing initiative,” said Read, adding that the build process is significantly faster than traditional housing while exceeding the quality of construction.

Prefabricated housing offers many benefits in addition to faster construction and occupancy. Building the homes offsite in a controlled indoor environment allows for improved cost and schedule certainty, less disruption to the community, greater precision and quality control, greatly reduced construction site waste, and superior worker safety among other benefits.

“Our hybrid approach to construction allows us to find the right solution for each project through the integration of multiple material and component types,” said Read.

The buildings will include all-commercial kitchens and will exceed energy code requirements – features not normally found in supportive housing. Both complexes will also feature indoor and outdoor communal living and dining spaces.