Standardized Housing Designs

​In a significant move to address Canada's housing crisis, the federal government has unveiled approximately 50 standardized designs for various housing types, including rowhouses, fourplexes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units. These free designs aim to streamline the construction process, reduce costs, and accelerate the delivery of new homes nationwide. ​

Key Features of the Standardized Designs:

• Comprehensive Packages: The final architectural design packages, expected this spring, will include detailed architectural and engineering drawings, site considerations, energy modeling guidance, and construction cost summaries.​

• Regional Adaptability: Developed by local architecture and engineering teams, the designs incorporate adaptability, accessibility, energy efficiency, and financial feasibility, utilizing regional construction methods and materials.​

• British Columbia's Contribution: For B.C., the designs were crafted by MGA | Michael Green Architecture, ensuring they align with the province's unique needs and preferences.

  
  

Federal Housing Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith highlighted that these standardized designs will assist smaller homebuilders by simplifying the design process, ensuring compliance with building codes, and aiding in cost estimation, thereby facilitating faster construction.​

The initiative also encourages provinces, territories, and municipalities to streamline and expedite approvals for these standardized designs. Funded by Budget 2024 with an allocation of $11.6 million for 2024-25, the project underscores the government's commitment to innovative solutions in tackling the housing shortage.

Notably, in September 2024, British Columbia's housing ministry released its own set of free standardized home designs, reflecting a collaborative effort across governmental levels to address housing challenges.​

By providing these resources, the government aims to empower builders and communities to contribute effectively to resolving the housing crisis, ensuring more Canadians have access to affordable and quality homes.

Here is a link to CMHC's standardized housing designs: https://www.housingcatalogue.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/

Here is a link to BC's standardized housing designs:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HOUS0164-001430