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Housing project combines mass timber construction with Passive House certification

ReNew Canada October 21, 2025 5 min read
Nenew Canada
Housing project combines mass timber construction with Passive House certification
AI Article Summary

The 1620 Main St. E. project in Hamilton combines Canadian-sourced mass timber construction with Passive House certification, marking it as the first affordable housing project in North America to do so. With a budget of $25 million, it was designed to be a replicable model for high-performance, sustainable housing. The building employs advanced techniques like modular prefabrication, resulting in rapid construction and energy efficiency. It has gained national recognition as a replicable model that responds to urgent housing needs while supporting decarbonization goals.

What This Means for Canadian Contractors

This project shows how Canadian builders can meet sustainability and affordability targets by using local materials and innovative building techniques like prefabrication. For Canadian builders, this means a growing emphasis on sustainable materials and design practices, which could influence future construction regulations and funding opportunities. It highlights the increasing viability and importance of rapid housing solutions that cater to community needs while supporting decarbonization goals.