As Canada grapples with the increasing need for sustainable and affordable housing, Assembly Corporation has emerged as a critical player in addressing these complex challenges. Founded in 2018, Assembly excels in modular, turnkey building solutions, specializing in multi-unit residential projects throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Using solid wood and lightweight framed wood panels manufactured off-site, Assembly's innovative construction techniques enable more sustainable and efficient construction than traditional methods.
Assembly streamlines the construction process while committed to creating spaces that are both humanizing and environmentally conscious. Their sustainable building practices focus on medium-sized housing and urban infill, leveraging existing infrastructure to avoid urban sprawl that threatens our natural landscapes. With a portfolio of six completed and twelve ongoing projects, Assembly's method of using prefabricated wood products promises a scalable solution for delivering affordable, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing homes.
Looking north at 1602 Queen Street East, image courtesy of Assembly
In February 2021, Assembly marked a milestone with the completion of its pilot project at 1602 Queen Street East (above), the first six-story mass timber and mass timber residential building in Ontario. Designed by SMV Architects, this groundbreaking project showcases Assembly's sustainable building practices. Research from the Center for Climate Change Management and the Energy and Power Innovation Center at Mohawk College found that this pilot project operates with 35% less operational carbon per square foot compared to similar residential buildings.
Looking at Assembly's portfolio, all of the products listed below include cross-laminated timber (CLT), solid wood floor panels and light frame engineered wood wall panels that are prefabricated on a large scale. High-performance envelopes and efficient mechanical systems result in building performance that is between 20 and 55% above legal requirements. Each project includes 20% more accessible units than the building code requires.
The 60 Bowden Street project, in collaboration with Woodgreen Community Housing and designed by McCallumSather Architects, will transform the Danforth Baptist Church site with affordable housing specifically tailored to underserved seniors. By incorporating a geothermal heat pump system, the eight-story building optimizes energy consumption while providing a full range of health and wellness supports.
Looking southwest at the Danforth Church Housing Addition, designed by McCallumSather for Assembly Corporation and Woodgreen Community Housing Inc
Currently under construction, 215 Wellesley Street East is an eight-story residential project designed to provide supportive units specifically designed for women emerging from incarceration and experiencing poverty. CMV Group was the design architect and the architect of record is McCallumSather. A geothermal ground source heat pump is integrated into this building. Located in Cabbagetown, the building also includes essential support services on the ground floor to help residents develop essential life management and employment skills.
The collaborative project under construction at 2217 Kingston Road between Assembly and the Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Designed by McCallumSather Architects and Smoke Architects, this six-story building is designed to provide transitional housing and comprehensive support for formerly incarcerated Indigenous women. True to indigenous teachings of respect for the land, this project features a geothermal ground source heat pump ensuring environmentally friendly operation.
Thunder Woman Healing Lodge designed by McCallum Sather Architects for Assembly Corporation and Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society
7 Vanauley Street will serve as an inclusive space in Toronto's Alexandra Park. This six-story affordable housing project, undertaken in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, will provide housing specifically for 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. By using a geothermal ground source heat pump for heating and cooling needs, the rent-earned-to-income model ensures that no tenant pays more than 30% of their income for housing.
An aerial view of 7 Vanauley Street, designed by CMV Group Architects for YMCA of Greater Toronto
Finally, 1120 Ossington Avenue is an infill project under construction in Toronto's Davenport neighborhood. Designed by architect Smart Density and registered architect McCallum Sather Architects, this three-story project is a strategic addition to an existing converted church, expanding its capacity by 26 affordable units. The meeting here focuses on the rapid provision of housing, especially for groups in need. This building is constructed of solid wood and equipped with air source heat pumps.
Looking southwest at 1120 Ossington Avenue, designed by Smart Density for Assembly Corporation
Assembly continues to push the boundaries of sustainable building and affordable housing. The company is poised to further innovate with advances in modular building technologies, accessibility and sustainable practices to create more livable, resilient and inclusive urban environments.
UrbanToronto will continue to monitor the progress of these developments, but in the meantime you can learn more in our database files linked below. If you'd like, you can join the discussion in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the designated area on this page.
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