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Panelised CLT system replaces modular at Rapid Housing Initiative site.
Canadian architectural practice Montgomery Sisam Architects has adopted cross-laminated timber (CLT) prefabrication to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing in central Toronto, in a shift from modular construction used in earlier developments. (credit all renders: Montgomery Sisam Architects.)
Located at 35 Bellevue Avenue in the Kensington Market neighbourhood, the 78-unit project forms part of Phase 3 of the City of Toronto’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), which aims to deliver permanent housing with integrated support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the development includes onsite access to health care, meals, and employment resources. Rents will be geared to income and capped at 30 per cent.
CLT was selected for its ability to reduce construction timelines and improve design adaptability. Flat-packed panels are delivered to site with pre-cut openings for windows and service chases. These prefabricated elements include the elevator core, floors, roof, exterior walls, and internal structure, enabling quicker installation while accommodating a variety of site conditions. Unlike traditional modular approaches that rely on volumetric units, CLT supports faster construction without constraining architectural expression.
The system also contributes to sustainability outcomes. The project’s embodied carbon is estimated at 200–225 kgCO₂e per square metre, while the thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI) has been modelled at 28.8 kWh/m² per year. A green roof and rooftop solar panels support long-term energy performance, aligning with Toronto’s emissions reduction targets.
The design responds to the fine-grain urban context of Kensington Market. Rather than a single block, the building is arranged around a central courtyard with staggered massing to reduce visual impact. Deep red standing seam metal cladding was selected to reflect the area’s architectural language while giving the development a distinct identity. A previously informal pedestrian route across the block has been formalised as part of the design, improving permeability and local access.
Apartments are compact but functional, with natural light prioritised in every unit. Studios and one-bedroom layouts include dual-aspect glazing to enhance daylight and liveability. Shared areas such as a community kitchen, lounge spaces, and dining facilities open onto the courtyard and support resident interaction, while also offering quiet zones for privacy.
The same CLT prefabrication system is being applied at a second RHI site, reinforcing its potential for use across different urban locations.
