International Offsite Roundup: Canada backs modular housing, Malaysia targets manufacturing and UK extends offsite framework

Canada places modular construction within national housing strategy
Canada’s federal government has outlined nearly C$30 billion (approximately A$30.9 billion) in measures intended to put the country on a path to ending homelessness within 10 years, with modular construction identified as one approach to accelerating affordable housing delivery. (main image: One of 50 cost-effective blueprints for homes—including modular, fourplexes and row housing (town houses) from Canada’s national Housing Design Catalogue.)

Announced as part of Budget 2026, the programme includes C$10 billion (approximately A$10.3 billion) through Build Canada Homes to support the development of approximately 25,000 supportive and transitional homes.

Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson highlighted the potential contribution of offsite construction during a visit to Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation’s Sunnyside development in Alberta on 6 November.

The six-storey modular building, being developed in partnership with ATCO Structures, will provide 198 affordable apartments. Earlier this year, the Canadian and Alberta governments committed C$12.5 million (approximately A$12.9 million) towards the development.

The broader federal housing strategy also includes more than C$750 million (approximately A$773 million) for measures intended to reduce construction costs and improve delivery times through streamlined approvals and standardised modern building methods.

While modular construction forms part of the government’s housing delivery strategy, the C$30 billion commitment covers a substantially wider range of housing, homelessness prevention, health and support services.

Malaysia calls for domestic modular manufacturing industry

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for greater investment in domestic modular construction technology and manufacturing capacity as the country works towards its affordable housing targets. (Image: SIBS manufacturing plant in Malaysia.)

Speaking at International Construction Week and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on 10 November, Anwar urged local businesses to develop, manufacture and commercialise modular building technologies rather than rely principally on imported systems.

The initiative is linked to Malaysia’s target of delivering 500,000 affordable homes by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan, within a broader national ambition to provide one million homes between 2026 and 2035.

Anwar said the transition towards industrialised construction would require investment in manufacturing facilities, technical skills, research and appropriate regulatory support.

He also emphasised the importance of adapting construction technology to Malaysia’s climate, environmental conditions and architectural requirements, rather than adopting overseas development models without modification.

Small and medium-sized contractors were identified as important participants in the transition, particularly where access to training, technology and commercial opportunities could support domestic manufacturing capability.

The announcement establishes a policy direction for modular construction, although specific investment allocations, manufacturing projects and implementation timetables were not identified.

UK extends £9.5 billion offsite construction procurement framework

The UK Government Commercial Agency has extended part of its Offsite Construction Solutions framework until 30 September 2027, preserving an established procurement route for public-sector clients seeking factory-manufactured buildings. (image: Reds10, a supplier appointed to the UK Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Offsite Construction Solutions framework.)

The framework, designated RM6184 and originally established in January 2023, has a stated procurement value of £9.515 billion (approximately A$18.5 billion).

The extension applies to Lots 1–4, which had previously been scheduled to expire on 31 March 2027. The revised date aligns the framework’s transition with the forthcoming Construction Works and Associated Services 3 procurement arrangement, known as RM6320.

The existing framework allows public-sector organisations to procure permanent and temporary offsite buildings, including design, manufacturing, transportation, installation and associated works.

Applications include educational facilities, healthcare buildings, accommodation and other public infrastructure.

The procurement model provides access to pre-qualified suppliers and supports the use of modern methods of construction, including volumetric modular systems and other factory-produced building solutions.

Lot 5, covering defence requirements, retains its separate expiry date of 23 January 2030.

The £9.515 billion figure represents the framework’s existing stated value and does not constitute new government funding or confirmed project expenditure.

US modular manufacturer completes 92-room hotel in Minnesota

US manufacturer RISE Modular has detailed the completion of a three-storey Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Alexandria, Minnesota, constructed using 52 volumetric modules. (image: RISE Modular’s Holday Inn.)

The 92-room hotel commenced operations on 14 August 2026, with RISE Modular publishing further project details on 11 November.

Manufactured at the company’s facility in Owatonna, Minnesota, the modules were produced while site preparation progressed, allowing construction activity to continue despite winter conditions and local labour constraints.

The project was delivered in approximately 10 months, with RISE Modular responsible for manufacturing, transporting and installing the modules.

Project partners included Runestone Hospitality, Nile Inc. and general contractor Tradesman Construction.

A distinguishing feature was the level of factory completion. Guestrooms arrived with furniture already installed, reducing the amount of onsite fitout required before the hotel could commence operations.

The development is the fourth modular hotel undertaken by IHG in North America and its first modular Holiday Inn Express in Minnesota.

The hotel includes an indoor pool, fitness centre, meeting facilities and electric vehicle charging stations.

RISE Modular operates a manufacturing facility of approximately 13,935 square metres in Owatonna and has delivered more than 1,600 units across the United States.