Off-site Construction Research Centre

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About the competition

In the ever-evolving landscape of construction and architecture, our third annual Off-site Construction Student Design Competition has once again succeeded in pushing the boundaries of innovation and the potential of off-site construction. This competition brought together students and industry professionals to tackle real housing challenges faced by New Brunswickers, emphasizing the importance of off-site construction solutions. For the first time ever, we paired students up with industry mentors to create impactful designs that could be implemented in real-world scenarios.

The competition challenged project teams to develop modular designs that combat the "missing middle housing" problem. With a focus on innovation in modular, prefabricated, and panelized construction, teams were tasked with creating designs that could be utilized by manufacturers to meet the increasing demand for affordable housing in New Brunswick.

2023 Student Design Competition

First prize: Transition

Team: Kateryna Stokoz, Luke De Bartolo, Stefan Giro (Toronto Metropolitan University)
Mentor: Alex Caskey

Second prize: Simplex

Team: Til Schmitt-Ulms, Aryan Star, Gashtiyar Fathullah (University of New Brunswick)
Mentor: Samantha Taylor

Third prize: Housing For All

Team: Alex Cameron, Tyler Henderson, Tanner Stewart (University of New Brunswick)
Mentor: Peter Corbyn

These winning designs have now been made available as open-source materials on the UNB libraries' platform, allowing for wider access and potential adoption in future projects.

Open-source designs

Honorable mentions

While the top three designs stole the spotlight, the competition also acknowledged the outstanding efforts of several other teams. Honorable mentions were given to teams from Toronto Metropolitan University, University of British Columbia, University of New Brunswick, ETS Montreal, Ryerson, and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Concordia University, showcasing the diverse range of talent and ideas in off-site construction.

Competition acknowledgements

The success of this competition would not have been possible without the generous support of the funding partner, Modular Building Institute. Their commitment to fostering innovation in construction and housing has played a pivotal role in making this event a platform for ground-breaking ideas.

What’s next?

The top three prize-winning teams are now gearing up to present their innovative solutions at the Canadian Home Builders Association conference in Saint John, New Brunswick, scheduled for May. This opportunity not only recognizes their achievements but also provides a platform to share their ideas with industry professionals and experts in the field.

Reflection

The Off-site Construction Student Design Competition continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation in the construction industry. By bringing together students, mentors, and industry partners, the competition not only addressed real-world housing challenges but also contributed to the ongoing conversation surrounding the future of construction and design. As the winning designs become open source, they have the potential to inspire future projects, shaping the landscape of off-site construction for years to come.

Funding partners