Homes designed for Canadians
Developed with local architects and engineers in each region, the Housing Design Catalogue provides regionally tailored, adaptable, high-performance designs to address a range of housing needs across Canada.
Adaptable by design
The catalogue includes “accessible-ready” and “enhanced accessible” unit designs to make it easier for users to customize designs based on their needs at a lower cost.
- Accessible-ready designs can be converted to an accessible unit much more easily than homes designed without adaptability in mind. Where possible, at least one unit per design is accessible-ready and aligned with ASC-2.8: Accessible-Ready Housing.
- Enhanced accessible architectural layouts provide a detailed pathway for meeting key accessibility principles aligned with CSA/ASC B652:23 – Accessible Dwellings Standard
CMHC collaborated with Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) on the approach to accessible-ready and enhanced accessibility in the catalogue.
Various principles of Universal Design are integrated into the designs, with additional customization possible through site design, finishes and furnishings.
Energy performance and climate
All designs are future-proofed with climate performance targets that exceed minimum requirements in building codes. Those who want to go further also have the option to customize their plans.
- Base models aim for Tier 3 of the 2020 National Building Code (or Step 4 of the BC Energy Step Code). This level of performance reduces energy use and operational costs and improves comfort for residents.
- Tier 3 energy performance is primarily achieved through an efficient building envelope, with mechanical systems reflecting commonly installed options in each region.
- Designs include energy model templates and guidance to help run site-specific simulations, verify efficiency targets and further increase energy efficiency if desired.
- Beyond energy savings, the catalogue prioritizes climate resilience and emissions reduction.
- Each design includes life cycle analysis (LCA) results and additional guides to support material selection and resiliency.
Regionally informed
The catalogue reflects regional differences in design, construction practices, materials and housing needs. It incorporates the expertise of architects and engineers from each region across the country.
Designed for compliance
The designs follow regulations from jurisdictions across Canada, helping to align with local approval processes to help Canadians build more homes, faster.
Financially feasible
The catalogue aims to simplify and accelerate homebuilding by reducing risk and complexity.
- Standardized plans reduce the time and cost involved in designing a home. When combined with streamlined local approvals, they can speed up the design and construction process.
- Class B construction cost estimates establish a reliable basis for financial feasibility and proforma analysis.
- Catalogue designs can be used for both rental and ownership scenarios.
- Standardized designs can support prefab and off-site construction methods for components such as panelized walls, engineered trusses and bathroom pods.
