With Durham facing growing homelessness (see below), promoters feel that a recent modular housing project in Beaverton that allows for community-focused affordable living, may be an answer.
Affordable housing is often seen through the lens of numbers and budgets, but the development shows it can also be about community, dignity, and belonging, said the architect firm.
The Durham Modular Transitional Housing project in the Township of Brock, designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects for the Region of Durham, provides 47 self-contained bachelor suites while emphasizing spaces that foster connection, wellness, and integration with the surrounding neighbourhood, said the firm.
Addressing Urgent Housing Needs
The Region of Durham commissioned the project as part of a rapid-response initiative to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. Using modular prefabrication, the units were built off-site, transported, and installed on location, reducing construction time, minimizing disruption, and keeping costs predictable.
While speed and efficiency were essential, the project also prioritized human-centered design. Each suite offers residents private, functional living space, while shared amenities encourage interaction, support, and a sense of belonging.
Spaces That Build Community
The development is organized into two connected buildings. One houses the individual residential suites, and the other contains communal spaces open to both residents and the wider community. These include a dining area, workrooms, meeting spaces, and wellness support offices. Outdoors, landscaped gardens, bike storage, tables, and basketball hoops provide opportunities for recreation and social connection.
“The goal was to create more than housing,” says Daniel Ling, Principal at Montgomery Sisam Architects. “We wanted to build a place where people can live well, connect, and thrive. These communal spaces help residents feel supported and part of a community.”
Sustainable and Thoughtful Design
While the focus is on residents and community, the project also demonstrates sustainable, forward-thinking construction. Modular prefabrication reduces material waste and emissions, improves quality control, and allows for fast, predictable assembly.
The design integrates seamlessly into Beaverton’s rural neighbourhood, respecting the surrounding homes, streetscape, and natural landscape. Large windows frame views of Lake Simcoe and nearby greenery, while the exterior cladding and sloped roofs harmonize with the local context. Exposed steel connections and other subtle details celebrate the precision of modular construction without compromising the warmth and livability of interior spaces.
A Model for the Future
The Durham Modular Transitional Housing project offers a template for municipalities seeking rapid, high-quality housing solutions that put people first. By combining modular construction, sustainable design, and community-focused programming, it demonstrates that affordable housing can be innovative, inclusive, and integrated.
As communities across Ontario face ongoing housing challenges, Beaverton’s new development provides a clear example: affordable homes can enhance lives, strengthen neighbourhoods, and deliver lasting social value.
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