Our Innovation Journey

Our Story Begins Here

Inspired by science and technology we decided to embark on a journey of discovery and innovation.

Our focus on efficiency and precision was key to developing and improving the QUBE system. And perseverance.

We saw a need in the marketplace for a simple, intelligent building system that should offer great value, be intuitive to build, easy to transport and based upon manufactured steel modularization.

We designed a system from the ground up starting with the modular building blocks. We call it QUBE.

To Live Better

We create living and efficient buildings for the benefit of those who inhabit them. And everyone else.

We owe it to our children to lead the way to sustainable and carbon neutral living spaces.

We have but one planet to share and thrive.

System in Action

Each section of this project was installed in a single weekend.

Early Development

First Generation Prototype

A generic square placeholder image with rounded corners in a figure. — Fabrication of adaptors

Development of the First Generation System

Our first generation prototype was a proof of concept and Intertek certified.

We had initially considered using containers but quickly came to the conclusion that these would not work for what we wanted to accomplish.

We developed a method to interchangeably install container corners on our first generation modules, and then to replace them with our own proprietary connectors.

This gave us the option to transport our modules as containers and once on site, to use our own structural connectors and superior modules.

Testing the ground floor adaptors

Regardless of the pre-measurement and efforts at precision, if the ground floor adaptors are fixed, then the modules will likely get stuck. Once the adaptors are loosened and allowed to travel a little bit, the modules fit effortlessly.

Stacking Test

As our project began to take shape we needed to solve even more challenges.

Our first generation system was designed and developed to 'pretend' to be shipping containers, but without the structural and environmental downsides, and with the benefits of low tolerance connectors and structural flexibility.

Transportation

Our first generation prototype was a proof of concept and Intertek certified.

The first generation modules were successfully transported with container ISO connectors on container chassis semi-trailers.

They were also successfully tested on regular semi-trailer flat beds.

More Stacking

More testing was done to ensure effective stacking using our proprietary connectors.

We conducted several trucking and stacking tests to ensure that our system performed as per our designs and engineering.

And it did.

First Generation Connectors

Oh ya, they fit like a glove.

Completion of the Prototype

Beginning of the final stage of the prototype

Following initial fabrication and extensive testing, the modules were transported to our Burnaby warehouse where they were ultimately fully completed.

The Finished Prototype

The first generation modules were designed as a one-bedroom apartment of 660 square feet. The space between both modules was open.

The modules were inspected during construction and Intertek certified CSA A277.

Below is a short list of features:

Non-combustible construction
1-hour fire rating
Sprinklered
Exterior continuous insulation
Ducted heat pump with ERV for fresh filtered air
LED lighting with smart controls
Fibreglass windows

More Info

Second Generation Development

Development of the Second Generation System

Our second generation system featured an improved frame, bracing, floor structure and connector..

Our second generation system did not conform to ISO container standards and therefore flexible dimensions of the modules were possible, leading to more flexible building configurations.

The second generation system was again rated non-combustible and due to the improved connectors, could be configured for higher buildings, in 1-hour and 2-hour fire ratings.

Testing

We conducted several types of tests at the factory.

Once the frames of the modules were considered structurally complete, we conducted stacking tests, road transportation tests.

We also conducted separate stacking tests to observe the real-life functionality of our modular building envelope components.

Rapid Site Assembly

With our second generation connectors, modules are designed to effortlessly engage with one another for rapid site assembly.

More Info

Third Generation Development

Sustainability

We aim even higher toward environmental leadership with our 3rd generation system.

Beyond passive house levels of air tightness and insulation.
Integration of renewable energy production from solar and wind.
Water management and re-use.
No tar-based products are used and nothing is burned in our manufacturing process.
Nothing is burned and no greenhouse gas is emitted during the operational life of our buildings.
High efficiency, cold weather heat pumps provide year-round comfort and low energy loads.
Domestic hot water pre-heated via heat pumps for additional energy efficiency.
Energy recovery ventilation provides fresh, filtered air year-round.
Our buildings are made primarily of recycled, precision rolled, cold-formed steel. No trees are cut to produce our buildings. Steel is infinitely recyclable and is the most recycled material on our planet. more than all other materials combined.
Our buildings are designed to last well into the future, and are inherently more sustainable due to their long lifespan.
Our buildings are designed and intended as permanent buildings however, optionally, they can be easily disassembled and reassembled in a different location.

iQ Computational Modeling

We've been developing proprietary software that enables us to visualize various building configurations and models.

Then the working drawings, are automatically produced.

Manufacturing instructions are sent directly to production robotics.

Resilient Buildings

Our 3rd generation system is 2-hour fire rated and is designed for low to mid-rise buildings and to withstand fires from any source.

Our buildings are engineered to be structurally resistant to earthquakes of the highest magnitudes.

High wind resistance is also modeled into our structures and building envelopes.

Our building envelopes are engineered to resist to water infiltration of all kinds, even water flowing in an upward direction, since heavy precipitation coupled with high winds will force water in all directions, including upward, along the faces of a building envelope.