What Is Modular Housing? Understanding ISO Shipping Containers and Steel-Based Modular Construction

Modular construction—using either repurposed ISO shipping containers or custom steel-based modules—is redefining the way we build homes in Canada. From compact ADUs and laneway homes to multi-storey affordable housing, modular systems offer faster build times, superior quality control, and greater design flexibility compared to traditional construction. For homeowners, developers, and municipalities alike, modular solutions provide a cost-effective, sustainable, and scalable path to meeting the growing demand for housing, while minimizing neighborhood disruption and construction risk.