March 18, 2024

Horizon Unveils Canada’s Largest Neighborhood Using Onsite Robotics

Horizon Legacy is unveiling plans for a new neighborhood, founded on innovation and the use of automation in the construction sector.

Author
Claire Belerique

Horizon Legacy is unveiling plans for a new neighborhood, founded on innovation and the use of automation in the construction sector. The announcement was made during CEO Nhung Nguyen's keynote address at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's National Housing Conference '24, held in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The project comprises of 26 stacked townhouse units in the form of long-term rental apartments for a mix of bachelor, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

"At Horizon Legacy, we are confident that technology and automation can help solve the housing crisis.  Our company believes in this idea so much, that we’ve undertaken to build one of the first and largest housing developments in Canada using onsite robotics," remarked Nhung Nguyen, CEO at Horizon Legacy. "The town of Gananoque has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and we are incredibly grateful for their support and collaboration."

A key innovation showcased in this project is the use of on-site robotics for construction. The first floor exterior walls will be constructed using onsite robotic technology—a process that has the potential to be faster and cheaper than traditional methods.  This groundbreaking approach underscores Horizon Legacy's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in construction automation and technology.

Central to the project's ethos is a commitment to affordability and sustainability. 30% of the units—eight in total—will be made available for affordable rentals, ensuring that a diverse range of individuals and families can call this waterfront community home. The entire building will be powered by electricity, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.  The robot is creating wall assemblies that exceed national building code performance, achieving a thermal performance of R-30, compared to current residential standard of R22.

"We are barely scratching the surface," added Nguyen. "With each project, we are continuously exploring new ways to increase automation capabilities, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the building and construction's carbon footprint."

The town of Gananoque is poised to benefit immensely from this transformative development, which not only brings economic opportunities but also enriches the community's cultural landscape. With a thriving arts and culture scene, Gananoque is well-positioned to welcome residents and visitors alike to experience the best that waterfront living has to offer.

As construction commences on this groundbreaking project, Horizon Legacy remains committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of development. We embrace innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing sustainability. Horizon Legacy is shaping a brighter future for communities across Canada

Key highlights:

  • The Gananoque project is a housing development comprising of 26 stacked townhouses, with a combination of bachelor, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms
  • The project is the first and largest neighborhood in Canada using an onsite robotics strategy
  • 30% of the units - 8 units - will be available for affordable rentals in accordance with CMHC's definition of affordability
  • The project is achieve a minimum of 20% decrease in energy intensity and a minimum of 20% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions relative to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB)
  • The project is being financed, developed, and constructed by the Horizon Legacy Group, a 70 year old developer of large scale infrastructure projects in Canada
  • Horizon Legacy's goal is to solve the problem of labour shortage and affordable housing by developing new automation technologies and processes for the construction industry