Challenges and Solutions

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN), in collaboration with industry experts and over 400 First Nations, estimates that $349.2 billion is needed by 2030 to address critical infrastructure gaps, including housing, water, and roads. According to the Auditor General of Canada 2024 report Housing in First Nations Communities, there are approximately 119,000 housing units in First Nations communities, yet 80% of housing needs — including new construction and repairs — remain unmet.

Brian Porter, the principal architect and owner of Two Row and Eh-Ni-Da-Se, has worked with over 50 Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States. Driven by a mission to resolve housing challenges for his people, he believes that Horizon Legacy’s 3D concrete printing technology offers a scalable and culturally relevant solution. Using concrete as the primary building material can help reduce long-standing air quality and mold issues. Many communities face overcrowding, poor ventilation, and aging homes – conditions that contribute to elevated rates of respiratory illnesses and other health impacts.

Horizon Legacy is using its deep development expertise, technology, and capacity to support Brian’s vision. Together, Two Row and Horizon are pioneering a new model that integrates innovation with Indigenous leadership to address the urgent housing crisis across First Nations in Canada.

Equally significant, this project marks a breakthrough in applying world-class construction robotic technology to multi-story residential construction. It tackles several key challenges, including:

• Adapting robotic construction systems for mid-rise residential buildings.

• Deploying multiple robots as a coordinated construction method.

• Engineering structural, load-bearing walls using robotic systems.

• Developing high-performance materials suited to harsh, cold climates.

• Integrating automation with traditional trades for scalable implementation.

• Reducing environmental impact through electrification and enhanced thermal performance.

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Key Features

• Architectural Complexity
  An arc-shaped design rooted in Indigenous principles, turning its back to the winds and facing the sun, demonstrates the capabilities of precision automation to create expressive, non-linear forms.

• Onsite Robotics
  The building is constructed using three robots: VAL 2.0 and two new systems referred to as Dolly. Each robot is operated by a four-person crew. The robots are constructing the building's superstructure and building envelope with speed and accuracy.

• Indigenous-Led Design
  Architectural design by Two Row Architect, ensuring cultural integrity and alignment with community values.  

• Energy Performance
  Robotic fabrication enables airtight, high-performance wall assemblies that improve efficiency and occupant's comfort.

• Low Emissions
  All-electric building systems eliminate operational greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Canada’s climate targets.

• Labour Efficiency
  Robotic construction consolidates multiple trades into a unified process, accelerating delivery and complementing existing construction practices.

• Environmental Stewardship
  Onsite 3D concrete printing reduces construction waste and water use compared to conventional methods.

• Site Security & Workforce Transparency
  Automated construction reduces the need for large onsite crews, lowering traffic and enhancing safety. All personnel are registered, trained, and clearly assigned roles. The project also engages local trades from Ohsweken and Brantford region.

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Outcomes

The Eh-Ni-Da-Se project reinforces Horizon Legacy’s leadership in construction innovation. By bringing robotics to a multi-storey residential build, Horizon is proving that automation can deliver architecturally ambitious, energy-efficient, and cost-effective housing at scale.

Key outcomes include:

• Housing delivered faster and at lower cost than traditional on-site construction.

• A fully automated building system for multi-storey residential projects that can be shipped and deployed anywhere in Canada with minimal overhead.

• Execution of the world’s largest 3D-printed residential building.

• Demonstrating that robotic construction can produce bespoke, culturally significant buildings.

• A scalable blueprint for Indigenous housing and a replicable solution for mid-rise housing nationwide.

Our Impact

Horizon Legacy and Two Row Architect are advancing a bold vision for the future of construction. Eh-Ni-Da-Se proves that robotics can deliver speed, cost efficiency, and design flexibility while remaining culturally responsive and environmentally responsible. By streamlining the building process, reducing labour needs, material waste, and delays, this project shows how innovation can make high-quality housing faster, more affordable, and better aligned with Canada’s urgent housing goals.

Additional Resources

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Calls for Urgent Action to Close the Infrastructure Gap by 2030 in Landmark Report - Assembly of First Nations

HOME | Two Row Architect

Housing triggers health problems for Canada's First Nations - The Lancet

Poor housing conditions linked to respiratory health issues in young First Nations children - CHEO Research Institute

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