Construction Business Review

Arctic Modular Homes
Architectural Excellence in Arctic Housing

Stuart Rostant, Founder, Arctic Modular HomesStuart Rostant, Founder
Established in 2023, Stuart Rostant and Amanda Doiron’s Arctic Modular Homes is a pioneer in providing sophisticated housing solutions for remote communities. Benefitting from more than a decade of personal experience living and working within the Arctic region, the owners bring forth architectural proficiency and a commitment to excellence in modular construction.

Arctic Modular Homes distinguishes itself by tackling the unique challenges faced in the Arctic—a niche inadequately addressed by traditional modular construction firms. Its success further hinges on the company’s understanding of the logistical hurdles encompassing skilled labour recruitment, regulatory compliance, transportation and the logistics of building in the Arctic.

Rostant emphasizes the importance of offering a start-to-finish service, stating, “Our accumulated expertise and insights help mitigate the challenges that newcomers typically encounter in northern projects.”

In 2010, Rostant and Doiron relocated to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, initially serving as project managers for the Government of Nunavut, overseeing a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from sewage lagoons to air terminal buildings and Hamlet offices. They encountered the housing dynamics that were heavily influenced by the Nunavut Housing Corporation which administers approximately 70 to 80 percent of the housing stock. The duo’s experience in staff housing and the construction of their own Arctic dwelling provided critical insights into the unique demands and potential solutions for living in such an extreme environment. These experiences laid the groundwork for Arctic Modular Homes’ signature approach to building homes that can withstand the Arctic’s harsh conditions and unique challenges.

To ensure unparalleled insulation, the firm leverages cutting-edge envelope systems, notably Greenstone’s ICE panelling which features seven-and-a-half-inch thick walls and roofs and floors composed of nine-and-a-quarter-inch structural foam panels.

These measures produce remarkable R-values, 43 for roofs and 35 for walls, significantly enhancing energy efficiency. Besides insulation, this approach effectively combats thermal bridging and prevents mould growth, a pivotal concern in the north, ensuring longevity with a projected lifespan exceeding 200 years.

Building upon their years of success, Rostant and Doiron have shifted their focus to multiplex designs, incorporating prefabricated elements like structural insulated panels (SIPs) to shorten construction timelines with numerous instances showcasing buildings that were built within 10 to 12 days.

In addition, the firm recognizes the constraints of the limited building season in the Arctic regions and focuses on efficiency and timely completion within fly-in and fly-out communities. Its modular units are designed for swift deployment, with plug-and-play functionality that streamlines the transition from delivery to occupancy. Homeowners can expect to move in quickly, typically within three weeks to a month.

Our accumulated expertise and insights help mitigate the challenges that newcomers typically encounter in northern projects.

Another differentiating factor is Arctic Modular Homes’ commitment to community development. An exemplification of this claim is the firm’s collaboration with the Nunavut Housing Corporation on a pilot Pathway to Home Ownership program that enables young Inuit professionals to become homeowners. This program involves training sessions on budgeting, home maintenance, and the realities of homeownership to help individuals effectively manage their homes.

Over the years, the firm has observed that homeownership has seemed unattainable for many generations of Inuit, making it a daunting prospect. While challenges persist, Arctic Modular Homes is optimistic about the scalability of its initiatives and the potential long-term benefits they can bring to Nunavut communities. One significant milestone is the company’s successful advancement in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Northern Housing Supply Challenge.

In 2022, the Arctic Modular Homes submitted an application to address the challenges of remote construction in Canada. The firm’s proposal stood out from a pool of 187 applicants, securing its place in the final stage. With plans to construct a state-of-the-art facility of 16,000 square feet in Winkler, Manitoba, the company is poised for significant expansion, aiming to deliver its first pods to northern regions by 2025. This marks a critical moment for Arctic Modular Homes, propelling the company closer to its mission of transforming remote housing solutions and making a lasting impact on the communities it serves.