Blueprint #1: Deploying Automation for On-Site Construction
In Conversation with Archer Compton
Director of Strategic Growth at Horizon Legacy
Background
Canada faces a critical construction labour shortage: one in five workers will retire in the next decade. This “brain drain” threatens the nation’s ability to meet its goal of building 5 million homes over the same period. Traditional construction methods cannot keep pace. To deliver the housing Canadians need, we must fundamentally rethink how we build.
Solution
On-site robotics provide a solution—bringing industrial-grade precision, reliability, and scalability. By integrating with digital models, we can unlock faster and smarter building methods. This is not just about eiciency; it gives construction workers powerful new tools that reduce the burden of manual work and extends the capacity of the workforce. Reinventing the industry is never easy, but Horizon Legacy is breaking through the barriers. In Gananoque, Ontario, we proved that on-site robotics can transform homebuilding and set a new standard for the future of construction in Canada.
Case Study
The Gananoque project is a housing development comprising two townhouse blocks, totalling 26 units. The first-floor perimeter walls were built using on-site robotics, aided by a team of five, while the second storey was built with timber. For builders, this project represents the first on-site proof-of-concept deployment of robotics in a Canadian residential project.
The robotic system, led by a 7-axis robot called VAL 2.0 and supported by a concrete pumping system, executed a complete wall assembly of concrete, serving both as self-supporting structures and building facades. Every wall was pre-programmed, allowing the robot to construct precisely according to the digital model.
Impact on Housing
Improved Labour Efficiency: On-site robotics, aided by a team of four, completed the Gananoque walls on schedule with fewer personnel, demonstrating significant productivity gains.
Increased Access to Affordable Housing: In the Gananoque project, 30% of units are designated as affordable rentals, expanding access for those who need it most. Horizon Legacy’s on-site automation is driving faster delivery of much-needed affordable housing.
Modern Living at Lower Costs: Automation enables 8-foot windows, 9-foot ceilings, and other modern amenities while keeping hard construction costs under $300,000 per unit.
Sustainability & Lifecycle Analysis: The buildings are all-electric, with exterior walls rated R-30, cutting energy use by 20% and greenhouse gas emissions by 67% relative to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) standards.
Implementation Considerations
Design with Purpose: Align building design with robotic capabilities to maximize efficiency and compress construction timelines.
Optimize Material Performance: Leverage robotic and additive construction to accelerate workflows and enable earlier initiation of subsequent construction stages.
Stakeholder Engagement: While designs comply with Ontario Building Code standards, deepening collaboration with government and engineering partners drives adoption of robotic construction technology.
Integration with Trades: Align construction stages to allow robots to work seamlessly alongside existing trades, further accelerating project timelines.
