R-Hauz Blog
Tag: Research
By: Aaron Mariash | July 10, 2023
BIM Chat: Vol. 1, Issue 1
Welcome to the first issue of BIM Chat! At R-Hauz, we toss around the word BIM often! BIM Chat will be our new blog series serving to demystify exactly what we mean when we say BIM, and how we leverage it to make our building process more effective. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. Our design team primarily uses a software called Revit to model 3D versions of R-Suite and R-Town products for our projects. BIM is not only used to help us create our drawing sets, but the softwares contain a wealth of other information to help us build better,...
Read MoreBy: Gillian Barker | August 13, 2020
The How: Innovating the Construction Supply Chain
Here at R-Hauz, we talk a lot about providing housing as a product, more specifically a product that is faster, cheaper, and more sustainable than the traditional housing options available. When it comes to how we can deliver a housing solution that meets these high standards, a lot of it comes down to the design process and supply chain. These are two key areas where we are looking to innovate and pass on the benefits to our customers! R-Hauz is pleased to announce that it will receive advisory services and up to $130,000 in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial...
Read MoreBy: Salman Khalili | July 23, 2020
Beyond Software: Building With BIM
In our last blog, we went into detail about our construction methods. In the spirit of explaining how and why our building process varies from the traditional, we interviewed our resident BIM expert, Salman Kahlili. Our collective experience as a team is what enables us to create our products in new and more effective ways than those currently on the market. With a Ph.D. and Postdoctoral research experience Salman is specialized in building information modelling (BIM) and digital technologies in the building industry. Currently, on top of working at R-Hauz, he teaches BIM and digital technologies at the University of Toronto....
Read MoreBy: Will Baigent | May 1, 2020
A Research Series: Switching Lanes
The aim of R-Hauz is to create products that contribute to developing a healthier and more sustainable city. We believe that a consistent lack of research in the building industry has created barriers to innovation in construction. More specifically, academic literature linking laneway housing, or other secondary suites, to sustainable development also appears to be widely missing. Will Baigent, Sustainability and Value Engineering Coordinator at Footprint Engineering , completed his Master Thesis in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science at Lund University (Sweden). In sharing findings from his thesis titled, “Switching lanes: The Potential of laneway housing in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto,...
Read MoreBy: Natalie Browne | April 16, 2020
A Research Series Part Two: Challenges In Housing Affordability
As it stands, the city’s current urban infrastructure is incompatible with the demand for affordable housing in Toronto. Combined with this, rising land costs point to the importance of the self-solve model. Property owners looking to improve upon their existing lots or create an additional flow of rental income can do so quickly, conveniently and smoothly – without needing to expand or move around in the GTA. Neptis (2010) identifies this type of infill development, along with gentle densification and scaled growth, as key practices that help contain urban sprawl. Simultaneously, these flexible housing solutions will also help realize economies of scale in delivering...
Read MoreBy: Natalie Browne | April 6, 2020
A Research Series: Housing Affordability and Social Sustainability in Toronto
The following report series will examine how the introduction of gentle densification with R-Hauz products can directly address problems caused by non-sustainable urban growth– distinctively targeting measures to reduce urban sprawl and subsequent social isolation, mitigate the urban heat island effect, provide safe/affordable housing and protect against the loss of urban greenspace and permeable land. Importantly, the introduction of R-Hauz’s products could provide viable housing options for people in need of centralized and affordable housing. At the same time, the customizable nature of these products and the attentive flexibility in design means that these housing solutions can be an attractive...
Read MoreBy: Natalie Browne | April 1, 2020
A Research Series Conclusion: Examining Our Contribution
Beyond an understanding of what is deeply necessary for the sustainable growth of our cities in the big picture, R-Hauz has embraced a comprehensive approach to product design that is entirely considerate of the diverse needs of modern-day individuals and families. Development processes for the Six Storey Avenue Townhomes and Two Storey Laneway Suites involved extensive collaboration amongst established developers, builders, engineers, architects, city planning experts and other relevant outside consultants. Importantly, these converging points of expertise have ultimately resulted in highly original and refined housing solutions – thoughtfully crafted for humans and our planet. Put simply: comfort, safety, liveability...
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