B.C. has launched a new online platform called DASH, Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing to allow developers to construct three-to-six storey buildings faster.

DASH replaces traditional review and construction methods with modern building methods, such as prefabricated parts and standardized designs, to speed up the process and reduce expenses. The first-in-Canada platform will also help builders access B.C.-made materials from throughout the province.

“Innovative programs are supercharging our work to deliver the homes that people need and help to drive down asking rents,” said Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Christine Boyle. “For families, seniors and workers throughout our province, this means they will be turning a key and walking through the doorway of their new home sooner.”

For example, developers, builders or non-profit organizations designing a wood-frame, multi-family structure can enter details, including land parcel shape and size, planned building storeys, unit bedroom counts, and so on.

BC Housing developed DASH in collaboration with Metro Vancouver, more than a dozen B.C.-based architects and engineers as well as prefabricated home manufacturers. The platform is open source with no user-access fees. Planning and zoning regulations have been uploaded for partnering Metro Vancouver municipalities.

“Naikoon is proud to leverage our prefabrication expertise as an early collaborator in the innovative DASH program, delivering the housing B.C. needs with superior quality, speed and affordability. We believe this platform is a significant step forward, demonstrating the future of efficient construction in B.C.,” said Joe Geluch, president and CEO, Naikoon Contracting Ltd.