Turning empty offices into modern housing
Property & Construction
This startup uses AI and prefab units to transform underutilised office space
Spotted: Many large cities currently suffer from both a lack of affordable housing and an excess of unoccupied office space. In Canada, for instance, the share of empty office buildings reached 18.3 per cent in 2023, up from 10.9 per cent in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian startup Arthroto is working to solve both these problems at once with an innovative approach that uses prefabrication to convert office spaces into residential and mixed-use housing.
The company acts as an ‘integrator’, partnering with the best and most innovative players in construction, engineering, and software to deliver conversions with lower physical costs, shorter lead times, and minimal disruption.
By partnering with market leaders in various fields, Arthroto is also able to incorporate smart home technology, AI tools, and next-generation HVAC systems into its projects. The prefabrication process can also save 70 per cent on labour costs, as multiple tradespeople don’t need to be brought on-site to convert a single floor. And, where possible to minimise waste, the company also recycles materials like old glass.
In April 2024, Arthroto announced a new strategic partnership with green building and community development leader Cetana Group to enable the creation of mass timber housing solutions.
Written By: Lisa Magloff
3rd September 2024
Website: arthroto.com
Contact: arthroto.com/contact
