In the bustling city of Vancouver, a groundbreaking venture named Intelligent City is transforming the way we think about urban housing. With a keen focus on sustainability and efficiency, this innovative company has embraced the power of mass timber to construct eco-friendly homes. However, it’s their method of production that’s truly setting them apart from the rest. By integrating robotics and digital technology, Intelligent City is redefining the process of panel design and production, traditionally executed in a linear and segmented manner.
all photos – Intelligent City
At a facility located just south of Vancouver, Intelligent City has commenced the production of Passive House panels, employing advanced robotics to streamline the manufacturing process. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also underscores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Oliver Lang, CEO and co-founder of Intelligent City, shared insights into the facility’s operations, “The factory was established at the end of 2021 and kicked off the production of commercial mass timber panels in January 2024.” This milestone marks a significant leap towards the future of sustainable urban living.
Equipped with five large ABB industrial robots, the facility operates within a meticulously organized assembly line. These robots, managed remotely through proprietary software, are tasked with lifting, positioning, and precisely cutting panels for mass-timber walls, floors, and ceilings. Before leaving the factory, these panels are prepared with cutouts for electrical channels and ventilation ducts, ensuring they are installation-ready.
.
Nestled on River Road in Delta, a mere 10-minute drive from the George Massey Tunnel, the location serves as a strategic point for distributing these innovative panels. Its proximity to downtown Vancouver and the U.S. border positions the facility as a central hub in the burgeoning mass timber industry.
One of the most anticipated projects to benefit from this technology is the BC Indigenous Housing Society’s new nine-story multi-family housing project on the east side of Vancouver. The design incorporates cross-laminated timber floors and envelope panels, promising not only strength and durability but also a reduced environmental footprint. These panels will be featured in a unique basket-weave pattern around the building’s exterior, showcasing the aesthetic versatility of mass timber.
.
Intelligent City’s pioneering approach, blending robotics with digital design, heralds a new era in the construction industry. By optimizing production processes and championing sustainable materials, they are not just building homes—they are shaping the future of urban living. As cities continue to grow and evolve, initiatives like Intelligent City’s robotic production of mass timber housing offer a glimpse into a greener, more efficient world.
CLICK HERE to read the entire Journal of Commerce article
.
Gary Fleisher is a renowned blogger, consultant, and commentator on construction and housing trends, known for his insightful analysis of the industry.
