Building the Future: Rhys Kane on ROC Modular’s Impact and Innovation in Modular Construction
Article details
- Author: Audree Grubesic
- Date: Sep 24, 2024
- Updated: Feb 24
- Featured guest: Rhys Kane, Director of New Business at ROC Modular
- Location: Southern Alberta, Canada
ROC Modular overview
- Rhys Kane has worked in the modular industry for nearly a decade.
- His early work focused on converting shipping containers into livable spaces.
- He later moved into steel modular projects and then wood-frame modular construction with ROC Modular.
- ROC Modular focuses on permanent modular projects.
- Primary project types include multi-family housing, affordable housing, seniors’ complexes, and student dorms.
- The company works primarily across Western Canada and the US.
- Its portfolio also includes commercial, educational, and industrial projects.
Notable project types
- Portable classrooms
- Workforce housing in Northern Canada
- A six-story building in Vancouver
- Student housing projects across North America
- A temporary, relocatable three-story supportive housing building in Richmond, BC
Relocatable Richmond project
- The Richmond, BC building is three stories high.
- It was designed for supportive housing.
- It sits on a steel foundation originally intended for the Canadian North.
- The building can be relocated if needed.
- The project combines the durability of a permanent structure with future flexibility.
Business challenges and strategy
- A key challenge is keeping a consistent workflow in the factory.
- ROC Modular stays agile by offering a variety of products.
- The company has found success in the US.
- Rhys cited the favorable exchange rate and free trade agreements as factors that support efficient delivery.
- The company engages with the Canadian Council of the Modular Building Institute.
- It also participates in government initiatives that support modular construction.
Awards
- ROC Modular won four awards at the World of Modular Awards of Distinction.
- It earned first place in the Healthcare category for the Red Deer Recovery Community project in Alberta.
- The Red Deer Recovery Community project also received a Judges' Choice Award.
- The company won Best in Show for a relocatable project in Richmond, BC.
Future pipeline
- ROC Modular’s main goal is to keep the factory busy.
- The company has a three-story affordable housing complex in Vancouver planned for women and children at risk.
- A six-story project is lined up after that.
- The company aims to expand its reach and help address the housing crisis with modular solutions.
Related resources mentioned
- What Is Offsite Construction?
- Embarking on Your Modular Construction Journey
- Navigating Volumetric Modular Construction: Insights and Answers
Connect
- Rhys Kane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhys-kane-69554969/
- ROC Modular: https://rocmodular.com/