Pro Series: Fab Structures
This series focuses on the partners that help Base drive its mission forward. In this interview, we sit down with Fab Structures, our prefabrication partner who shares our passion for innovation and sustainability in construction. Together, we’re reimagining how homes are designed and built, combining efficiency, affordability, and quality. Discover how our collaboration is driving change in the industry.
Here are our 5 questions with Fab Structures:
1. Describe Fab Structures in three words.
Built for life.
2. Tell us a bit about the story behind Fab Structures.
We are two brothers who grew up playing with wooden toys and Lego, sparking a passion for building and creating. We started working in the trades, tackling projects for family and friends. Before long, we noticed how poorly built the houses we were renovating were, which inspired us to start our own business with a mission to build better.
Over the past decade, we’ve invested in research and development rooted in building science and Passivhaus principles. In 2021, we acquired a manufacturing plant in Ripon, Quebec, integrating prefabrication skills and industry expertise to become a fully vertically integrated design, manufacturing, and building company.
3. In what ways do you feel Fab Structures and Base Habitation align in terms of vision and goals?
Beyond our shared start-up mentality, both Base and Fab focus on improving efficiency and affordability without compromising quality. This mindset led to our collaboration, where we substituted an insulation product with hemp insulation for the first time. We were able to meet performance needs while also pushing for higher sustainability standards. Fortunately, the hemp product was both affordable and recently CCMC-approved.
4. What is the biggest thing holding back the construction industry?
In Canada, there are three main factors:
A. Short-term mindset: Construction culture doesn’t prioritize long-term durability. Mortgages are typically 30 years, unlike Europe where they can span up to 150 years. Canadians move homes every 5 years on average, making it less appealing to invest in materials that last.
B. Regulatory challenges: Complex municipal, provincial, and federal regulations slow timelines and increase costs. This problem isn’t confined to urban areas; rural regions also face unnecessary regulatory barriers, even amid a housing crisis.
C. Skill gaps: Canada lacks robust training and apprenticeship programs. In Europe, carpentry is a respected trade with strong educational foundations. Graduates of carpentry programs often have a deep understanding of construction, from on-site work to legislation. This kind of expertise is missing in Canada, leading to inefficiencies and limited adoption of innovations.
5. In your view, what impact do our combined efforts have on pushing the industry towards sustainability?
Our combined focus on design for manufacturing is transformative. By “productizing” builds, we can reduce waste, lower costs, and normalize higher-quality materials like hemp insulation and advanced membranes. Base Habitation excels at designing for scalability, optimizing prefabrication, and promoting sustainable materials—setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Bonus: We’ve noticed a solid music selection playing in the shop. What does your go-to work playlist look like?
You can usually hear some Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, Willy William or Coldplay all the way to some Backstreet boys, Britney Spears and Limp Bizkit. Its eclectic…
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You can find our more about how Fab is changing the construction industry here: fabstructures.ca
As always, thank you for reading and see you next time!
