Calgary startup aims to convert offices to homes
By Adam Freill
Commercial Construction ResidentialArthrotó, in partnership with DIRTT, is looking to address the need for affordable and sustainable development by converting unused office spaces into housing.
A Calgary-based company has plans to turn unused office space into residential and mixed-use housing. Startup firm Arthrotó has launched with a mission to transform the housing industry and address the urgent need for cost-effective, sustainable and efficient housing across North America. The company is working in partnership with industrialized construction firm DIRTT to use prefabrication methodologies for its conversions.
“The launch of Arthrotó marks a groundbreaking evolution in the housing industry as we strive to repurpose underutilized office spaces into thriving residential and mixed-use communities,” said Doug Hayden, president and founder of Arthrotó. “By leveraging the principles that have existed for decades in prefabricated, prefinished, volumetric construction for office spaces, Arthrotó applies massive gains in productivity. By using new technologies, we can ensure cleaner and safer construction projects, rapid deployment times, reduced onsite labour and help clients meet their ESG targets, which in turn helps pave the way for sustainable urban development.”
To help bring Arthrotó’s vision to life, the startup has formed a strategic partnership with DIRTT, a global leader in industrialized construction for interior spaces. DIRTT specializes in customizable, adaptable and sustainable interior construction.
Arthrotó says its comprehensive systems approach to providing an integrated solution is what will set it apart from other builders and developers. By collaborating with companies that specialize in prefabricated interior structures, building information management systems, smart home, state-of-the-art HVAC systems and new AI design tools, the company aims to provide an all-encompassing approach that will cover every aspect of a project, from design to implementation.
“Our collaboration with Arthrotó represents an innovative stride in urban redevelopment that aims to set new standards in the industry,” said Benjamin Urban, CEO of DIRTT. “Our approach to adaptable interior construction and our focus on sustainable building aligns well with Arthrotó’s mission.”
Arthrotó is currently focused on developing strategic alliances and joint ventures, along with uncovering potential projects.
