As Calgary continues to grow, new approaches to delivering attainable housing efficiently and at scale are becoming increasingly important. The Attainable Homes Calgary modular housing development demonstrates how collaboration, modular construction, and integrated design coordination can accelerate delivery while supporting the integrity of the city’s urban core.
Located at 1007 6 Avenue SW, the six-storey residential building brings 84 attainable studio homes to a compact downtown site. WalterFedy Architecture Inc. provided architectural services, working closely with ATCO Structures, Attainable Homes Calgary, and the broader project team to design a modular residential building that balances efficiency, livability, and urban integration.
The project reflects WalterFedy’s commitment to collaborative architectural solutions that respond to regional housing needs. By pairing architectural expertise with modular construction strategies, the team supported a fast-tracked delivery model while ensuring the building integrates with the surrounding neighbourhood.
The 41,150 square foot development includes 84 thoughtfully designed studio units, each approximately 350 square feet. Units feature a combined living and dining area with an integrated kitchen, private bathroom, and dedicated storage. Large operable windows on both east and west façades bring in natural light and ventilation, enhancing comfort and supporting resident well-being within a compact footprint.
Shared amenities further support urban living. A rooftop terrace provides outdoor space for residents, while ground floor units include private patios that connect to the existing tree-lined streetscape along 9 Street SW. Located directly adjacent to Calgary’s LRT line, the development is designed to support transit-oriented living. In place of traditional vehicle parking, the building incorporates Class A bicycle storage and an integrated bike workshop to encourage active transportation.
In total, 56 modules were used to construct the six-storey building. Forty-two modules each contain two residential units, while the remaining modules accommodate circulation and building core elements. Once on site, the modules were craned into place in just 10 days, forming the structure of the building. From manufacturing through on-site construction, the project was completed in approximately 10 months. Each module arrived largely complete, including kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, and interior finishes.
“By literally designing and constructing from the inside out which is the opposite of conventional construction we were able to significantly compress the project timeline while maintaining the quality and details residents expect”. – Peter Schulz, Principal Architect at WalterFedy Architecture Inc.
The building’s exterior reflects both its construction method and urban context. Corrugated metal cladding defines the façade, while a large-scale mural on the north elevation contributes to the surrounding streetscape.
This project demonstrates how integrated design collaboration and modular construction can support the rapid delivery of attainable housing in Canadian cities. By reducing on-site construction time and minimizing disruption in a dense downtown environment, the development offers a scalable approach to meeting the needs of a growing urban population.