We’re excited to have Rhys Kane, the Director of New Business at ROC Modular in Southern Alberta, Canada, on the show today. I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with Rhys numerous times throughout my career, and it’s a true privilege to hear from him about the groundbreaking work ROC Modular is doing both in Canada and beyond.
Rhys has been immersed in the modular industry for nearly a decade. His journey began with a company specializing in converting shipping containers into livable spaces, such as residential units and shelters. They even tackled larger projects, including hotels and senior living complexes.
Over time, Rhys’ focus shifted from container conversions to more advanced steel modular projects, and eventually, he found his way to wood-frame modular construction with ROC Modular. Currently, ROC Modular is dedicated to permanent modular projects, particularly for multi-family, affordable housing, seniors’ complexes, student dorms, and similar types of developments, primarily across Western Canada and the US.
Their expertise lies in multi-unit, multi-story affordable housing, but their portfolio also includes commercial, educational, and industrial projects. For example, they’ve delivered portable classrooms, workforce housing in Northern Canada, and more. One of their standout projects is a six-story building in Vancouver, and they’re also actively working on student housing—a sector experiencing high demand across North America.
One of their most unique projects was a temporary, relocatable three-story building in Richmond, BC, designed for supportive housing. This building rests on a steel foundation originally intended for the Canadian North and can be relocated if necessary. It offers the durability of a permanent structure with the flexibility of future relocation.
"You’ve highlighted the importance of factory flexibility and maintaining a diverse range of operations to ensure a steady workflow. What challenges have you faced, particularly with the fluctuating demand for modular construction?" asked Audree Grubesic, founder of Offsite Dirt.
"A key challenge is ensuring a consistent workflow in the factory. We emphasize being agile and offering a variety of products to keep our factory operational. While the modular industry is growing, it’s vital to remain adaptable, especially when catering to different markets with varying demands. For example, we’ve found success in the US, where the favorable exchange rate and free trade agreements allow us to deliver projects efficiently. We’re also very active in the industry, engaging with the Canadian Council of the Modular Building Institute and participating in government initiatives that support modular construction," explained Rhys.
"Rhys, congratulations on recently winning multiple awards at the World of Modular Awards of Distinction Can you tell us more about those projects and what they mean to your team?" asked Audree.
"Thank you! We were thrilled to win four awards, including first place in the Healthcare category for the Red Deer Recovery Community project in Alberta, which also received a Judges' Choice Award. It’s a significant recognition for our team, especially for those in the factory who may not always see the finished products. We also won the Best in Show award for a relocatable project in Richmond, BC, which was another huge honor. These awards validate our team’s hard work and dedication and reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality modular buildings," said Rhys.
"Looking ahead, where do you see ROC Modular in the next few years, particularly by 2025?" asked Audree.
"Our primary goal is to keep the factory busy and continue delivering impactful projects. We have a strong pipeline, including a three-story affordable housing complex in Vancouver for women and children at risk, with a six-story project lined up afterward. The future looks promising as we aim to expand our reach and continue addressing the housing crisis with our modular solutions," Rhys shared.
Stay tuned to Offsite Dirt for more conversations and insights into the world of modular construction, where innovation and practicality come together to tackle some of today’s most pressing housing challenges.
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