First Modular Townhomes with CLT Panels Ready to Rock Seattle

Green Canopy, Grocapitus and ROC Modular have partnered to build Seattle’s first modular townhouse residential project made from mass timber. Located in North Beacon Hill just minutes from downtown Seattle, this seven-unit urban infill project will be constructed with large-scale prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, a method typically reserved for larger apartment or commercial buildings.

CLT is made from wood that has been stacked and glued together with a structural adhesive, giving panels the strength and performance similar to that of concrete and steel but with a much lower carbon footprint. CLT is quickly gaining popularity as an attractive building material for that reason along with the ease and speed of installation.

ROC Modular will pre-manufacture modular units and deliver them to the site for quick onsite assembly.

“These townhomes have the potential to spark a revolution in the construction industry,” said Neal Bawa, founder and CEO of Grocapitus Investments. “While we see the pace of technology disruption accelerating every day, we aren’t seeing the same movement in construction. With housing demand increasing, CLT and modular homes are a solution to building faster, scalable and more affordable homes.”

The partnership between Green Canopy, ROC Modular and Grocapitus will allow for greater impact as the townhome and infill market previously has not been served by mass timber or modular building. This method of building streamlines the on-site construction process, minimizes interruptions to neighbors and the community, and produces minimal waste. Homes built with CLT are seismically sound, well-sealed and insulated, resulting in lower utility and maintenance costs for homeowners.