3 Changes We’d Make to the Strawberry Box House

In September 2023, the Premier of Ontario made an announcement that the government was going to explore building war-time, Strawberry box type housing to address the growing housing affordability concerns. We think the return to smaller, more affordable housing is a great concept. The original strawberry box homes were built during a period of time when housing was in high demand from soldiers returning home from WWII. Based on the Cape Cod house style, strawberry box homes were cheap, easy and fast to build. We think the same house style could be used and modernized to better solve today’s challenges. Here’s what we would change:

1. Eliminate the Basement
2. Finish the Attic Space
3. Use Energy Efficient Construction

A strawberry box home is a compact and eco-friendly housing concept that takes its inspiration from the small, stackable containers used in the transportation of strawberries. These homes are typically designed to be modular, portable, and space-efficient, making them an innovative solution for addressing housing shortages in urban areas. Their small footprint and versatility make them an attractive option for individuals looking for affordable and adaptable living spaces.

Eliminate the Basement

Instead of finishing the basement to legal rental standards, scrap the basement in favour of an energy efficient slab on grade foundation. The money saved on the basement could be used to construct an optional Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) garage/apartment combo on the lot for the owner to rent and subsidize their income. The benefits of eliminating the basement include:

• Reducing Construction Costs
• Reducing Carbon Footprint
• Including Insulation Under Concrete Slab

Finish the Attic Space

By finishing the attic, we create more living space and options to place utilities. You’ll also have more flexibility to add extra bathrooms/storage. By enclosing the attic within the thermal envelope of the building, you can increase the air tightness and overall performance of the home. The benefits of finishing the attic space include:

• Adds Living Space
• Greater Air Tightness
• More Flexibility for Utilities Layout

Use Energy Efficient Construction

Use better products and techniques to up the permanence and durability. Spending the money upfront on construction will save on long term maintenance and monthly operating costs. The benefits of using energy efficient construction include:

• Use More Durable Products = Less Long Term Maintenance
• Reduction in Monthly Energy Costs

We don’t have the final say on how these are built, and there are a handful of factors that would affect the final cost of the homes. Regardless, we believe returning to a more modest entry level focus for new construction is a great first step in solving our ever growing housing affordability problem.