Digitally Accelerating Standardized Housing (DASH) is one of the most significant innovations in mutli-family residential construction to come out of British Columbia in recent years. Developed by BC Housing in collaboration with Metro Vancouver Housing, leading architects, engineers, and digital technology partners, DASH is a platform that fundamentally changes how homes are designed, approved, manufactured, and built.
For developers, general contractors, architects, and housing providers working in BC, understanding DASH isn’t just useful, it’s becoming essential. And for those ready to build under the DASH framework, ROC Modular is the manufacturing partner built to deliver.
What is DASH?
DASH is a ready-to-use system of digital tools and permit-friendly building designs developed to help project teams build 3 to 6 storey multi-family wood-frame buildings faster, more cost-effectively, and with greater consistency. It was created for architects, designers, developers and housing providers who want to move from concept to construction without reinventing the wheel on every project.
The program is built on three interconnected foundations:
- Standardized, permit-friendly designs that work across all climate and seismic zones in BC, removing a major source of delay and uncertainty at the approvals stage.
- A prefabricated Kit of Parts panel system and options for volumetric modular. These are factory-built building components that can be configured to create a wide range of building types and layouts, reducing on-site construction time and improving quality.
- A coordinated digital supply chain powered by Build Information Modeling (BIM) that keeps architects, engineers, manufacturers, and contractors working from the same information throughout the project lifecycle.
DASH is a collaborative platform that’s designed to be used by the whole project team, not just one discipline. It’s inspiration is Vienna House, a 6-storey non-market project in East Vancouver that serves as a national demonstration project and flagship for prefabrication, mass-timber, and BIM from design through construction and asset management.
The DASH Toolkit: Everything a Project Team Needs
One of DASH’s most practical strengths is the suite of digital tools it provides, free for project teams to access. Together, these tools support every stage of a project from site evaluation through design and procurement:
- Digital Blueprint Library
- Site Assessment Tool
An Ai-powered tool called Archistar that allows developers and architects to quickly assess whether a site is suitable for a DASH building type and instantly generate design options in minutes.
- Prefabrication Planning Configurator
A tool called KOPE that adapts project designs for prefabrication using standardized, made-in-Canada building products that connects the design directly to the manufacturing supply chain.
- Prefabrication Marketplace
A virtual hub connecting prefabrication suppliers with architects and engineers, making it easier to find and engage qualified manufacturers.
- Local Government Regulatory Guidelines
Sample zoning rules designed to help local governments approve prefabricated housing projects more quickly and easily.
Underpinning all of these tools is DASH’s reliance on BIM. As we mentioned earlier, this creates a single, shared digital model of the building that every team member works from, helping maintain consistency, avoid costly mistakes, and support informed decision making from start to finish. DASH includes specific BIM requirements and guidelines to ensure all project teams use it effectively.
ROC Modular: Your Ideal Manufacturing Partner
ROC Modular is one of the most capable and credentialed manufacturers in Western Canada to supply DASH Kit of Parts panels and volumetric modular solutions for projects across BC.
Every modular unit we build starts as a 2d panel, which means our production process is already structured around the component-first manufacturing model. And for DASH projects, we can supply fully closed-panel wood-frame systems or volumetric modular that can be factory-finished to include:
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins.
- Insulation, drywall, and vapour membranes
- Windows, exterior finishes, and siding
- Customized wall thickness, insulation levels, and envelope detailing to suit project requirements.
In addition to volumetric modular and wall and floor panels, we manufacture specialized pods such as washroom pods, kitchen pods, and mechanical room pods under the same quality control protocols as our modular production line. Project teams can source a comprehensive DASH-compatible component package from a single, trusted manufacturer.
All of our systems comply with Canadian Building Code requirements for Part 9 and Part 3 buildings. We have delivered more than ten BC Energy Step Code 4 projects, demonstrating our commitment to high-performance, sustainable construction that meets BC’s most demanding energy standards.
Some examples of our projects:
Steveston Hwy Affordable Housing – Richmond, BC (2024)
A 3-story, 33 module, 20,744 sq ft building delivering 25 permanent affordable homes for women and children fleeing violence. Production to occupancy completed within 11 months.
City of Surrey Modular Supportive Housing – Surrey, BC (2025)
A 6-storey, 33 module, 20,744 sq ft building delivered under the CMHC Rapid Housing Initiative for BC Housing, Built to BC Energy Step Code 4. 54 modules, 41,000 sq ft production to occupancy in under 9 months.
Supportive Housing & Shelter – Hope, BC (2025)
A 3-story, 40,600 sq ft project with 56 studio units and 15 shelter beds. Features Indigenous-informed design, built to BC Energy Step Code 3, and delivered in partnership with BC Housing, Fraser Health, and Indigenous community partners.
Why ROC Modular is Your DASH Manufacturing Partner
If your project is following the DASH program, or if you are planning to, here is what ROC brings to the table:
- DASH experience from the ground up. As an early program collaborator, we understand the Kit of Parts model, BIM workflows, and supply chain expectations at a level no newcomer to the program can match.
- CSA A277 certification. Our factory certification ensures we meet BC Housing’s quality standards without question.
- Province-wide delivery. We have delivered projects across all regions of BC and can service the full province
- Full-service manufacturing support. From design-assist and BIM coordination through fabrication, quality assurance, moisture protection, logistics, and installation support. We are a complete manufacturing partner, not just a panel supplier.
- Scalable capacity for a DASH pipeline. With significant available capacity in the next 12–24 months, a funded expansion underway, we are ready to support the volume that a multi-project DASH program demands.
- A trusted BC Housing partner. We are an established supplier with multiple completed BC Housing projects. We know the standards, the processes, and the expectations — which means less risk and smoother delivery for your project.
Ready to Build with DASH?
DASH is redefining what’s possible in BC multi-family construction. ROC Modular is ready to be your Modular & Kit of Parts supplier — bringing the manufacturing expertise, certifications, digital capability, and proven BC Housing track record to make your DASH project a success.
To learn more about the DASH program, visit acceleratedhousing.ca. To discuss how ROC Modular can support your next DASH project, reach out to our team:
Rhys Kane – rhys.kane@rocmodular.com
