The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), speaks at the University of Windsor’s Centre for Engineering Innovation on Aug. 22 to announce $2 million in federal funding for a new 3D-printed housing project on campus. (MICHAEL WILKINS/University of Windsor)
WINDSOR, Ont. (Aug. 22, 2025) — The University of Windsor’s Board of Governors has approved an investment to support the construction of a new housing project that will employ 3D printing technology to construct a state-of-the-art, sustainable building.
“We are delighted to launch a housing project that will showcase the talent and technology available on our campus and beyond to expedite homebuilding,” said Gillian Heisz, vice-president of finance and operations. “This project presents the University with a unique opportunity to integrate cutting-edge, sustainable technology while advancing impactful research.”
The University of Windsor is receiving a $2 million investment from Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to showcase new 3D printing technology through the construction of a net-zero building that will demonstrate innovative housing solutions.
The project includes a research component, which contains hands-on training for 60 participants – including students, construction professionals, engineers and government officials, a virtual conference, and a dedicated website to promote 3D printing and automation in homebuilding.
“Our home builders and local manufacturers are tackling the housing crisis and building up our economy in Southern Ontario during this hinge moment in history. With today’s investment from FedDev Ontario, we’re backing breakthrough, housing-focused projects, like the innovative teams at the University of Windsor who are redefining what’s possible in Canadian construction. By harnessing made-in-Ontario solutions that accelerate build times, boost energy efficiency, and streamline how we create new homes, we’re taking real steps to address affordability and availability head-on. When we champion our homegrown industries and invest in cutting-edge technologies, we’re powering our Canadian economy and building a stronger Canada,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
From left, Bill Van Heyst, Dean of the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Engineering, Sreekanta Das, professor and associate dean of research and graduate studies in the Faculty of Engineering, Gillian Heisz, vice-president of finance and operations, Xavier Toby, chief executive officer of Axe Buildings, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, Brent Klundert, president of BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd., and Cheryl Collier, interim provost and vice-president, academic, at the University of Windsor.
The University’s research component of the housing project will be led by Dr. Sreekanta Das, professor and associate dean of research and graduate studies in the Faculty of Engineering.
“The goal is to advance 3D printing technology in homebuilding—regionally, nationally, and potentially internationally—by studying construction materials, methods, and alternatives,” said Dr. Das. “This 3D printed housing project aims to be a net-zero building, offering a sort of living lab for our researchers and an innovative solution for rapid and affordable home construction.”
To be located at 1025 California Avenue and expected to open in Summer 2026, the building will house seven residential units geared towards students. Construction will begin soon, and the campus community can stay up to date by visiting the Campus Transformations website.