Skip to content

MBI Issues Policy Position on Tariffs & Their Impact on Modular Construction. Read the statement here.

Ingenious System Assembles Buildings with Concrete Superstructure in Weeks

New technology being implemented by Andrew Neill Construction (ANC), a construction company in Canada, allows multi-story housing developments to be completed in weeks instead of months. Imagine housing developments being completed with only two weeks of on-site construction. With ANC’s Void Form System, it’s possible.

The ingenious system uses stackable modules to provide the forms for the concrete superstructure. The concrete is poured into the voids between the modules, and another layer of modules can be immediately stacked on top, without waiting for the concrete to cure.

The fully finished modules are built off-site while the overall project is being reviewed and approved for permits. In Canada, modular units of this type do not fall under standard building codes. Therefore, they can be constructed while the plans for the building are being reviewed.

Once permits are issued, the modular units are ready to be shipped and stacked. Here’s where the magic happens: After the units have been stacked, concrete is poured into the voids, creating a strong structural frame for the building. Additional module layers can be stacked on top of existing units before the concrete cures because of the structural steel elements in each unit.

This patent-pending system provides an opportunity for quick construction of concrete formed midrises and highrises. Andrew Neill, the President and CEO of ANC, thinks the design could be useful for hurricane ravaged areas, earthquake-prone regions, as well as areas rocked by war, such as the Ukraine.

Neill developed the idea for the system when another contractor approached him about finding a better way to construct hospital rooms using modular construction. The contractor was looking to find cost savings through speed, quality, and efficiency. He thought modular construction was the answer, but the project called for a concrete superstructure. The contractor’s idea was to form and pour the structure, then slide the finished modules in from the side. Neill thought that wouldn’t be cost effective.

Neill’s next idea was to set the units first, then pour the concrete. After many sleepless nights and meetings with structural engineers, he developed a system that could work. The process has taken about a year to develop.

How It Works

The modules are completely finished and assembled off-site. They come complete with insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, millwork, flooring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. The steel frame that surrounds each module is engineered to act as a structure of its own, as well as act as a concrete form that will provide additional structural strength once concrete is poured into it.

The modules stack on top of each other without any additional shoring or support and are bolted together. The structural steel frames are clad with corrugated steel and are ready to receive concrete in the vertical wall section, and also on top of the modules horizontally.

The next level of modules can be added almost immediately after the concrete is poured; no curing is required. When reinforcing steel bars are added and the concrete has cured, the weight of the building transfers to the concrete, changing the fire and structural ratings. This allows the system to be used for highrise applications, even in areas with strict structural codes, like California and Miami.

There are no special concrete mixes required and the concrete is pumped to each module using tower cranes and concrete pumps.
The system allows projects to meet the requirements for a concrete superstructure without having to use conventional forming methods, saving 98% of the costs related to forming, pouring, and stripping concrete.

The system’s only drawback may be that there’s more steel than necessary. But Neill says the time and cost savings far outweigh the cost of the redundant steel.

The Future

Andrew Neill started ANC in 2017 in Brantford, Ontario, near Toronto. He has 18 years of experience as a residential carpenter and superintendent on projects in Canada and the Caribbean.

The timing couldn’t have been better, as the Canadian federal government started a funding program for affordable housing called the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). ANC was granted several contracts for affordable housing projects for municipalities and indigenous communities in the area.

Although no projects have yet been completed using the system, Neill hopes to change that soon. The flexibility of the system allows it to be tailored to almost any project.

There’s seemingly no limit to how high the modules can be stacked. “All the fire rating and structural capacity is being placed on the concrete structure after it has cured, making the modules only a cosmetic fit-out at the end. They are used temporarily to eliminate the need for most of the concrete forming, and also eliminate the need for a conventional structural ‘core.’ You could, in theory, pour the walls and slabs, and stack fully finished modules concurrently, literally without stopping, until you reach the top, which could be over 100 stories.”

Neill sees this product best being used for midrise and high-rise buildings in coastal areas and those prone to earthquakes or other natural disasters. It would provide a way for a quick response to rebuild in an area after a disaster. He looks to get the product approved in the US soon, as well as expand its use to hospitals and healthcare buildings.

ANC-Modular_01
ANC-Modular_02
ANC-Modular_03
ANC-Modular_04
ANC-Modular_05
ANC-Modular_06

About the Author: Dawn Killough is a freelance construction writer with over 25 years of experience working with construction companies, subcontractors and general contractors. Her published work can be found at dkilloughwriter.com.

More from Modular Advantage

Celebrating the Winners of MBI’s 2025 Awards of Distinction

MBI’s Awards of Distinction are presented annually, traditionally on the final evening of its North American World of Modular conference and tradeshow. This year’s Awards were presented in a variety of categories, including several each for permanent modular construction projects and relocatable buildings. Excellence in “green” modular construction and marketing were also recognized.

MBI Welcomes R.I. Group Founder & President Salvatore Tafuro to the Industry’s Hall of Fame

In 1973, Salvatore Tafuro, only in his twenties and already supporting a family of three children, set out to realize his entrepreneurial dream. From a humble garage in Leverano, in the heart of Salento, he began producing metal structures and aluminum fixtures for the construction industry.

The Best-Kept Secret in Housing

What can we do to right the ship, overcome these circumstances, capitalize on the opportunity, and address this epidemic in the housing sector? It’s easier than you might think.

The Blueprint for Accountability: How Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose Drive Performance in Construction & Manufacturing

Accountability is one of the most critical elements of a thriving organization, yet many leaders in the construction and manufacturing industries struggle to create a culture where it truly thrives. High-performance teams require more than just technical skills and efficiency—they need strong accountability, alignment with the company’s vision, and a deep sense of ownership.

AI, Faster Sets, and Automation: The Future of Modular is at World of Modular

While the modular building industry has long known that it can be an effective solution to increase affordable housing, the word is slowly spreading to more mainstream audiences. Three presentations at this year’s World of Modular in Las Vegas hope to provide insight and direction for those seeking a real solution to the crisis.

An Insider’s Guide to the 2025 World of Modular

The Modular Building Institute is bringing its global World of Modular (WOM) event back to Las Vegas, and with it comes some of the industry’s best opportunities for networking, business development, and education. Over the course of the conference’s four days, there will be numerous opportunities for attendees to connect, learn, and leverage event resources to get the most out of the conference.

Affordable Housing Now: The Industry’s Best Bring New Solutions to World of Modular

While the modular building industry has long known that it can be an effective solution to increase affordable housing, the word is slowly spreading to more mainstream audiences. Three presentations at this year’s World of Modular in Las Vegas hope to provide insight and direction for those seeking a real solution to the crisis.

Opportunities for Innovation in Modular Offsite Construction

Modular Offsite Construction has already shattered the myth that it only produces uninspired, box-like designs. Architectural innovations in module geometry, configurations, materials, and products make it possible to create visually stunning buildings without sacrificing functionality or efficiency.

Safe Modular Construction with Aerofilm Air Caster Transport

In collaboration with Aerofilm Systems, Heijmans developed innovative skids using air caster technology for moving modules easily and safely. These pallets are equipped with an auto-flow system, making operation extremely simple.

Miles, Modules, and Memes: Building a Modular Network One Flight at a Time

At the end of the day, social media is just another tool for building connections, and like any other tool, needs to be used skillfully to work properly. Use social media thoughtfully, and it will open doors to real opportunities and relationships you didn’t even see coming.