Qammaq 2.0 is a bold, new approach to the housing design in Nunavut. Based in Iqaluit, the project is intended to carry on the work of Nunavut 3000 once it concludes. It proposes a locally built modular housing plant similar to the NunaU Building Centre. It will produce affordable, energy-efficient homes tailored to Arctic conditions. Qammaq 2.0 introduces a modular construction strategy focused on building homes entirely within Nunavut, using local labor and materials whenever possible. The project will implement clear policies and set consistent targets to ensure long-term success. It's vision is forward-looking: to build resilient homes year-round, invest in Inuit workers, and deliver lasting solutions that support communities across Nunavut for generations to come.
Overcrowding: Over 50% of Inuit live in overcrowded homes, with some families sharing a 3-bedroom unit with up to 15 people.
Long Waitlists: Many wait over 4 years for public housing due to high demand and limited supply.
Government Delays: Projects like Nunavut 3000 are slow-moving due to land issues, high costs, and poor coordination between governments.
Health Risks: Poor air quality, mold, and overcrowding lead to high rates of tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and mental health issues.
At-Risk Groups: Elders, people with disabilities, and single mothers struggle to find accessible, safe housing.
Nunavummiut Migration: Many Nunavummiut leave Nunavut in search of housing and independence elsewhere.
Structural Damage: Over 33% of homes need major repairs. Melting permafrost is damaging foundations and making buildings unsafe.
Energy Insecurity: High fuel and utility costs make it difficult for families to heat their homes in winter.
Service Shortages: Teachers, nurses, and other essential workers can’t find housing, affecting community services.
At the heart of Qammaq 2.0 is a modular housing factory based in Iqaluit. Modeled closely after the Arviat housing plant, this facility will use steel-framed structures and insulated panel systems specifically designed for Arctic conditions. By allowing homes to be built indoors year-round, the factory will improve construction speed, quality, and cost-efficiency.
The plant is projected to require an upfront investment of approximately $50 million. While this is a significant initial cost, local production will reduce the price per square foot to around $550, much lower than current rates. Beyond affordability, the plant will reduce reliance on costly southern shipping, create skilled jobs for Inuit workers, and enable faster, more reliable, construction of culturally appropriate homes.
The Qammaq 2.0 factory will manufacture modular homes specifically designed for Nunavut’s climate, communities, and culture. Each unit features a steel-framed structure insulated with high-performance foam panels and connects seamlessly using gasket-sealed joints providing airtight, weather-resistant protection against Arctic conditions.
Arctic-Ready Homes
Durable, steel-framed structures built to withstand permafrost movement and harsh weather.
High-Efficiency Panels
Insulated wall and roof panels designed to retain heat and reduce energy costs in extreme cold.
Custom Modular Units
Flexible housing units that can be expanded with additions like porches, storage, or communal spaces.
Plug-and-Play Infrastructure
Prefabricated modules for bathrooms, kitchens, and utilities—speeding up on-site installation and reducing complexity.
Qammaq 2.0 isn't just about housing, it's also going to reimagine how infrastructure works in Northern communities. By combining clean energy, advanced water and sewage systems, and Arctic-ready housing technology, the project will help communities become more self-sufficient, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come.
Clean Energy Integration
Qammaq 2.0 will support the use of solar panels and small-scale wind turbines to reduce reliance on diesel and lower energy costs for homes and community buildings.
ThermoSyn Foundation Technology
A cutting-edge system that keeps permafrost stable by circulating coolant or vacuum pressure beneath homes, preventing ground thaw and structural damage.
Adjustable Jack Foundations
Modular homes will use steel jack foundations that can be raised or adjusted over time to respond to shifting ground and minimize long-term maintenance.
Vacuum (Synim) Pump Sewage Systems
These systems use low-pressure vacuum pumps to move sewage efficiently without pipes freezing, reducing the need for costly trucked services.
Closed-Loop Water Systems
Insulated and recirculating water systems will provide a more reliable and energy-efficient way to deliver clean water while preventing freeze-ups.
Qammaq 2.0 is leading the way in setting future building standards for modular housing in Nunavut. With custom codes designed for Arctic conditions, it focuses on safe, sustainable, and culturally appropriate housing that responds to climate change and overcrowding. The new policies support innovative materials like ice panels, steel framing, and elevated foundations built for permafrost.
The Qammaq 2.0 modular housing factory is projected to launch with a $50 million upfront investment, which will cover facility construction, equipment, and startup operations in Iqaluit. Once operational, the factory will produce Arctic-ready homes at a highly competitive rate of $550–$600 per square foot, including materials, manufacturing, shipping, and on-site assembly.
Qammaq 2.0 is more than just a housing project it’s a full solution designed in Nunavut, for Nunavut. By building a modular housing factory in Iqaluit, it creates local jobs, supports Inuit trades training, and speeds up construction in every season. Homes are built with Arctic-ready with steel frames, high-efficiency insulation, and flexible layouts to support growing families and cultural needs.
The project also invests in new infrastructure like modern sewage, water, and heating systems while also reducing the dependence on costly southern shipments. With faster builds, stronger materials, and community-led planning, Qammaq 2.0 delivers housing that’s smarter, safer, and built to last.
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Website designed by Julian Gissing
Date: June 12, 2025