A Smarter Path to Housing
What Is Tandem Living?
Tandem Living is a new model for housing that employs a holistic and integrated strategy to address the housing crisis in Canada by providing affordable, energy-efficient homes quickly and where they are needed most.
Tandem Living was founded by Altius, which has over 30 years of experience in residential design and construction. Realizing the need for affordable housing in rural communities across Canada, Tandem Living is creating a blueprint for Canada's next generation of housing.
Instead of focusing on large, sprawling subdivisions or urban-style density that doesn't fit in small towns, Tandem Living uses a concept called "Distributed Density."
What is Distributed Density?
Distributed Density involves building small groups of six or more homes on infill or rural lots, preserving the natural landscape and character of the area. This approach provides much-needed housing while respecting the low-density nature and organic growth patterns of rural communities.
How It Works
Tandem Living homes are a refined product, not a one-off project. The homes are built using a manufacturing and construction method called Rapid Site Assembly (RSA). The Rapid Site Assembly Process combines flat-packed manufacturing with intensive modular and site-built components. This hybrid approach shortens the delivery timeline and creates a consistent, repeatable process.
Tandem Living also uses a reimagined version of vacant land and phased condominiums, where homeowners get the independence of a detached home but share services and infrastructure expenses, such as water, waste, and power.
This model promotes affordability by reducing costs and optimizing existing infrastructure or creating self-sufficient systems.
Fast Tracked Approvals
Scalability
Affordable, Practical & Highly Efficient Homes
Respectful of Regional Character
Local Economic Catalyst
Benefits for Governments and Communities
The Tandem Living model offers a predictable way to manage and implement growth while meeting regional housing targets and aligning with existing policies. For communities, it preserves local character while supplying a stable and scalable supply of affordable homes that both retain and attract a diverse workforce that reinforces local economies.
Smarter Ownership
- Multi-property freehold structure
- Phased development = long-term resale value
For Real People
- Built to support life in real communities—not just seasonal buyers.
Lower Fees, Clearer Costs
- Priced like a mid-rise condo—but you fully own
- Homes are pre-designed, costed, and customizable
High-Performance Construction
- Quality-driven materials
- Energy efficiency built in
- Designed for rural durability
Shared infrastructure includes
- HVAC
- Water
- Internet
- Garbage & recycling
But you get
- Private yards
- Personal parking
- Optional roof decks
Aligned with Funding Programs
- Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII)
- Building Faster Fund
- Municipal Housing Infrastructure Fund (MHIP)
- Ontario’s Investment in Modular / Innovative Home Construction
- NOHFC - Invest North Program
- Housing - Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF)
- CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund
- CHMC Rapid Housing Initiative
- CMHC Housing Supply Challenge
- CMHC Demonstration & Innovation Initiatives / Solutions Labs
Aligned with Funding Programs
- Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII)
- Building Faster Fund
- Municipal Housing Infrastructure Fund (MHIP)
- Ontario’s Investment in Modular / Innovative Home Construction
- NOHFC - Invest North Program
- Housing - Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF)
- CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund
- CHMC Rapid Housing Initiative
- CMHC Housing Supply Challenge
- CMHC Demonstration & Innovation Initiatives / Solutions Labs
Partner With Us
We invite all levels of government to pilot and expand this adaptable housing model—delivering future-ready communities within six months of launch.