Bringing gentle density to communities across Canada

The Housing Design Catalogue is a tool to help bring gentle density to communities across Canada. Gentle density refers to small-scale ground-oriented housing such as houseplexes, rowhomes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that can be added to established low-density neighbourhoods. These forms of housing introduce more units without drastically changing the character of a community. Missing middle typologies offer a range of housing options that bridge the gap between single-family homes and larger apartment buildings.

These homes are designed to fit into existing neighbourhoods. Gentle density adds homes without the scale of high-rises, helping with the housing shortage while providing more housing choices in neighbourhoods.

Focusing on the missing middle

The Housing Design Catalogue focuses on the missing middle. This means housing types that fall between single-family homes and apartment buildings. These homes, like multiplexes, townhomes, and laneway suites, are harder to find in many Canadian cities.

Missing middle housing is often more affordable and better for families. It also supports people who want to age in place, live with extended family, or need flexible living options.

Removing barriers to build more homes

Public consultations in early 2024 confirmed that building more missing middle homes is key to addressing housing supply and affordability.

Standardized, pre-reviewed designs offered through the Housing Design Catalogue can help remove those barriers, speed up approvals, and lower costs.

A modern tool for today’s housing needs

Earlier housing designs, published decades ago by CMHC, focused on single-family homes and helped support rapid suburban growth after the Second World War.

Today, Canada’s housing needs are more complex. Builders are well-equipped to deliver single-detached homes. What is needed now are tools that support small-scale, space-efficient infill in the communities where people already live and work.

Filling the gap with adaptable designs

The Housing Design Catalogue is designed to fill that gap.

With adaptable, repeatable designs, it helps municipalities, planners, and builders work together to deliver the right type of housing for today—housing that is flexible, affordable, and ready to grow with communities.