On February 12, 2026 at BUILDEX Vancouver, we hosted a panel of experts to explore an often-overlooked housing opportunity: the “missing middle of the missing middle”; laneway homes and infills that sit between single-family houses and multiplexes.
Represented by Synthesis Design Inc., MODCUBE, AJIA Prefab Homes, and Barrett Group Custom Builders, our panel discussed how early collaboration, digital modeling, and prefabrication systems can streamline design, improve building performance and reduce construction time and waste.
We asked the panel questions about design, interior design, construction, and prefabrication.
Does it make sense to prefabricate?
Prefab home builders like AJIA offer flexible design options, manufacturing panels or frames in their factory, then delivering them for installation, reducing on-site construction noise that neighbors often object to.
What are the benefits of using prefabricated systems in both the design and construction processes?
Some benefits include but are not limited to sustainability, less waste on site, time and budget savings.
Are there challenges with the municipalities in the permitting stage when using Prefab systems?
Since the Building permit process for prefab system is the same as traditional wood-frame construction, we haven’t noticed any challenges with the municipalities.
Could offering standardized interior finishes / predesigned options work well for some clients?
Some clients get overwhelmed with a massive selection of interior finishes, thus having a predesigned neutral set of finishes or fixtures often is a great starting point for them while also allowing room for customization.
While multiplexes play an important role, small-scale, well-designed prefab laneways and infills offer a practical solution to help address housing needs especially when the right team is aligned from day one.
The missing middle of the missing middle deserves its moment, not a backseat.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at BUILDEX VANCOUVER 2026, asked thoughtful questions, and shared insights from across the industry.
If you are considering a laneway, infill, or small-scale housing and want to explore whether prefabrication makes sense, we’d love to continue this conversation.
