Transport Canada has announced the successful construction of a new prototype building – built in just eight days – at the drones and robotics test field on the grounds of the former Killaloe Airport west of Ottawa.

Construction of the 380-square-foot building can be seen in a timelapse video.

The building was built by FLEX Structure, a British Columbia-based company which designed and manufactured the panels used in construction.

The prototype structure was created with pre-made, lightweight connectable panels. These panels are insulated, durable, and weather-sealed, which helps to improve energy efficiency.

"If this new building performs well in testing, it could open up possibilities for small airports and aerodromes looking to add new infrastructure across the country,” said Transport Minister Anita Anand. “Our government is proud to partner on Canadian-made, innovative projects to support our transportation system and grow our economy." 

Traditional infrastructure construction can be costly and time-consuming, particularly in remote areas. A building of comparable size to the prototype test building could take several weeks or months to build using traditional construction methods.

Transport Canada is researching rapid construction technology as a possible way to quickly build structures. Potential use of the technology could include the construction of utility and storage buildings, operation centres, outbuildings, and emergency response structures that can be torn down after use, flat-packed, and shipped elsewhere.

Invest Ottawa, which is Transport Canada's testing partner on the project, will examine the building's durability and suitability as a multi-purpose structure. The organization will run tests on the building for several months and will share its findings with the builder.

A final technical report about the building will be submitted to Transport Canada in summer 2025.

Funding for this project was made possible through Innovative Solutions Canada, a program from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada.