Frequently Asked Questions

LODESTAR Modular Building Units are designed to be connected Horizontally and Vertically, in a modular nature, allowing for an unlimited layout options. The first-floor units are secured to footings, while upper level units are connected to the modules beneath them leveraging the features of the supporting unit(s). See our DESIGN and LAYOUT section to learn how MBU’S can be connected to create an unlimited number of layout options.

NO. The modules reduce construction framing time buy as much as 75%, and overall construction time by up to 50%. The modules are manufactured year-round in a climate-controlled facility, allowing them to be delivered to the site on specific dates and immediately placement. This systematic process allows the builder to focus on enclosing the structures and focussing more time on completing the interior of the building. Enclosing the building in a shorter period allows builders to complete projects that would otherwise be scheduled around seasonal weather and severe weather events. See the construction comparison video in our Gallery section, comparing the construction of a structure using traditional building materials and a Lodestar based structure.

The MBU’s do not require the use of specific material or building methods. Our Modules are designed to accept prefabricated wall cladding, windows and doors, and to accept a variety of building materials or methods to enclose the structure. The MBU’s are designed with threaded wall anchor inserts on vertical surfaces, allowing you to connect modular wall cladding or have a builder enclose the units using a building method of your choice. See our Gallery section to view how to install various building material.

The MBU structures are commercial and residential rated to allow up to 7 levels for Residential applications. There is no limit to the number of MBU’s that can be connected horizontally. See our DESIGN and LAYOUT section to learn how MBU’S can be connected to create an unlimited number of layout options.

Certified builders have been trained and experienced with the process of installing the MBU’s, however due to the simplified installation requirements most builders and contractors would be able to follow the installation blueprints and effectively install MBU’s. If additional information or support is required, our team of experts is available to provide knowledge, support, and information to ensure the builder understands how to complete the project. See our Resources section to learn how to install MBU’S and to browse the catalogue of support material available. Additional support is available to builders via email, phone, and educational material.

The modules are designed at a direct 2 to 1 ratio, allowing contractors and designers to use either of the two sizes to build a floorplan layout that meets the needs of the occupant. The 2 to 1 ratio allows you to use two MBU-218 to create the same layout as one MBU-436. If your location prevents you from transporting or hoisting the MBU-436, you can simply connect two MBU-218 to create the same footprint, with no space or layout compromise. See our DESIGN and LAYOUT section to learn how MBU’S can be connected to create an unlimited number of layout options.

MBU’s were designed to achieve maximum transportation efficiency on a variety of roads and highways. The delivery range for Anchor has been set based on a cost efficiency calculation. The delivery area generally includes locations within 100KM from Kingston. Some locations may require special planning, please contact us directly to confirm delivery is available. See our product-delivery video in our Gallery section.

Our MBU’s are designed to be transported on most major roadways without the need for specialty permits and with traditional planning. The transportation trailer is outfitted with a custom support system that securely carries the module from the storage location to the building site. The module can be lowered from the trailer using the built in hydraulic system, can be hoisted from the trailer directly into place, or can be stored at the building site for future installation. See our product delivery videos in our Gallery section.

Our MBU’s have been carefully designed with a forward-thinking approach, allowing the builder to accommodate standard and advanced utility systems. Each unit is designed with a cavity in the ceiling area, allowing for services to be installed and concealed. The modules have aligning utility ports which allow services to be transferred between modules without the need for excessive re-working.

? Yes, MBU’s intentionally designed to incorporate traditional building styles and methods, in a Hybrid fashion. You can construct a wood frame section of the building on the roof of an MBU or you could build Horizontally using the MBU as a primary support frame, adding other framing methods affixed to the MBU. See our DESIGN and LAYOUT section and look at the selection of Hybrid structures for design ideas.

Yes, all MBU’s can be connected Vertically or Horizontally to create the desired layout. There are requirements how the MBU’s are connected to ensure structural integrity and to allow access ports to line up. The dimensions of the MBU-218 is exactly half of the dimensions of the MBU438, which serves the purpose of allowing builders to connect 2 X MBU-218’s together to create the same footprint as one MBU-436. This benefit also allows for add-on structures to be connected, Vertically or Horizontally, to the primary building in later years, if the need for additional space is required. See our DESIGN and LAYOUT section to learn how MBU’S can be connected to create an unlimited number of layout options.

Absolutely, the modules are the ideal sizes for building TINY HOUSES, Starter Homes, Hobby and Recreational Buildings, Outbuildings, Shelters, and so many more applications. See our Gallery section to browse renderings and floorplan layouts of Tiny Homes, and structures of all sizes.

Absolutely, the modules are ideal for building garages, hobby and recreational buildings, outbuildings, shelters, and so many more applications. See our DESIGN & LAYOUT section to learn how MBU’S can be connected to create an unlimited number of layout options.

Absolutely, the modules are the ideal sizes for building Tertiary suites, Tiny Homes, Starter Homes, Hobby and Recreational Buildings, Outbuildings, Shelters, and so many more applications. See our Gallery section to browse renderings and floorplan layouts of Tiny Homes, and structures of all sizes.

Yes, the modules are weather resistant and can be stored in extreme weather conditions without compromising the integrity. The MBU’s are built to exact specifications and are built to connect to each other in a Modular manner, allowing builders to store the units on site and use them as required. MBU’s are not built to connect to specific MBU’s, they can be connected to other MBU’s without issue. See our DESIGN & LAYOUT section to learn how MBU’S can be connected to create an unlimited number of layout options.

Prior to launching the Lodestar Modular Building System products, Anchor developed a multi-year forecast with the anticipated demand within our coverage area, the manufacturing facility was outfitted with sufficient equipment and resources to produce sufficient volumes to exceed demand. Orders can be scheduled with Anchor for future dated deliveries, ensuring builders can rely on inventory being delivered in a timely manner. A benefit of producing the MBU’s in a climate-controlled facility is the ability to produce high quality finished products every month of the year regardless of seasonal weather conditions.

The Modules are available in two sizes. Careful consideration was used in the design plans to maximize the effectiveness of the capabilities related to the size offerings, while maximizing transportation, manufacturing, and delivery efficiencies. The two sizes allow a high volume of design flexibility, due to the standardization of the support pillars, allowing for simplified installation while maintaining maximum structural integrity. If additional height is required, the first-floor units can be installed on elevated footings, allowing commercial, retail, hospitality, residential, and other spaces to achieve the desired interior height. See our DESIGN & LAYOUT section to learn how MBU’S can be connected to create an unlimited number of layout options.

Yes, you can add MBU’s to expand existing buildings constructed of traditional building materials. A common design incorporating MBU’s is a Hybrid structure which is built using MBU’s as the infrastructure, with traditional building material adding a variety of design features. The requirement to add MBU’s to an existing structure is to prepare required foundation & footings for the MBU’s to be positioned. The MBU’s can be connected vertically to add multi-level additions adjacent to existing structures. See our Gallery section to view Hybrid structures and how the two building methods are integrated.