The self-storage industry in Canada is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating that the supply of new self-storage spaces is set to double year-over-year by 2026. This surge is closely tied to population growth, as demonstrated by a pronounced increase in new projects between 2021 and 2024. Case in point is the new Apple Self Storage in Guelph, Ontario. For looks and efficiency, the new facility features insulated metal panels from Kingspan Insulated Panels - North America.

It is not only population growth that is fueling the self-storage trend. Several other demographic trends factor in as well, including the rising pressures on affordability, particularly in new apartment builds, which are contributing to smaller living spaces. Canada’s aging population is also increasingly downsizing living spaces. Alongside this, mobility among international and interprovincial migrants is creating a demand for temporary storage solutions during relocation.

Guelph, Ontario, sits about 40 miles west of Toronto and is home to the University of Guelph, a prominent public research university. The new facility was strategically placed in this growing, environmentally conscious urban area of students and working professionals, offering a modern, sustainable self-storage solution to meet local demands.

The project timeline was a key consideration in construction for the Apple Self Storage project as the self-storage market is highly competitive; completing the facility quickly without compromising quality was essential. To help meet this goal, architects Cspace Architecture Inc. and Rick Brown and Associates Inc. chose Kingspan’s insulated metal panels (IMPs) for the facility. The prefabricated nature of Kingspan’s panels helped to expedite the construction process. Able to be installed quickly by installer Frost Building Systems Inc., the panels ensured that the facility was “dried-in” much faster than traditional construction methods would have allowed. This quick installation enabled interior work to proceed without delay, helping the project meet deadlines.

Aesthetic appeal was also an important factor in this project, as the design had to adhere to local architectural standards while also presenting a modern, inviting appearance that would complement the surrounding community.

The sleek, modern aesthetic of 17,850 square feet K-Roc HF panels in the Shadowline profile, finished in a Driftwood color, allowed the facility to align with local architectural design standards while offering a distinctive, contemporary look.

The project in Guelph was designed with sustainability at its core. Every aspect of the project was developed with careful consideration for minimizing environmental impact. Notably, the land on which the facility is built required extensive environmental remediation before construction could begin. Thanks to these efforts, the site not only serves the needs of the community but has been revitalized, benefiting both the environment and the surrounding area.

Additionally, the facility aims to achieve carbon neutrality, so a strong focus was placed on using environmentally friendly building materials and technologies from the outset. Kingspan’s K-Roc HF insulated panels are available with multiple aesthetic profiles and a variety of panel thickness, providing superior fire protection in sensitive environments while providing architectural flexibility.

The thermal efficiency of these panels, combined with a 185 kW solar panel system and an HC system using all-electric heat pumps in lieu of natural gas, play a key role in helping the facility achieve its carbon-neutral goals. In addition, the building was designed with a water reservoir system to capture and safely discharge stormwater, further supporting the project’s sustainability targets.

The use of Kingspan IMPs not only contributed to the facility's immediate thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal but also ensure that the building can maintain its performance in the community for years to come. Aside from providing much needed storage solutions to the community, Apple Self Storage has demonstrated a commitment to being a good neighbor. The Guelph facility partners with local organizations and sponsors community sports teams, including the Guelph Food Bank and the Guelph Rugby Football Club, reinforcing the company’s dedication to supporting the local community.