In an effort to address the severe housing shortage in the United States, builders are adopting cutting-edge construction techniques such as 3D printing, factory assembly of homes, and the use of hemp as a construction material. This is in response to an acute lack of housing that has driven rental prices to new heights, resulting in millions facing financial hardship.
According to Adrianne Todman, previously the acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the deficit in available homes for purchase or rent has become critical. Todman advocates for innovative construction methods as a rapid solution to the housing crisis, noting, “I can only imagine what our housing situation would be like now if we could have made a decision to be more aggressive in adopting this type of housing” decades ago.
One promising approach is factory-built housing. Eric Schaefer of Fading West points to their Colorado operation as an example of swift construction. Modular homes are constructed in a factory setting within five to seven days, even during harsh winter conditions, and then transported to their final locations, ready for occupancy within six weeks. These homes, which fulfill the needs of teachers and other local employees, are essential in high-cost regions like those near the Vail ski resort.
Schaefer insists that faster building methods lower housing costs, although a major hurdle is the initial investment required to establish a factory, coupled with inconsistent building codes across regions that complicate logistics. Manufactured housing, somewhat akin to modular housing, offers a broad solution, although it follows different construction standards and is built on a chassis.
Beyond modular and manufactured models, 3D printing has entered the scene as another innovative method. The process involves a robotic system extruding layers of concrete to form walls, potentially reducing labor and construction time. However, this technology is still nascent. High costs, a need for specialized personnel, and unrecognized building codes are current barriers to its widespread adoption, according to Ali Memari from the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center.
Simultaneously, hemp is being explored as a viable building material. When combined with lime, it forms “hempcrete,” an insulation that is fire-resistant and mold-resistant. Hempcrete also eliminates the need for multiple building components by serving as both insulation and wall material. It holds potential due to its rapid cultivation time compared to traditional lumber. Despite regulatory uncertainties and initial equipment costs hindering its widespread use, its adoption by the International Code Council as an insulation material is a positive sign for its future, according to Memari.
While challenges remain in implementing these new technologies, they hold promise for addressing the current housing crisis by making construction more efficient and potentially lowering costs. As builders continue to innovate, a more affordable and accessible housing market may be within reach.