|
The world of prefab and modular homes. |
|
| http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2008/10/23/everhouse-a-new-plan-for-post-katrina-homes/ |
Two weeks ago, the Christian Science Monitor featured Everhouse, a simple design meant to address the post-hurricane housing shortage near the Gulf Coast:
700,000 homes damaged ... and 250,000 homes destroyed
The designer of Everhouse looked to the advantages of prefabrication to help.
To keep costs down, the components of an Everhouse are made by a factory in Palatka, Fla., and then delivered to the land where each unit will be built. And like a desk from Ikea, the pieces arrive with all the necessary materials included...
They opted for a “panelized” design, because the concrete panels are easy to transport and give both the designer and homeowner a good amount of flexibility in house plans.
Key benefit: the shell can be assembled in one day.
The company hopes to produce 1,500 homes per year.
Sawyer also sees a shortage of skilled construction labor in the region. Read the article for his proposed solution.
