Here's an interesting modular development that was announced last month:

Haven Custom Homes ... and Sanctuary Communities have begun construction on the first home in Sanctuary Village, a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) located in the western mountains of North Carolina ...

Sanctuary Village will be a walkable, mixed-use village that will encompass 24 acres of multi-generational living with mansion flats, village houses, tree houses, mountain cottages and a civic/commercial component that will include shops, cafes, book stores, cultural events and community gathering spots a short stroll from homes.

We found this explanation of a Traditional Neighborhood Development:

a comprehensive planning system that includes a variety of housing types and land uses in a defined area. The variety of uses permits educational facilities, civic buildings and commercial establishments to be located within walking distance of private homes...

Haven Custom Homes emphasizes the advantages of building "in an off-site, climate controlled environment where the materials used in your home are protected from the weather."

• Precision construction resulting in straight walls, square corners, fitted windows and flat ceilings.
• Extra reinforcements in bearing walls.
• Move in 16-23 weeks after execution of a contract and your approval of final drawings and finish schedules.

Facts:

• developers: Tim and Iva Ryan of Sanctuary Communities
• builder: Haven Custom Homes
• designer: Allison Ramsey Architects (strategic partner)
• location: "five blocks from Franklin's historic Main Street"

Links:

• master plan
• photo gallery
• available properties

(Hat tip: Building Systems on October 29, 2008)