MHMSM.com presents News at Noon with Erin Patla
Coming up, “Homes in a box” to create new markets for factory built homes
But first…these stories.
Small Eco-Modular Homes Gain
Popularity
Modular homes made from salvaged materials and touting green furnishings are perfect for eco-conscious homebuyers
Those in attendance at the Dwell on Design conference in Los Angeles were in for a treat—the auction of a fully furnished, one-off green designer home. The 400-square-foot modular home uses 80-90 percent salvaged materials and was created by Reclaimed Space. According to the article on Treehugger, the reclaimed galvanized metal and pine that comprise the structure of the home comes from a 19th century farm and livery structures in New Braunfels, Belton and Shiner, Texas.
In addition to salvaged materials, the home also touts reused furnishings fashioned with organic upholstery, LED fixtures, Electrolux appliances, recycled quartz countertops from CaesarStone, recycled glass tiles, and a dual-flush toilet with greywater tank sink. Reclaimed Space specializes in green construction, incorporating salvaged wood into the design of the home. The auction is on eBay with proceeds from the auction will benefit Global Green USA.
Small pre-fab homes made of sustainable materials are cropping up everywhere. Ranging from 400 to over a thousand square feet, these innovative structures incorporate green elements, from salvaged materials to grey water hookups, to ease the buyer burden on the planet. Though 400-square-feet is the size of the average American garage nowadays, many are discovering that smaller spaces mean closer (literally) families and less opportunity to acquire unnecessary junk, preferring it to the large “McMansions” that have also sprouted up in clusters over the last few decades.
Whether these homes are part of a growing trend towards environmental sustainability or the predicted backlash against large homes, the structures prove that one need not sacrifice style and quality to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Source: Treehugger by
| BY: l.clapper |
HUD Proposes New Rule to Allow On-Site Completion of Factory-Built Manufactured Homes
WASHINGTON – (LoanSafe.org) – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced that it is proposing new regulations that would permit builders of manufactured housing to complete construction at the home’s installation site, rather than in the factory. Under current HUD regulations, a manufacturer must obtain HUD approval for on-site completion of each of its designs.
HUD’s proposed rule would simplify the manufactured housing construction process by establishing new uniform procedures that would, under certain circumstances, permit manufacturers to complete construction of their homes at the installation site without obtaining advance approval from HUD. The proposed regulations would not apply when a major section of a manufactured home is to be constructed on-site. Public comment to this rule is due by August 23, 2010.
National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, which went into effect on all manufactured homes on June 15, 1976, authorizes HUD to establish and amend home construction and safety standards for the industry. It also authorizes HUD to conduct inspections and investigations necessary to enforce these standards. The HUD Code has undergone updates since its passage, including the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000, also known as the MHIA of 2000.
“Up next, ‘Homes in a box’ to create new markets for factory built homes”
This podcast of News at Noon is sponsored in part by MHMSM.com/solutions.
Do you have vacant homes or sites? Does your financing, marketing, sales or management need a boost? From high Return on Investment online marketing, to public relations, sales, lead and management systems and more, make us your Solutions Resource. When you are ready for the answers to your needs, visit MHMSM.com/solutions.
and “Now, back to the news…”
“Homes in a box” to create new markets for factory built homes
Jamie Weber’s vision could eventually translate into jobs at Golden West Manufactured Homes in Albany.
Weber, a home builder from Kennewick, Wash., has created a new concept of prefabricated homes that that fit in containers, and Golden West is currently putting out prototypes.
Last Wednesday, Albany Mayor Sharon Konopa, John Pascone of the Albany-Millersburg Economic Development Corp. and chamber of commerce President Janet Steele were among a group of city officials and business leaders whom Weber led through the Albany plant.
He told the group that the homes can be folded, collapsed and set into a standard 40-foot cargo container to ship worldwide. Expectations are that more than 100 homes can be shipped from the Albany site each week.
American Container Homes has partnered with Clayton Homes, parent company of Golden West, to perfect assembly line output for the units. It could mean up to 100 jobs at the plant.
“I wanted a green product that could collapse for shipping and then set up quickly when it reaches its destination,” Weber said.
Units are of various sizes with numerous floor plans. Constructed of steel and magnesium composite, homes are mounted on steel frames or concrete pads. Family dwellings and relief structures are included among the plans.
Anthony Hemstad, executive director of the World Trade Center in Tacoma, has helped Weber negotiate prospects for relief use with agencies in Washington, D.C., and nonprofits.
“There are lots of models,” Hemstad said. “The idea is to bring American style homes to the rest of the world.”
Weber says units are virtually indestructible and resistant to fire, wind and insect infestation. He says orders are in the thousands, not the hundreds.
Weber said producing the homes at Golden West is a logical step for his company.
“It’s the closest assembly line mechanism for us and we developed a strong relationship with the plant,” he said. “The hope is to get Albany to capacity and then expand to other Clayton plants around the country.”
Up to 24 units a day could be output from two assembly lines. Because green aspects are stressed, Weber said Golden West’s Energy Star rating is a plus.
One of the main uses for the homes is to provide low-cost housing in areas needing disaster relief. Units can be purchased for as little as $25,000 and can reach destinations within days by truck, ship or rail.
Designs are in place for a 32-bed hospital and schools.
Prototype production is expected to begin within 90 days.
Crews from Weber’s small Tacoma plant are helping Albany workers adjust to the procedure. Weber said the idea is to run two assembly lines, likely requiring 50 people each. Golden West currently employs about 135.
“We’re creating American jobs through American innovation,” Weber said.
This story courtesty of Gazette Times, Corvallis, OR. You’ll find these and many other factory built housing Industry news stories on our website at MHMSM.com
“On behalf of Production and IT Manager Bob Stovall, Editor Tony Kovach and the entire MHMSM.com writing and support team, this is Erin Patla, G’day!”
Exit music.