Under the Lens
Building Differently
Experiments to lower construction costs, from utilizing shipping containers to 3D printing, have been happening for years. But have we found anything that will help us build affordable housing at scale, and for less? And if not, what will it take to get us there?
Building Differently: Can It Reduce Construction Costs?
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Can New Construction Methods Lower the Cost of Housing?
3D printing, repurposed shipping containers, and offsite manufacturing have been held up as potential solutions to the country’s affordable-housing crisis. But are these new construction technologies helping?
How Community Developers Are Using Alternative Construction Methods
Community developers try out new technologies and processes, oftentimes out of a sense of responsibility to help put potential solutions to the test.
Containing Costs Through Shipping Container Housing
Reusing shipping containers for housing has been discussed for years. In West Palm Beach a whole affordable apartment building will be built out of them.
Does ‘Innovation’ in Construction Just Mean Fewer Jobs?
“In community development, there are a number of different goals. The first goal, obviously, is to produce housing that is affordable and accessible, but we also have other goals around providing jobs for people.”
Can Robotics Help Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis?
While affordable housing developers have been slow to embrace automation, for-profit companies are bullish on its prospects. What do they see as the benefits and drawbacks?
Look Close to Home for Construction Cost Savings
We don’t have to turn to fancy tech to lower the cost of building.
3D-Printed Houses: New Trend or Lasting Solution?
Habitat for Humanity sponsored a virtual panel discussion on 3D-printed homes, moderated by Shelterforce’s editor in chief, Miriam Axel-Lute.
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