An overview of challenges and solutions toward improved, low cost building systems in the us

Abstract EN

The United States faces a housing affordability crises, especially among minority and disadvantaged populations in both rural and inner city, urban locations.

The solutions to this challenge have come mainly through government subvention programs.

However, dwindling Federal and State monetary resources cannot meet the needs of a burgeoning population requiring safe, energy-efficient, affordable housing.

The United States department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recognized the need to address these issues from a broad, market-driven approach that relies on improved construction methods and materials, rather than simply underwriting inefficient and technologically outdated building practices.

The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) “is dedicated to accelerating the development and use of technologies that radically improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and affordability of America's housing.” HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research manages and coordinates PATH activities.

This government program in partnership with private industry is currently building a Concept House in Omaha, Nebraska, modeling the most advanced technological building methods currently in practice in the United States for residential construction.

This house integrates compatible advanced building systems as an educational tool for both the housing industry and consumers of US housing.

This paper will present a survey of affordable housing technologies and concepts.