How can new technology address the growing shortage of new homes?
The United States faces a significant housing shortage, estimated to be between 5.5 to 6.8 million units. This disparity between demand and supply has been increasing annually. The construction of a single-family home typically requires a lengthy period of seven to nine months. However, mounting labor shortages and a surge in natural disasters resulting in the destruction of existing homes have underscored the urgent need for technology-enabled initiatives to construct sustainable, high-quality homes at scale and speed.
In response to the demand for expedited and more efficient construction, the construction industry has witnessed the emergence of several innovative technologies. Among these, concrete 3D printing for homes, modular homes, and panelized construction have begun to gain traction with additional benefits, such as improved quality control and reduced waste. However, the scalability of these technologies remains a significant challenge that companies must address before they can be widely adopted.
Revolutionizing Home Construction with X+ Technology
Onx Homes, a construction company launched in 2021, has capitalized on the momentum of innovation in the industry by developing its proprietary design and build system: X+ Construction.
In just two years, the homebuilder has delivered over 500 homes, which is set to nearly double by 2024. Launching its first fully advanced X+ Factory in Florida is a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence. With the ability to deliver up to three homes daily, this new approach to construction promises to improve quality control, reduce waste and significantly expedite the construction timeline.
Building Resilient Homes for a Changing Climate
In 2023, the United States experienced a record-breaking number of natural disasters, causing extensive damage to homes and property. As we continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, it has become increasingly important to build resilient homes that can withstand the impact of natural disasters, including hurricanes and wildfires, and minimize any damage caused.
Sustainable Home Solutions: Onx Homes Leads the Way
Ravi Bhat, Chief Operating Officer of Onx Homes, explains: “There is a significant need to construct homes that are not only environmentally sustainable but also capable of withstanding natural disasters. To this end, we believe using monolithic concrete homes is the best way forward. The advancements in green and carbon-neutral materials will provide the next generation of builders with access to housing that is both sustainable and capable of withstanding growing climatic changes.”
The global recognition of monolithic concrete homes as a viable solution is impeded by the high construction cost. The expenses involved in building such homes are significantly higher than those for wooden houses. Onx X+ Technology, however, has made this option affordable and available to homeowners. The concept of monolithic structures has been employed in commercial real estate, and Onx is extending the same quality and concept to home construction.
Every Onx Home uses low-carbon concrete, offering a more resilient and sustainable solution. The company has invested significantly in research and development to develop green concrete, supporting a global net zero by 2030.
As Onx Homes COO Ravi Bhat shares, “sustainability and resilience go hand in hand and are both crucial aspects of a new home. We are committed to delivering this solution with speed and scale and transforming the new home-building industry.”
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