March 28, 2005

Advisory Board Explores Concept Home Principles

The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing's (PATH) Concept Home Advisory Board convened on March 15 to compare perspectives on the project's principles and the challenges impeding their implementation.

Created to advance the design and development of the PATH Concept Home, the Advisory Board is comprised of housing industry leaders committed to the idea of highly customizable, flexible housing that begins at a price point within reach of most Americans. The Board's role is to provide ideas and feedback on materials and discussion topics related to the Concept Home. Jamie Lyons of Newport Partners opened the board's inaugural meeting by presenting background information on the project, including related technology scanning and roadmapping activities and market research work.

The group identified the lack of uniformity in local building codes as a substantial obstacle to production methods that standardize designs. The Board also noted that a major challenge to the efficient use of different production approaches frequently is the condition of the lots where the home is constructed. Site conditions, which are increasingly challenging for builders in many parts of the country, can impose limitations on certain production methods.

The Advisory Board also discussed its knowledge of work related to the Concept Home, including the MIT/Bensonwood Homes Open Prototype Project. This project is using principles such as organized and intelligent layers of building systems, as well as pre-built components and systems.

Since the meeting, PATH Concept Home Advisory Board has named James Timberlake of Kieran Timberlake Associates as its newest member.

For more information:
Brian Sullivan

Content updated on 6/2/2008