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March 8, 2006 PATH Celebrates Innovation, Unveils Plans for Home of the Future Over one hundred decision-makers and leaders within the residential building industry were treated to a multi-sensory learning experience on Capitol Hill yesterday at PATH's "Innovation Street" exhibit, an alternately serious and playful event highlighting recent advancements in homebuilding and the need for continued investment in building innovation. The unveiling of designs for both attached and detached models of the PATH Concept Home was the highlight of the evening.
Designed by Torti Gallas Partners and Steven Winters Associates, the first Concept Home will be built in Omaha, Nebraska by Brighton Construction. The PATH Concept Home is an initiative to develop high-quality, affordable homes that are easily adjustable to changing lifestyles and increasing technological advances. This "home of the future" will combine functions that make optimal use of labor, mater ial, time, and money. It includes flexible floor plans that accommodate family changes, customizable designs that give the home the quality and curb appeal of a custom-built house without the high cost, and improved production methods that speed construction and enhance long-term durability.
Held at the Rayburn Congressional Building, the street-fair style exhibit demonstrated through displays and hands-on activities how PATH is taking the risk out of innovation in home building by making it easier for builders to adopt new technologies; creating a broad network of industry innovators; and promoting a vision for future housing that is durable, affordable, and adaptable. Darlene Williams, Assistant Secretary for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's department on Policy Development and Research, recognized two builders who have demonstrated strong commitment to researching, developing, and marketing improved housing: Bensonwood Homes and Pulte Homes, Inc./Pulte Home Sciences.
Tedd Benson, Company Steward of Bensonwood Homes, and Wayne Williams, Vice President of Manufacturing Services for Pulte Homes Inc., were on hand to receive these honors. Beginning in 1974 with a mission to revive the craft of timberframing, the Bensonwood Company opened Bensonwood Homes in the late 1990s to provide complete house packages of pre-engineered volume frames based on Open-Built principles while reducing costs through advanced design, production, and delivery technology. Pulte Homes has constructed more than 450,000 homes in its 56-year history and, in 2005, received the most awards in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction
Four innovative manufacturing groups sponsored PATH's American Block Party on Innovation Street: Portland Cement Association, Pulse Switch Systems, SEISCO, and Vanguard Piping Systems. The event was hosted by the PATH Industry Committee, which provides a stakeholder perspective to PATH activities. It includes industry pioneers and experts who have made their mark in the home building industry. These key representatives have lent their time and their organizations' resources to clarify and define the home building industry's participation in PATH's vision. For More Information: Content updated on 5/19/2009 |
"Both of these builders believe that innovation is not just a product to be seen in the home, but that it is a way of seeing the world," said Dr. Williams. "They represent a better future for America's homes."
Study. Pulte is also a leader in innovation-opening Pulte Home Sciences (PHS) in 1999 to develop factory built house components and the vertical build process. PHS also manages Pulte's Research and Development activities, which are focused on developing the best components, systems and processes for residential construction.
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