High-tech construction could lower housing costs, says HUD Secretary
- Scott Turner spoke at HUD's Innovative Housing Showcase about innovative construction methods.
- Technologies showcased include prefabricated panels and 3D printing using recycled materials to significantly reduce costs.
- Turner emphasized the urgent need for millions of housing units and called for streamlined local regulations to adopt these technologies.
In an event held recently at HUD's Innovative Housing Showcase on the National Mall, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner highlighted the potential of high-tech construction methods in addressing the housing affordability crisis in the United States. He, alongside Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, emphasized that the private sector is showcasing innovative solutions aimed at reducing housing costs. Various models demonstrated at the showcase included a two-story house assembled in ten hours using prefabricated panels and another made from recycled plastic using robots and 3-D printing technology, which reportedly reduces costs by about 30%. Turner pointed out that the U.S. currently requires approximately 7 million units of housing, stressing that housing affordability is a pressing issue. He praised the efforts of entrepreneurs and innovators in providing affordable housing solutions. The showcase featured a range of manufactured and modular housing along with technologies like 3-D printing, exhibiting the speed-to-market capabilities that these innovations can bring along with lower costs and reduced waste. Senator Hagerty also acknowledged the priority of housing stock in Tennessee, noting the importance of deploying technological advancements to remedy inadequate housing supply in the country. The collaboration between the government and the private sector was underscored as a key aspect of this initiative, as it harnesses innovation to enhance living conditions for the American populace. Discussing the barriers posed by local zoning and permitting rules, the two officials indicated their commitment to streamline these processes at the federal level. They are keen on making regulatory frameworks more efficient, thereby allowing for faster adoption of such technological innovations while also ensuring affordability in housing development. This concerted effort aims to affect real changes in addressing the housing supply crisis fundamentally and efficiently.