Alternative Construction Techniques

The Basics

How can alternative construction methods reduce housing costs?  Alternative construction techniques and methods that can be performed at a lower cost than traditional building techniques can help reduce the final price of a home.  In a general sense, alternative construction techniques can also refer to building smaller homes and more efficient homes, which should reduce the structure costs of a home. Reduced cost construction methods and materials represent a market based solution to help keep housing costs contained. 

When methods are used

Alternative construction methods can be used to help curb escalating housing prices.  Alternative techniques can become especially important in an environment of high construction prices when building resources are in short supply.  The use of alternative construction materials and methods may be hampered by building code requirements. In Florida, the adoption of alternative materials and methods are affected by climate, especially the prevalence of humidity and tropical storms. 

• Alternative Construction Company, Inc. (ACC), headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, produces structural insulated panel systems (SIPs) used in the construction of residential, commercial, and high-rise buildings. The company's panel systems are used as an alternative to conventional materials such as lumber and bricks and are at the forefront of green building technology. ACC provides builders and consumers with high quality, environmentally friendly and socially responsible building solutions. Product benefits include: speed of build, reduced labor costs, energy efficiency, structural integrity and disaster, fire, insect, moisture, mold and mildew resistance. Their safe rooms are designed for those who live in the path of potential weather disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, and seek protection from them or home security breaches. They have tested their safe rooms and have learned that their product can withstand wind speeds of to 146 mph.
• Building Concerns Florida Resource Directory The Regional Resource Directories include organizations, businesses and professionals caring and working in the field of sustainable design, building and development. Green buildings are still the exception. Clients and designers need quality products and qualified professionals for their green projects. The directories provide green design, building, and development contacts where they are needed - region by region.
• National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with programs in sustainable agriculture, rural development, renewable energy, and low-income housing. 
• Center for Resourceful Building Technology (CRBT) CRBT is a project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology, NCAT. CRBT is dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible practices in construction. It works to serve as both catalyst and facilitator in encouraging building technologies which realize a sustainable and efficient use of resources.
• The University of Florida's M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction Summary of alternative residential construction methods This document describes several alternative building materials and construction methods, including autoclaved aerated concrete, balloon concrete formwork, formless concrete construction, insulating concrete forms, steel systems, structural insulated panels, and tilt-up concrete panels.
• Building Systems Magazine (BSM) is a US-based trade magazine for builders, developers and general contractors using or considering using innovative construction technologies. Using these systems, builders are able to offer their buyers quicker completion times, precision design and engineering, and the highest quality construction in controlled environments. BSM is part of the Home Buyer Marketing Services Group, which includes the Log Home Living Institute, Log Home Living, Timber Home Living magazines, and the The Log & Timber Home Shows and Seminars.

Green Building

What is green building? Design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of building on the environment and occupants in five broad areas: sustainable site planning; safeguarding water and water efficiency; energy efficiency and renewable energy; conservation of materials and resources; and indoor environmental quality.

• U.S. Green Building Council a coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.
• Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit Florida Corporation dedicated to improving the built environment. Its mission is to provide a statewide Green Building program with environmental and economic benefits.
• Central Florida Chapter of U.S. Green Building Council
• Building Green Affordable Housing in NYC
• New York's Green Building Tax Credit
• Santa Monica Green Building Program (including a Green Building Affordable Housing Checklist)
• Greening Affordable Housing Initiative (GAHI) - Through the Greening Affordable Housing Initiative, Global Green works to encourage the adoption of green building strategies and materials in affordable housing.
• Green Affordable Housing Coalition
• Green Communities a five-year initiative to build more than 8,500 environmentally healthy homes for low-income families.
• Affordable green building project examples from the Smart Communities Network
• Sustainable Building Resource Directory green and affordable housing 
• The role of local government in green building
• LISC green affordable housing presentation
• Green Building Sourcebook includes a section on affordable green building design
• Green Affordable Housing Initiative of the Renewable Energy Trust
• Green Home Building an information source for sustainable architecture and natural building. The site has information on natural building techniques, manufactured systems and a variety of building materials.

Modular Housing

• Modular Building Systems Association is an organization whose mission is to advance the legislative and regulatory interests of the modular industry in the United States. The MBSA strives to increase awareness of the value of modular construction by consumers, suppliers, builders, government officials, and others, and it advocates public policies that make modular building systems available on a cost-effective basis. The MBSA serves as a forum for members, suppliers and builders.
• From About.com: How Site-Built, Modular and Manufactured Homes Differ
• What Are Site Built Homes? They are constructed entirely at the building site. They conform to all state, local or regional codes where the house is located. Often called stick-built houses. A well-built, cared for site-built home generally increases in value over time, although its location plays a key role in value.
• What Are Modular Homes? Modular homes are built in sections at a factory. Modular homes are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations. Sections are transported to the building site on truck beds, then joined together by local contractors. Local building inspectors check to make sure a modular home's structure meets requirements and that all finish work is done properly. Modular homes are sometimes less expensive per square foot than site built houses. A well-built modular home should have the same longevity as its site-built counterpart, increasing in value over time.
• What Are Manufactured Homes? Formerly referred to as mobile homes or trailers, but with many more style options than in the past. Manufactured houses are built in a factory. They conform to a Federal building code, called the HUD code, rather than to building codes at their destinations. Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis. Sections are transported to the building site on their own wheels. Multi-part manufactured units are joined at their destination. Segments are not always placed on a permanent foundation, making them more difficult to re-finance. Building inspectors check the work done locally (electric hook up, etc.) but are not required to approve the structure. Manufactured housing is generally less expensive than site built and modular homes. Manufactured homes sometimes decrease in value over time.

Cohousing

• Cohousing is a type of collaborative housing in which residents actively participate in the design and operation of their own neighborhoods. Cohousing residents are consciously committed to living as a community. The physical design encourages both social contact and individual space. Private homes contain all the features of conventional homes, but residents also have access to common facilities such as open space, courtyards, a playground and a common house.

The six defining characteristics of cohousing:

1. Participatory process. Future residents participate in the design of the community so that it meets their needs.
2. Neighborhood design. The physical layout and orientation of the buildings (the site plan) encourage a sense of community.
3. Common facilities. Common facilities are designed for daily use, are an integral part of the community, and are always supplemental to the private residences.
4. Resident management. Residents manage their own cohousing communities, and also perform much of the work required to maintain the property.
5. Non-hierarchical structure and decision-making. Leadership roles naturally exist in cohousing communities, however no one person (or persons) has authority over others.
6. No shared community economy. The community is not a source of income for its members.