Showcase in DC Demonstrates How to Build 2400-Square-Foot House in Just 8 Hours

On Friday, the Structural Components Association (SBCA) in partnership with 84 Lumber and the National Framers Council (NFC) demonstrated the future of home construction at the Innovative Housing Showcase (IHS) in Washington, DC, by building a two-story, 2,400 square-foot house on the National Mall in just under eight hours. The project showcases the efficiency and sustainability of modern offsite manufacturing technology.

In addition to the offsite components, this year’s event highlighted several new developments. The crew installed HVAC mechanicals, electrical, and plumbing in open-web floor trusses, which speeds up installation, reduces field errors, and lowers costs. Incorporation of new products like insulated wall studs in wall panels to enhance the energy efficiency of the home were also used. The use of both floor panels and roof panels will move even more construction tasks offsite, thus reducing build time further compared to last year. Last year’s build was completed in 12 hours—the new methods employed this year shaved four hours off the build time.

Jess Lohse, executive director at the SBCA, said:

“This project illustrates how slight changes in a home builder’s normal construction process can significantly impact construction cycle times and allow limited jobsite labor to build more homes more efficiently. The Innovative Housing Showcase is a great opportunity to provide information, knowledge, and a real-time example of all the benefits and efficiencies components, such as trusses and wall panels, bring to the housing industry.”