The 2011 Solar Decathlon brought together some of the brightest collegiate minds in sustainable design, and few entries embodied the competition’s forward-looking spirit quite like Team Tidewater Virginia. A collaboration between Old Dominion University and Hampton University, the team developed a 971-square-foot modular home called Unit 6 that was designed to function equally well as […]
The dream of affordable homeownership and net-zero energy performance has long seemed out of reach for many American families. But a development in Stockton, California, is proving that the two goals can work together. The Tierra del Sol project, built by ZETA Communities in partnership with Visionary Home Builders, demonstrates how modular construction techniques can
The LEED for Homes program has demonstrated remarkable geographic and economic reach, certifying projects that range from ultra-affordable urban infill townhomes to high-technology showcase residences half a world apart. When projects in Philadelphia and South Korea earned Platinum ratings within the same month, the achievement underscored how green building certification can adapt to vastly different
Vintage light fixtures bring an unmatched level of character and craftsmanship to any interior space. Whether you are restoring a historic home or adding a period-inspired accent to a modern build, the right vintage fixture can transform a room. This guide covers everything from identifying authentic antique lighting to safe installation and long-term care, helping
The residential construction industry operates in a market defined by persistent constraints and shifting demand patterns. Builders who understand the structural headwinds limiting housing growth can make better decisions about project timing, product mix, and market positioning. As the United States housing market continues its recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, several realities have emerged
The start of 2018 delivered a surprise for the housing market that caught many economists off guard. Total U.S. housing starts more than doubled some January forecasts, jumping 9.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.33 million units according to the joint data release from the Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of
Reading the housing starts data from the first quarter of 2018 reveals a construction market with strong upward momentum, even if the monthly numbers appear mixed at first glance. According to U.S. Department of Commerce figures, overall housing starts rose 1.9 percent in March, supported by a 14.4 percent jump in multifamily construction that offset
After years of relentless price growth and inventory shortages, the US housing market is showing unmistakable signs of cooling. For builders and construction professionals who have grown accustomed to a seller-dominated landscape, these shifts demand a closer look at the underlying data. Housing starts have declined, permit volumes are dropping, and existing home sales have
The United States economy demonstrated notable resilience in the second quarter as gross domestic product bounced back to a 2.6 percent annual growth rate, recovering from a sluggish first quarter that registered only 1.2 percent expansion. This rebound comes despite headwinds in the housing sector, where residential fixed investment fell sharply after an unusually strong
The housing market has long served as a reliable bellwether for the broader economy, and current data suggests another period of positive contribution is on the horizon. While monthly figures can fluctuate, the underlying trends point toward a market that is positioned to lift GDP growth, particularly in the fourth quarter. For builders and construction
