#United States #Washington D.C. #84 Lumber #prefabricated #HUD Showcase

Showcasing the Future of Housing: 84 Lumber's Innovative Approach

At this year's Innovative Housing Showcase, presented by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 84 Lumber made a significant impact by demonstrating how component-building efficiency can change the housing landscape. Located in the heart of Washington D.C., this event highlighted the advantages of pre-manufactured components in creating affordable, sustainable housing solutions.

A Modern Residential Model

The centerpiece of 84 Lumber's participation was a remarkable 3,000-square-foot, two-story duplex that was built using prefabricated parts. This duplex was constructed in just four days, with the framing completed in under 12 hours by a skilled crew of eight. Such efficiency not only showcases the potential for rapid housing development but emphasizes the sustainable practices that can be achieved through modern construction methods.

Strategic Collaboration and Materials

This project was the result of a collaborative effort, working with the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA), and featured various products sourced from 84 Lumber's network. All components, including open-web floor cassettes, wall panels, and roof systems, were produced at their Winchester, Virginia plant. This project exemplifies how a vertically integrated supply chain can work to create housing efficiently. From an operational perspective, 84 Lumber augmented the building efforts by providing all necessary windows, doors, and building materials from its Brunswick, Maryland store.

Innovative Foundation Solutions

Given the unique challenges posed by constructing on the National Mall, where traditional concrete foundations cannot be deployed, the 84 Lumber team ingeniously used LVL beams and lolly columns to set an elevated and stable base for the duplex. This innovative foundation technique further highlights the company's ability to adapt to environmental constraints while maintaining speed and quality in construction.

Emphasizing Labor Efficiency

The project not only focused on the speed of construction but also emphasized labor efficiency and waste reduction which are critical in today’s housing market. As Ken Kucera, the VP of Installed Sales & Manufacturing at 84 Lumber, stated, “This project is a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when smart design, pre-manufactured components, and skilled labor come together.”

Community Impact and Future Prospects

At the culmination of the showcase, the duplex was deconstructed and relocated to Staunton, Virginia, where it was donated to Habitat for Humanity. Notably, one half of the duplex will provide shelter for a family of seven, underscoring 84 Lumber's commitment to community service and affordable housing solutions. This collaboration reflects the company's ongoing mission to not only build homes but foster communities.

Recognition of Innovations

84 Lumber has been recognized for its leadership in the construction industry and its innovative approaches towards building materials and housing solutions. Founded in 1956, it has evolved into the largest privately held building materials supplier in the nation, operating 320 facilities across 34 states. The company's dedication to excellence has earned it multiple accolades, including a spot on Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies list for 2024 and 2025, and it continues to shape the future of housing through innovation.

For more information about 84 Lumber's initiatives and products, you can visit 84lumber.com or follow them on their social media platforms.