#United States #Omaha #Clayton #CrossMod #HousingSolutions

Clayton Showcases Construction Innovations at Berkshire Hathaway

On May 2, 2025, Clayton, a premier builder specializing in affordable single-family homes, presented its groundbreaking housing solutions at the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. The event highlighted various innovative methods and projects designed to address the pressing need for attainable homeownership. The centerpiece of Clayton’s exhibit was a striking CrossMod® home, demonstrating the company’s commitment to addressing housing shortages in urban settings.

Innovative Housing Exhibit

Clayton's exhibit featured a 1,065-square-foot CrossMod home, brilliantly designed to integrate into existing city lots. This model exemplifies the company's approach of developing vacant and underutilized land, thus facilitating the creation of ready-to-move-in neighborhoods without overburdening urban infrastructures. By combining off-site and site-built construction practices, Clayton aims to offer housing solutions that accommodate diverse market needs and lifestyles.

The CrossMod Approach

The CrossMod homes stand out by blending the best attributes of traditional site-built homes and modern manufactured housing. With features that resonate with conventional neighborhood aesthetics—like covered porches and permanent foundations—these homes meet zoning regulations that have historically constrained the acceptance of manufactured dwellings. A significant benefit is that these homes can now appreciate in value, offering equity-building opportunities that enhance financial stability for homeowners. Research from the 2024 FHFA demonstrates that modern manufactured homes have appreciated at rates comparable to traditional homes since 2020.

Executive Insight

Kevin Clayton, the CEO, emphasized the company’s mission by stating: “By blurring the lines of construction, we are able to find innovative ways to meet the needs of today's homebuyers while addressing the housing shortage in our country.” He underlined that initiatives like CrossMod reflect the company’s dedication to inclusivity in homeownership, extending opportunities from rural towns to city centers.

Expanding Urban Housing Solutions

Beyond the CrossMod model, Clayton showcased several other inventive housing solutions across various cities:

• - HybridMod Homes in Denver, CO: marketed as ON2 Homes, these homes integrate modular components and are designed specifically for the Denver housing market.
• - CrossMod Neighborhoods in London, KY and Knoxville, TN: Redbud Estates in London, developed in collaboration with local authorities, will feature solar-equipped homes, while a significant project set to launch in Knoxville promises an expanded inventory of accessible housing.
• - Urban In-Fill in Atlanta, GA: Focused on inclusivity, this project demonstrates how effective zoning policies can foster attainable homeownership in metropolitan areas.
• - Single-Section CrossMod Homes: Soon to be included in financing programs by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, these homes are designed for city lots and have pricing that remains competitive within local markets.

Energy-Efficient Homes

Further highlighting its commitment to sustainability, all of Clayton’s modern manufactured homes, including the CrossMod models, are eBuilt®. Designed to meet the U.S. Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Home™ guidelines, they incorporate energy-efficient features such as hybrid water heaters, ENERGY STAR® appliances, and smart thermostats. As a result, these homes could enable savings of up to 50% on annual energy costs, significantly enhancing affordability over time. For example, homeowners in Omaha may save approximately $832 annually on utility bills. When paired with renewable energy infrastructures like solar, these homes could potentially achieve net-zero energy status.

Clayton’s Legacy and Goals

Founded in 1956, Clayton remains dedicated to facilitating homeownership through sustainable practices and innovative housing designs. In 2024 alone, the company built over 60,000 units across the United States, underscoring its ongoing mission to improve the housing market landscape. For those interested in Clayton’s efforts towards affordable, energy-efficient housing solutions, more information is available at ClaytonHomes.com. The CrossMod brand specifically highlights the company's innovation and commitment to cultural and economic inclusivity in homeownership.