Sustainable and Affordable Residential Construction in the U.S.: Modular Construction and Domestic Resource Strategies

Abstract - The United States (U.S.) has a growing affordable housing crisis driven by construction costs and prolonged project duration. Traditional construction technologies are often cost-ineffective and time-consuming; modular construction (MC) can decrease construction costs, labor, material waste, and time. Challenges such as regulatory barriers, financial issues, and preconceptions about design flexibility and robustness still affect its adoption. This study will examine ways to incorporate MC into Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S. residential housing by exploring the roles of national strategies through domestic timber production, thus stabilizing cost of material and enhancing economic security while providing cost-effective, locally produced housing solutions. Case studies, literature reviews, industry reports, and policy frameworks were reviewed to help identify the factors that either support or hinder the adoption of MC. Technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and industry collaboration are explored as ways to increase the use of MC for affordable housing, and strengthen local economies, and enhance environmental resilience. This study will investigate barriers to the adoption of MC related to policy and people's perceptions and offer practical recommendations to improve MC and help solve the housing affordability problem in Silver Spring, Maryland U.S., Providing feasible and environmentally friendly options, and enhancing time effectiveness and cost reduction in the residential housing sector. Keywords: Modular Construction (MC); Affordable Housing; Domestic Timber Policy; Housing Cost Burden; Sustainability; Urban Development; Policy and Regulatory Barriers