Catalyst Nexus
SINGLE FAMILY UNIT
Team:
Xin Bai
University of Utah
Electrical Computer Engineering
Linh Do
University of Utah
Master of Science in
Business Analytics
Nabanita Majumder
University of Miami
MPS in Urban Sustainability
& Resilience
SMARTies
Housing Crisis and Market Decline in Real Estate
Housing Crisis
Environmental changes, social pressure, and policy shifts are driving a housing crisis.
==> Innovative and creative thinking is essential to finding sustainable development solutions and propelling the real estate industry to new heights for sustainable advancement.
Market Decline in Real Estate
The real estate and investment sectors find it challenging to sustain growth by adhering to conventional approaches and traditional mindsets.
Decline in purchasing power due to social pressures and future expense concerns
Our solution:
We use Building Information Modeling (BIM) for virtual construction to enhance efficiency and streamline the building process. Sustainable materials like straw bale panels and bamboo-timber composites ensure seamless assembly. Advanced machinery, such as sandblasting, expedites construction, reduces costs, and minimizes delays for a more efficient and cost-effective process.
Affordable, quality homes
Sustainable and Disaster Resilient Housing Model
Proposed Design
Proposed Design
Water system (Infiltration System)
Solar Panel
Straw Panel
Location
State of Utah, USA
Unemployment Rate
Category | Sustainable Housing (USD) | Traditional Housing (USD) |
Materials (Main Structure) | $18,000 (Straw, Bamboo, Timber) | $28,000 (Concrete, Brick, Timber) |
Energy System | $6,000 (Solar) | $7,500 (Traditional HVAC) |
Efficiency Tools (BIM, Sandblasting) | $5,500 (BIM, Sandblasting) | N/A |
Interior & Finishing | $9,000 | $12,000 |
Foundation | $8,000 | $16,000 |
Labor Costs | $7,500 | $10,000 |
Miscellaneous | $3,000 | $4,500 |
Total Initial Construction Cost | $57,000 | $78,000 |
15-Year Energy Cost | $4,500 | $15,000 |
Percentage of Total Money Saved | 34% | |
Cost Comparision for a 1200sqft single family model in Utah
Cost Comparision for a 1200sqft single family model in Utah
The sustainable housing model costs $57,000 for construction compared to $78,000 for traditional housing. As solar energy further reduces ongoing expenses, homeowners can save around 35% in total costs.
For real estate developers, this lowers construction costs and increases profit margins.
Homeowners also benefit from potential mortgage reductions through Utah's First-Time Home Buyer Assistance Program. Considering a 20% down payment, households with incomes below $60,000 can comfortably afford this option.
35%
More affordable than traditional housing in Utah
Cost Savings
< $60k
Annual household income to comfortably afford this housing
Thank You!