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A new report by Ivan Rupnik, Ryan Smith, Tyler Schmetterer, and Barry Kyle identifies regulatory reform as key to scaling U.S. offsite construction.

A new report coauthored by Ivan Rupnik, Ryan Smith, Tyler Schmetterer, and Barry Kyle examines how offsite construction methods, such as modular and panelized building, can better meet national housing needs. The study concludes that the growth of the offsite construction sector is currently hindered by misaligned supportive systems rather than a lack of technology. While traditional building codes and permitting processes favor site-built construction, the report suggests that regulatory reform and demand aggregation are essential for broader market adoption. By comparing the United States with Japan, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, the authors highlight that successful nations have fostered stable environments for innovation by aligning rules and supporting consistent demand. The report proposes an action plan involving immediate standardization of award criteria, intermediate housing system certification programs, and long-term adoption of performance-based building codes. These steps aim to create a predictable path for homes to move through design, approval, and construction, allowing offsite manufacturing to become a more reliable and scalable part of the housing delivery system.

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