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Articles by Quinn Purcell
What I Learned From the 2022 EEBA Summit
High-performance homebuilders have a lot on their plate. Here are a few prominent issues of heavy discussion taken from the 2022 EEBA Summit.
6 Differences in Built-For-Rent Homes
Unlike their for-sale counterparts, build-for-rent (BFR) homes come with unique design opportunities. John Burns Real Estate Consulting shares six strategies for differentiating your BFR homes.
Meet the Utopia Editors at IBS 2023
Utopia editors are heading to Las Vegas for the 2023 NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS). Will we see you there?
The 14 Essential Patterns of Biophilic Design
For builders and homeowners alike, these 14 patterns of biophilic design offer a look into the most favorable ways biophilia can be incorporated into a home.
Epic Games' Foray Into the Housing, Real Estate Industries
From architecture to real estate, the realm of computer-aided design hits new heights as more and more firms utilize the power of Epic Games’ Twinmotion and Unreal Engine.
Harvard Graduates Devise Community-Scale Geothermal Energy Solution
Over 150 students sought to find creative solutions to common industry problems during Ivory Innovation’s annual Hack-A-House competition.
‘Save The Blue Flame’: The Answer in Exergy
No, it’s not a typo. Some believe exergy may be just as, if not more important, than energy efficiency. But what is it, and where does it fit in the era of sustainable homebuilding?
Lennar and ICON Begin 100-Home 3D-Printed Community in Texas
The 3D-printed homes at Wolf Ranch begin construction as Lennar, ICON, and BIG break ground on their 100-home project in Georgetown, Texas.
Game-Changing Construction Automation with Diamond Age
This house is 3D-printed, but the naked eye knows no different. How? Diamond Age takes 3D printing to the next level with industrial scale robotics and automation.
Top 5 New Rooms, Room Functions in Home Design
Research from the New Home Trends Institute shows which five new rooms (or room functions) architectural designers have been implementing in recent home designs.
Modular, Modern Apartment Prototype ‘Cloud S’ Unveiled
Modular homebuilding meets manufacturing-like productization with the unveiling of the Cloud S, a modern dwelling for the modern renter.
Younger Homes, Digibilt Partnership is Rashkin’s ‘Future of Housing'
Sam Rashkin encourages high-performance homebuilders to take after the likes of Younger Homes, who utilizes the latest virtual technology of Digibilt to efficiently build and sell custom homes.
Is ‘Net Zero Carbon’ The New ‘Net Zero Energy’?
Decarbonization, sustainability, and other progressive initiatives were hot subjects at this year’s EEBA High Performance Home Summit.
6 Factors That Influence Builders’ Adoption of Modular Construction
Offsite construction is a viable option for homebuilding, but what should you know before getting into it? The New Home Trends Institute details six factors to consider for modular development.
Module Launches Training Program for Building Modular Homes
The Last Mile Lab combines workforce training and industry innovation to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive way to build new housing.
5 Trends and Innovations in Exterior Design
In Utopia’s first webinar of 2022, expert home builders shared the latest trends and innovations in exterior design. Here are five key takeaways to help you on your next project.
Will King Wins ‘Best of Social’ for Jobsite Mascot: Moses!
Huber ‘Best of Social’ winner Will King traded fighting fires for designing and building better homes for his community. (And his pal, Moses!)
The Secrets of Sustainable Homes (Advice from Homebuilders)
High-performance home building seems like a daunting feat, but simple tricks can go a long way. We’ve put together six pieces of advice from award-winning home builders on how to build and sell healthy, cost-effective homes.
‘Step Into The Light’ with These 4 Interior Lighting Considerations
In its latest white paper, national design firm Mary Cook Associates highlights several key lighting ideas for residential and multifamily spaces.
From Fashion to Facade: How Homes are Getting Bolder and Edgier
How does the fashion industry influence exterior home design? Jeff Mulcrone of BSB Design shares four insights during Utopia’s Exterior Design Trends and Innovations webinar.
Exterior Materials: 3 Key Findings for the Next 3 Years
Stone or stucco; brown, bold? The New Home Trends Institute highlights these key material usage strategies for home exteriors.
McIntosh and Daughter Builds Better for Bonners Ferry
Huber ‘Best of Social’ award-winner Joel McIntosh uses his platform to learn from like-minded builders, while training young talent in building science best practices.
The Diverse Talent of Tomorrow
“Diversity isn't a fad,” according to Dr. Charner Rodgers. What does the talent of tomorrow look like, and how can employers create workspaces that reflect that?
Could University Partnerships Advance 3D Construction Printing Further?
Workforce development, technical training, advancing industry knowledge... Is there a way we can leverage colleges and universities to aid in the evolution of 3D construction printing technology?
Smart Air Quality Control with Swidget
Swidget Smart Controls marries smart device automation with Panasonic’s indoor air quality management—but the modular product does much more than that.
4 Interior Design Considerations for Promoting Well-Being
In its latest white paper, national design firm Mary Cook Associates takes a scientific approach to pinpoint four essential areas to increase residents’ health and wellness.
5 Ways to Consistently Deliver Good Housing Design
The way a house is designed has a great impact on the user experience—good or bad. What are some ways that builders can consistently deliver good housing design? Sam Rashkin shares 50 best practices from his comprehensive framework of Housing 2.0.
What Else Could We Print Houses Out Of?
Hempcrete, synthetic cement, polypropylene, the list goes on… Many 3D construction printing companies are studying what other materials we could use in printing homes. What solutions are the most likely to make it?
Healthy Homes Built by Teens, from Foundation to Trim
Matt Blomquist, one of the many builders making their mark on social media, wins Huber Engineered Woods’ Best of Social Award for community engagement. Here’s how he teaches his students to build an entire home from foundation to trim.
Robots and Prefabs and Printing, Oh My!
Mighty Buildings utilizes automation, ultraviolet light, and more innovations to 3D-print its prefabricated homes. What else do they do differently?
The ‘Collaboratory’ Brings Digital Innovation to the Classroom
The University of Denver is launching the classroom of the future, bringing an immersive digital lab to students in the School of Real Estate & Construction Management.
Dynamic Glass Brings New Energy Savings to the Residential Market
Glass Dyenamics brings electrochromic glass technology to the residential market for the first time—and even has the Department of Energy to back them up.
The House That SHE Built Emphasizes Empowering Women in Construction
This Utah home was built by industry tradeswomen and women-owned companies. Here’s how it breaks the mold of what homebuilding should look like.
How to Make Any Home a Passive House
The Passive House Standard can be hard to achieve with existing buildings. EnerPHit provides multiple solutions for certifying retrofits with Passive House components.
5 Kitchen Trends ‘Set To Explode’ in 2022
Interior design experts provided insight on commonly cited kitchen trends in the New Home Trends Institute’s March Survey Insights Report.
5 Biggest Barriers of 3D Construction Printing
Black Buffalo 3D, Alquist, and more 3D construction printing companies discuss the current challenges that come with building 3D printed homes.
NAR Survey Highlights the Need to Talk About Sustainability
A March 2022 survey of realtors indicates clients’ interest in energy-efficient homes, the value of promoting sustainability, and the best ways of communicating wants and needs with builders.
Alquist Announces Project Virginia: 200 3D Printed Homes
In the world’s largest 3D printed construction project, Alquist plans to build 200 homes throughout Virginia in the next five years.
First Virtual Tool for the Real Estate Metaverse
NTRY announces the first one-to-one scale digital real estate metaverse, powered by 3D Cityscapes and Unreal Engine 5. For some realtors and homebuyers, it’s a step into the future of buying.
Modular Cloud Apartments That 'Snap' Together
Cloud Apartments envision a renters-first mindset to modular housing: sleek, innovative, and affordable.
Data from NHTI Finds Rise in Outdoor Kitchen Spaces
The November Survey Insights Report from John Burns’ New Home Trends Institute shows the growing demand of outdoor entertainment spaces, and the value we put into them.
Study Shows What Americans Really Think About Tiny Homes and ADUs
Interest in ADUs and Tiny Homes have skyrocketed over the past few years. HomeAdvisor surveyed 1,800 Americans to find out what makes these dwellings both attractive and concerning.
A 2022 Update on Passive House Standards
Phius (Passive House Institute US) has updated its Passive House certification standards for 2021 onward—with net zero as the goal.
Housing Demand Remains Steady, But For Long?
78 builders answered the monthly Homebuilder Survey by BTIG/HomeSphere. Here’s what they had to say about sales, expectations, and incentives for March 2022.
[UPDATED] 3D Printed Housing Conference to Answer Consumer Questions
This May, all of the big players in the 3D printed homes market came together for an educational two-day conference. Here’s how to get all your 3D printing questions answered.
Sleek and Green, These Solar Panels Are Customizable
Mitrex’s solar panels come with fully customizable designs, from solid colors to limitless patterns.
Stanford Engineers Create Solar Panels That Work at Night
A breakthrough invention by a team of Stanford researchers allow solar panels to begin generating energy at night.
The Modular Mark: Prefab Pros and Cons
What’s the deal with modular homes, and does public perception of the practice affect the way we view them? These offsite builders give their input.
4 Simple Smart Tech Solutions for Builders
“New tech” this and “smart device” that—how am I supposed to know what’s best for my build? Look no further, for here are the simple smart tech solutions you need to get started on.
Lok-N-Blok Enters the Fray as New Building Category
From an idea sparked by a children’s toy, to an entirely new category of building, Lok-N-Blok makes waves in the industry as a solution to both material and labor shortages.
Placer.ai uses human mobility data to track area trends—a tool builders could utilize for a leg-up in the market.
How Healthy is My Home? Survey Says… Not Very
A recent survey by Panasonic finds that builders and homeowners alike are unaware of just how poor our indoor air quality is.
What’s in Consumers’ Dream Home? New AIM Study Finds Out
What are the biggest differences between what homeowners want and what they have? Surprisingly, it involves the bathroom—and beyond.
Women in Construction: Jordan Crouse Builds Bridges, Not Walls (Q&A)
Jordan Crouse oversees massive multifamily projects with aplomb and a green thumb. Here's her story on industry passion, pains, and shifting perspectives for women in construction.
Women in Construction: Rachael Dolecki Maintains Site Safety (Q&A)
Rachael Dolecki has spent a decade managing the safety of construction sites. Here's her story on industry passion, pains, and shifting perspectives for women in construction.
Multifamily Survey: Top Features and Amenities from 221,000 Renters
The 2022 Renter Preferences Survey Report by the National Multifamily Housing Council and Grace Hill finds what residents desire most—and how much they’re willing to pay for it.
Women in Construction: Rose Rodriguez Finds Her Voice (Q&A)
Rose Rodriguez turned her love for math and Legos into a fulfilling career in engineering. Here's her story on industry passion, pains, and shifting perspectives for women in construction.
Gas cooking is coming under fire, not only for its harsh environmental impact, but also the health of those who use it. It’s time for a magnetic shift.
Holy Moley! World’s First Fully Robotic Kitchen
Dinner is served—but not by mom and dad. The Moley kitchen cooks for you with the touch of a button, and the twist of its two robot arms.
Biggest Causes (and Solutions) of Home Air Contamination
Every day we consume 31 lbs. of air. How can we make sure the air we breathe in our home is purified, filtrated, and healthy?
Breaking Barriers, Because We Have To
The industry is in dire need for talent. Creating an inclusive culture for women and underrepresented minorities might just be the best chance of closing the gap.
A Whole New World: Disney Dives into Residential Development
Put on your mouse ears, Mickey’s coming to town. The Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products team just announced its latest venture into developing Disney-themed communities.
Buckle Up, Material Shortage Likely to Remain Throughout 2022
Builders rank material price and availability as the biggest problems they faced in 2021—and expect to remain in 2022.
The Best of NAHB’s International Builders’ Show 2022
Though nearly 500 individual industry awards were presented at this year’s show, judges found seven companies with notably innovative and sustainable products.
Home is What You Make It — So Make It Right
Research from the New Home Trends Institute confirms that we are really attached to our homes. What can builders and architects do to make their development a must-have for any buyer?
Power, Water, and Heat: 3 Ways to Beat the Barriers
The Housing Innovation Alliance showcases three inventive companies that can help builders and buyers take action today.
Architecture Firm Uses VR to Design Homes
Imagine touring a new property, walking its corridors, and looking out into the city from the roofdeck, all from the comfort of your home. It’s not 'The Matrix,' it’s virtual reality.
5 of the Best Ways for Builders to Go Electric
In Utopia’s final webinar of 2021, industry experts discussed the do’s and don'ts of an all-electric home build. Here are 5 takeaways from the Building Smart and Sustainable Homes discussion.
4 Focuses for a Zero Energy Ready Home Build
The Utopia on-demand webinar for November 2021 featured an expert panel of leading net-zero home builders. They shared how builders can get to zero energy ready in their projects, and how to market that to the buyer.
300 Architects Identify the Top Home Design Trends for 2021-2023
Research from the New Home Trends Institute shows what interior and exterior design trends we may have in store for the next few years.
Key Takeaways from Housing Innovation Alliance’s Future of Housing Event
The half-day event from HIA came loaded with hours of insights, suggestions, and a debate on the future of the housing industry. Let us break it down for you.
10 Design Tips for Building Net Zero Ready Homes
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program is a list of criteria for builders to follow in order to achieve an affordable net-zero home. Experts from EEBA’s Extended Summit webinar have provided a roadmap for getting started.
Top Services for Pets at Multifamily Housing Developments for 2021
Dog parks and washing stations top the list of most desired pet services at multifamily housing developments, according to research from UTOPIA's sister media brand, Multifamily Design+Construction.
Top 10 Security Services at Multifamily Housing Developments for 2021
Keyless entryways, video surveillance, and wireless connectivity top the list for desired security systems at multifamily housing developments, according to research from UTOPIA's sister media brand, Multifamily Design+Construction.
Here’s Why We Need to Reconnect With Nature and Embrace Biophilic Design
Working from home has us feeling trapped by our four walls. People are connecting with nature now more than ever, so why not bring the outside in?
“Thanks Boomers” — Millennials Point to Older Generations for Lack of Home Affordability
In a new five-part study on Millennial homeownership, the Legal & General Group finds that young prospective homebuyers blame Generation X and Baby Boomers for lack of availability and affordability. But even though Millennials resent older generations, they also depend on them to buy a home—so where does the issue really lie?
Utopia’s Passive House Resource Guide
Passive House design is energy-efficient, but may require a bit of extra planning. Here are nine resources to ensure you’re in the right hands when implementing Passive House principles in your own project.
Power Your Home With Your Car: Bidirectional Charging Is Here
The revolutionary technology of bidirectional electric vehicle charging allows homeowners to power their home appliances, electronics, and more.
New Martha’s Vineyard development emphasizes connection and wellness through “flex rooms” and unique technology implementations.
Carbon-Neutral Community of Passive Homes Coming to New York
The Catskill Project aims to deliver 90 acres of single family homes in “one of the most energy efficient residential developments in the Greater New York Area,” according to project leaders.
Nearly 28,000 Zero Energy Ready Home Up-And-Running in North America
The 2021 EEBA study shows the shifting landscape of zero energy ready homes, and how the homebuilding business drives the demand.
The ‘5 Ps’ Shaping Function and Livability in Today’s Home Design
National design firm Mary Cook Associates published its third white paper in a series on the fundamentals of interior design. Here’s how the increase in working from home and other lifestyle changes have affected the multifamily and single-family development process, and what designers can do to adapt.
79 Homebuilders Discuss Latest Industry Trends and Concerns in BTIG Survey
Builders remain cautious, though optimistic about the operating environment and pricing trends in October.
Top 10 Business and Technology Services at Multifamily Housing Developments for 2021
Conference rooms, free Wi-Fi, and co-working spaces are some of the most common business and technology services at multifamily housing developments, according to new research from UTOPIA's sister media brand, Multifamily Design+Construction.
Affordable Housing Design Toolkit Promotes Health and Well-Being
Funded by a $20,000 ASID Foundation Grant, a team of public health experts and researchers have assembled best design practices for housing developers.
Top 10 Convenience Services at Multifamily Housing Developments for 2021
Bicycle storage, package delivery, and charging stations for electric vehicles top the rankings of the most popular convenience services at multifamily housing developments, according to research from UTOPIA's sister media brand, Multifamily Design+Construction.
Top 10 Recreation Amenities at Multifamily Housing Developments for 2021
Gaming rooms, walking paths, and billiards top the rankings of the most popular recreation amenities at multifamily housing developments, according to research from UTOPIA's sister media brand, Multifamily Design+Construction.
More Findings And Takeaways From NAHB's ‘What Home Buyers Really Want’ Survey
The National Association of Home Builders looks into how the pandemic affected home buying in this 2021 survey.
Lennar Unveils Plan to Build a Community of 3D-Printed Homes in Texas
How 100 homes could shape the future of homebuilding forever.
First-Generation Homebuyers Have Their Parents to Thank: BofA Study
A recent report from Bank of America shows how the family unit both prepares and assists first-generation owners in buying their first home.
