Image Credit: Netze Homes (LinkedIn Post)
Netze Homes, a community home developer in Texas, is working to change the residential housing construction industry by creating sustainable, energy-efficient, smart homes using cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.
Through the use of digital framing technology, the developer is building move-in prepared homes in only 12 weeks, reducing construction costs by 10-15% over traditional construction methods. The company recently announced its building 60 steel-framed townhomes in McKinney, Texas, which are expected to be completed later this year.
Homes Built in 12 Weeks
Prospective home buyers in North Texas find themselves squeezed between elevated interest rates and limited housing supply. By using advanced technology, Netze Homes plans to reduce the cost of new home construction — and reduce the overall price of a new home — while also alleviating shortages in the local housing market.
Najeeb Khan, CEO of Netze Homes, said the company is using recycled steel and 3D printing software to reduce construction costs.
“A lot of people are moving to Texas, and we have a huge housing shortage,” said Khan. “We are creating a solution — a home in 12 weeks.”
Recycled Steel Saves 60 Trees Per Home
According to the company website, Netze Homes is using digital construction technology to build sustainable recycled steel frame houses made from retired automobiles.
The steel frames are 20 times stronger than typical wooden frames and save up to 60 mature trees per 2,500 square foot house constructed. Netze Homes incorporate:
- Offsite manufacturing process for improved efficiency, precision and cost-effectiveness
- Advanced CFS software from SFIA member FRAMECAD to enhance design accuracy, optimizing structural integrity and performance
- Gravity and seismic design to ensure stability and safety during earthquakes or other seismic events
- Healthier living environment since CFS structures prevent mold and allergen growth, improving indoor air quality
Net Zero Mission
Netze Homes, short for Net Zero, mission is to be an environmentally responsible home developer.
“We reimagine land use and design homes that are environmentally responsible, energy-efficient and sustainable,” according to the company website. “This approach is the blueprint for creating Net Zero communities that leave a lasting positive impact.”
CFS studs and track meet the highest sustainability requirements set in all major green building standards and rating programs, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design from the U.S. Green Building Council, the National Green Building Standard (ICC-700) for residential buildings, ASHRAE Standard 189.1 for commercial construction and the International Green Construction Code (ICC).
The American Iron and Steel Institute reports:
- Steel framing contains a minimum of 25% recycled steel and is continually and completely remade without any loss of quality
- Most other construction products can only be down-cycled into lower-quality products
- Steel framing minimizes construction site waste
125 Homes Under Construction
Netze Homes is also building homes in five Dallas-area communities. In total, construction is underway for 125 homes, including 17 homes in The Oaks community located in Corinth, Texas.
“Everything we need to change the future of homebuilding and reduce our carbon footprint is at our fingertips,” said Khan. “Our goal is to create an eco-friendly, energy-efficient and smart homes that prioritizes the well-being of its residents.”
Additional Resources
- Building Owners Look to Steel for its Recyclability, Sustainability and Long Life
- Developer Revolutionizes Affordable Housing with Steel Framing, Cuts Sales Prices by 50%
- SFIA 103: Sustainability of Cold-Formed Steel — LEED v.4 (On-Demand Course)