Technical and marketplace issues, which can impact the quality, acceptance and affordability of factory built housing, serve as the basis for all of MHRA's investigations.
Projects are organized into the following areas:
Construction
and Manufacturing Technologies Seeking to identify
better design and construction practices, MHRA conducts a broad range of studies
and product development projects. Examples include high performance structural
systems, longevity and durability of adhesives and sealants, reduction in the
amount of construction waste, and design and demonstration of home automation
systems. Projects in this area include:
Energy
Efficiency MHRA undertakes projects to unearth practical
and cost-effective approaches to reducing home energy use. Among these efforts
are innovations in building envelope systems, methods for providing efficient
air distribution systems and programs to promote the use of high performance appliances. Projects in this area include:
Health
and Safety Helping industry provide safe and healthy
living environments is central to MHRA mission. Projects include evaluating the
impact of after-market products on indoor air quality and moisture condensation,
effective ventilation strategies and the proper design and installation of vapor
barriers. Projects in this area include:
New
Markets Industry growth will occur partly through
the adaptation of factory built home designs for new applications. MHRA-sponsored
research will eliminate barriers to the use of HUD-code homes in urban settings,
merge factory built homes with site built components developing hybrid designs,
and create designs that serve emerging niche markets, such as assisted living
for seniors. Projects in this area include:
Installations Seeking to assure that finished homes have the same high quality
as when they left the plant, MHRA is redoubling its efforts in the area of site
installation. Some project topics include improved foundation and anchoring system
design and installation practices, guidelines for proper home setup and research
into the techniques for mitigating the damage that can be caused by hurricanes
and earthquakes. Projects in this area include:
