Comments on: Difra Thinks Different about House Design and Construction

By: James R Cole

James R Cole — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:02:06 +0000

Absolutely fascinating. This method typically used for fast prototyping has now been applied to the home industry. This will revolutionize the way builders and architects develop new homes. Great article! Check out http://www.homeserviceexpo.com for some really amazing custom home builders in South Florida. I’ll be sure to suggest this article to them.

By: Robert Waltz

Robert Waltz — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:06:00 +0000

I had a co-worker in construction (framing) who was talking about homes like this years ago. He said they were designed by computers and wouldn’t need people like him to build them. I thought he was just being paranoid. Guess not, you’ve got to love technology. This really could be something great.

By: | Boston World Partnerships

| Boston World Partnerships — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:06:03 +0000

[...] Startup Difra finds high-tech angle to home building Difra Thinks Different about House Design and Construction [...]

By: Matthew Gordon

Matthew Gordon — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:14:45 +0000

Difra’s estimated costs are about 25% less than current building methods for low-end housing and about 50% less for luxury housing. Due to the automation, many of the features that people pay more for can be provided at little or no extra cost. If you look at the cottage, you’ll notice the circular windows and slanted wall that are difficult and expensive to achieve with normal techniques.

Friction joints have been used extensively in the past and the structures will be able to withstand a variety of weather conditions. As David suggested, Difra is targeting superior structural integrity to traditional wood frame construction. Whereas the bulk of the compression forces normally rest on a small number of wall studs, Difra uses an interlocking system of many studs to more evenly disperse the pressure. The friction joint houses are not unproven, but Difra is using automation to bring innovation to the stagnant housing industry.

By: Steve B

Steve B — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:42:38 +0000

Neat idea. I recommend they read “The Pattern Language”, “The Old Way of Seeing”, and similar books so that the human aspects of each house are as well-designed as the engineering aspects.

By: Difra Thinks Different about House Design and … – Xconomy | AEC Media

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:38:14 +0000

[...] is the original post: Difra Thinks Different about House Design and … – XconomySegnala [...]

By: David L

David L — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:51:26 +0000

This is so freaking cool! I hope this company turns the construction industry on its head. Obviously they believe they can compete on price too.

I’m curious how they address building codes. I assume they are targeting equal or superior structural integrity to wood frame construction, which is the de facto standard for earthquake-prone areas…

By: Bill Ghormley

Bill Ghormley — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:11:57 +0000

Interesting article and a promising set of ideas here — what would be their estimated cost for a complete, finished unit? And what weather could this type of construction withstand?