Harrison Langley
A Chattanooga company says it went into business "with a simple, yet lofty goal—to revolutionize the U.S. housing market by offering innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective modular building solutions."
Harrison Langley, founder of MDLR Brands (pronounced moj•uh•ler brands), said the firm started in 2019 and builds on site. The office is a little north of downtown.
The Baylor School graduate said the company has grown so that it now builds all over the U.S. Current projects are a home on Forest Avenue and two homes in Hixson.
Mr. Langley said, "Our sustainable and attractive prefabricated homes epitomize modern living in that each is meticulously crafted to meet the unique tastes of its owner while providing a turnkey solution that seamlessly integrates sustainability with style.
"It’s no secret that the United States currently finds itself in the middle of a full-blown housing crisis. Simply put, there is not enough housing supply to meet demand—a problem that began during the Great Recession when new home builds plummeted from 2,200 units in January 2006 to a low of around 480 units in April 2009 (source: US Census Bureau). Now it’s 14 years later and these figures have still not fully recovered thanks to lingering effects of the pandemic, inflation, sky-high interest rates, and predatory investors buying up 13 percent of all inventory for profit (source: National Association of Realtors).
“Our current system clearly doesn’t work. With little advancement in the types of materials used, residential buildings have barely changed over the last century and the construction process remains slow and costly. Solving this country’s housing shortage isn’t going to come from so-called 'out-of-the-box thinking.' We need to throw away that box and build an entirely new one from the ground up.”
He said that is what MDLR Brands set out to do, working to develop its Lite Structurally Insulated Panels (LiteSIP).
He said, "This space-age technology makes modular building faster, stronger, lighter, safer, cheaper, and more efficient. LiteSIPs are revolutionizing housing globally, and MDLR Brands is the exclusive provider in North America.
“Our LiteSIPs give builders and architects the flexibility to generate leading-edge designs that are cost-effective and highly efficient. They allow for a level of architectural creativity that deviates from traditional methods without imposing financial constraints.” Indeed, these eco-friendly, reusable, and recyclable panels are lightweight, energy-efficient, easy to assemble, and durable enough to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, and fire.
"Made of evaporated fiberglass and non-volatile organic compounds, the panels work equally well in hot and cold environments, are mold- and termite-resistant, and offer 20 years of UV protection (that can be reapplied every two decades.) They are also the building blocks for what MDLR Brands has developed to help solve the need for affordable, sustainable housing."
Mr. Langley said, “News in the housing market isn’t all bad. Changes in zoning regulations across the country are beginning to allow for the inclusion of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on traditionally single-family lots. This is leading the way for a pivotal shift towards more flexible housing solutions.”
The firm has developed a line of customizable prefabricated modular homes constructed using LitePan panels by a team at its local headquarters.
The collection currently consists of 15 home models - most available as either a tiny home or as a towable Park Model Recreational Vehicle (PMRV) suited for camping or travel use.
Options range from the 120-square foot Sicily, which can be installed in less than one day and starts at $35,000 to the 1BR (+loft) Monaco with its 400-square foot floor plan and $95,000 starting price tag, or the 1,400-square foot 3BR/2BA Freeport priced at $195,000 and up.
Financing is also available.
Mr. Langley said all of the Boxvana by MDLR Brands modular homes share these features: - Sustainable Design: Modular Brands' homes are designed with sustainability at the forefront. From energy-efficient appliances to eco-friendly materials, each element is carefully curated to minimize the environmental impact while maximizing comfort.
- Speedy Construction: Leveraging the efficiency of prefabrication, MDLR Brands' homes are constructed with unprecedented speed. This not only reduces construction timelines but also minimizes on-site waste, contributing to a more sustainable building process.
- Customization: Homeowners have the flexibility to personalize their living spaces, choosing from a range of designs and configurations. MDLR Brands ensures that each home is a unique reflection of the owner's taste and lifestyle. Options include, but are not limited to, loft space, appliances, finishes, porches, solar, and off-grid capabilities.
- Energy Efficiency: The integration of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in MDLR Brands homes ensures superior energy efficiency. These advanced panels provide excellent insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs and further enhancing the homes' eco-friendly credentials.
- Durability: MDLR Brands homes are constructed to withstand the test of time. The combination of high-quality materials and precision engineering results in homes that not only meet but exceed industry standards for durability.
- Smart Home Integration: Embracing the latest in smart home technology, Modular Brands' prefabricated homes come equipped with state-of-the-art systems for enhanced security, energy management, and overall convenience.
He said, "Customers can customize their Boxvana homes to meet specific size and finish requirements. MDLR Brands caters to shells and high-end finishes, with modular finishes starting at bids over $500 per sqft. For structures under 400 square feet, MDLR Brands offers Park Model Recreational Vehicles (PMRV) with the same high-end finishes, distinguished by different color options. Additional customizations include solar panels, heated flooring, climate control, or an integrated smart audio system, just to name a few. Flat panels can be ordered with two to three months lead time.
"A completed PMRV can be completed in about six months with the fixed modular homes taking between 10 to 14 months depending on customization."
Mr. Langley said, “There's a genuine excitement and readiness for change in the housing market as evidenced by how quickly our homes have been embraced - well beyond anything I could have anticipated.”