Boulder MOD: Building a Path to Permanently Affordable Homeownership
In a time of rising housing costs and limited availability, Boulder MOD offers an innovative solution. This modular homebuilding factory represents a unique collaboration between the City of Boulder, Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), and Flatirons Habitat for Humanity. Together, these partners are creating affordable housing while educating and empowering the next generation of builders.
How Boulder MOD Began
The program started as a response to the region’s growing housing affordability crisis. The City recognized that conventional housing solutions could not meet demand. In partnership with Flatirons Habitat for Humanity and BVSD, they envisioned a modular home factory that could reduce costs, create equity, and build community.
Flatirons Habitat had long pursued creative housing solutions. The school district provided space and access to students interested in trades. The city offered funding, support, and a long-term vision. Together, they launched Boulder MOD in early 2024.
Who Boulder MOD Serves
The Partners are focused on helping lower-income families, essential workers, and first-time homeowners. These homes are permanently affordable and include legal protections to keep prices accessible for future buyers. The project targets families who might otherwise be priced out of Boulder’s market.
In addition to affordability, the partnership emphasizes equity. The goal is to support historically underserved populations and foster inclusive neighborhoods throughout the city.
Volunteer and Educational Components
Workers build the home modules in a factory on BVSD property. Students from Boulder’s technical education programs work alongside Habitat volunteers and professional tradespeople. These students learn carpentry, electrical systems, and sustainable construction methods.
Volunteers from the community also participate in the builds. This hands-on labor helps reduce construction costs while strengthening community ties. Families who will own the homes often participate in the construction of their future residences.
This model teaches practical skills, fosters pride, and creates lasting connections.
Modular Construction Advantages
Modular construction offers many benefits. Workers build the homes indoors, safe from weather delays and material waste. Units are assembled under controlled conditions, improving quality and efficiency.
Because the homes are modular, they can be delivered and installed quickly. This minimizes site disruption and accelerates delivery to families in need.
Each modular home meets strict energy and building standards. They are efficient, durable, and designed for long-term value.
EVstudio’s Role in Modular Affordable Housing and Flatirons Habitat
EVstudio is proud to be a partner with Flatirons Habitat for Humanity. Our architecture and engineering teams design modular homes that align with city codes, energy goals, and modular fabrication needs.
We work closely with Flatirons Habitat and the factory team to optimize designs for cost, efficiency, and livability. Our staff has also joined Habitat build days, working side by side with students, volunteers, and future homeowners.
Our goal is to support modular housing not only through design but also through service and community engagement.
Looking Ahead
Boulder MOD aims to produce dozens of homes each year for low- and moderate-income buyers. The partnership model could serve as a blueprint for other communities facing housing challenges.
As the program grows, it will expand training opportunities, deepen community involvement, and provide more families with the chance to own a home.
Conclusion
Boulder MOD is more than a modular factory. It is a movement toward equity, education, and lasting community solutions. Through strong partnerships and shared values, the City of Boulder, BVSD, Flatirons Habitat for Humanity, and EVstudio are changing how housing is built—and who gets to call Boulder home.
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