Autonomous Microfactories to build and retrofit net-zero homes quickly and efficiently with lower embodied carbon
In partnership with the Housing Corporation of Arlington, Reframe Systems, a technology company that is catalyzing the production of climate-friendly housing, celebrated its first completed accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Arlington, Massachusetts today. HCA and Reframe welcomed Arlington town officials and community members to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for ‘The Cottage House’, a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath all electric net-zero Passive House unit, built using robotic technology at Reframe’s Andover-based modular microfactory and then assembled in Arlington.
The celebration took place on the heels of legislation at both the House and the Senate that will allow ADUs to be built ‘as-of-right’ in single-family zoning districts statewide. This followed the 2021 approval by Arlington Town Meeting of an Accessory Dwelling Unit policy in its Zoning Bylaws, allowing attached or detached units of up to 900 square feet.
Reframe Systems, founded by Amazon Robotics veterans, has developed a novel microfactory that combines software-orchestration, vision-guided robotics and augmented workcells to enable both skilled trades and apprentices to quickly and efficiently build high-performance homes offsite. These high-quality, high-performance homes can then be purchased at prices that are affordable to the ‘missing middle’ of the housing market, those who are rapidly being priced out of the market in Massachusetts and other high-cost regions. With the passage of the Massachusetts ADU plan, state officials predict more than 8,000 ADUs could be built over the next five years. Reframe’s ADU building process will also be applied to single family and multifamily construction, with integrated renewable energy systems that deliver Passive House performance and net-zero energy use.
A number of critical choices have made this ADU a model of building decarbonization. The home employs all-electric heat pumps, rooftop solar PV panels (with battery storage), and low embodied carbon materials. Reframe Systems used a helical pile foundation to eliminate concrete from the foundation, traditionally one of the highest contributors to carbon emissions in a new construction project. Additional decisions that favored low embodied carbon include selecting dimensional lumber for the framing, deploying wood fiber rigid insulation and recycled cellulose insulation, using recycled gypsum drywall and applying cork flooring.
“This ADU marks the beginning of a larger movement to transform our built environment with low-carbon, high performance homes. We want to thank the community and especially the HCA for their commitment to this project,” said Vikas Enti, CEO and Co-founder of Reframe Systems. “Using our productized designs and advanced microfactories, we can build more climate-friendly housing at a lower cost with rapid, efficient and predictable timelines. Our homes are optimized to have a much lower total cost of ownership and our vertical integration enables us to deliver an unrivaled customer experience.”
Erica Schwarz, Executive Director of HCA notes, “As the housing crisis rages on, we need to use every strategy available. HCA is grateful for the opportunity to employ Reframe Systems’ new housing product to create affordable housing at a lower cost than traditional construction, while also creating a home that is beautiful, sustainable, and the most energy efficient home of our 150 affordable apartments created to date.”
The project was made possible in part by Arlington’s zoning code, which allows Accessory Dwelling Units by right, and by funding that HCA secured from the Arlington Affordable Housing Trust Fund. HCA will conduct tenant selection for the unit via lottery, with applications to become available by August 1st. For more information, please contact eschwarz@housingcorparlington.org or visit www.housingcorparlington.org/dorothyadu
Reframe Systems is now accepting orders for their ADUs, Duplexes and Triple Deckers for projects in New England in 2025 and 2026. You can learn more on their website https://www.reframe.systems/.
About Reframe Systems
Founded by Amazon Robotics veterans, Reframe Systems is a technology startup on a mission to build and retrofit net-zero homes, with unrivaled customer experience, for all. With a housing shortage of over 3.2M units, 75M existing units in aging, inefficient buildings, and a declining construction workforce, the US cannot meet the needs of the population or our planet using our inefficient construction delivery systems. Reframe Systems is building a network of local microfactories that leverage software, robotics, and manufacturing augmentation to catalyze high-performance housing production for a climate positive future.
About Housing Corporation of Arlington
HCA is Arlington’s community-driven affordable housing nonprofit. HCA provides affordable, stable housing and empowers residents in order to build a supportive, equitable community. With the completion of the 40 Dorothy ADU, HCA has developed 151 units of affordable rental housing and is scheduled to start construction on a 43-unit Passive House development in 2025. HCA also provides direct services to help tenants remain stable in their homes and conducts civic engagement to help low-income families bring their voice and leadership to impact housing and community development issues.
