Exploring innovative, scalable affordable housing solutions
More than a one-off project
Latest Projects
FCDC Pilot Programs apply emerging methods that reduce cost, construction time, and skilled labor needs to build housing that works for real people, right now.
As part of our mission to deliver enough durable, high-quality homes that meet the needs of our growing community, we created Pilot Programs to test new ideas, materials, and technologies in real-world conditions.
PILOT #1
Stronger. Safer. Faster
In our first pilot, Building the Future, side-by-side construction of two homes test the benefits to construction timelines and overall efficiency when utilizing structural insulated panels (SIPs).
One home is being built with traditional construction methods, much like we're used for the past 125 years.
The other is being built with SIPs from North Carolina-based manufacturer, EcoPanels.
Both will sell at a price the average Dalton worker can afford.
funding the future
FCDC’s creative strategy to fund construction is intentionally rooted in sustainability. Multiple resources made it possible to offer these homes to households earning 60-120% of area median income — meaning the homes’ prices will not exceed $290,000.
01
Grants
Grants from Truist Charitable Trust and Believe Greater Dalton helped cover key up-front expenses—from materials to early-stage construction.
02
Low-Interest Financing
Low-interest financing from SIPLok allowed us to take smart risks without jeopardizing long-term affordability.
03
Land
Land from the Dalton Housing Authority gave us an ideal, underutilized site to bring new ideas to life.
Did you know?
Last year, only 3% of new single-family homes in the United States were built in factories.
Two decades into the 21st century, the vast majority of U.S. homes are still constructed the old-fashioned way—one at a time, by hand.
To build faster, we evaluated multiple Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) systems and easily identified EcoPanels as the leader in performance, long-term value, safety, and ease of use.
Faster Builds + Low Labor Cost
Traditional framing can take weeks, yet precision pre-cut, pre-insulated EcoPanels have a simple cam-lock system, and can go up in a matter of days. Because so much of the work is done in the factory, EcoPanels are easier to install with less-skilled labor. Assembly crews simply foam the joints and turn the cam-locks—saving time, reducing error, and lowering labor costs.
Built-in Efficiency
Closed-cell polyurethane foam (high-performance material used in refrigerators and Yeti coolers) gives EcoPanels nearly twice the energy efficiency as most SIPs.
Health & Safety First
More than 90% of SIPs on the market use EPS foam, which has been linked to health concerns and higher risk of rot, but EcoPanels are fire retardant, moisture resistant, and manufactured with a safer flame retardant. Their foam is partially plant-based, using poly-alcohols derived from sugar beets or sugar cane.
Superior Structural Integrity
EcoPanels are built with precision and strength. They can hold cam-locks at the edges and feature single-piece corner panels—eliminating weak points and simplifying construction.
PARTNERS MAKE IT POSSIBLE
The affordability of these homes wouldn’t be possible without the support of mission-aligned partners who believe in bold, community-centered solutions. This collaboration is a true testament to what happens when the public, private, and nonprofit sectors come together to create meaningful change.
TRUIST CHARITABLE TRUST
Truist Charitable Trust – Provided essential grant funding to help bring the pilot to life.
DALTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
Dalton Housing Authority – Contributed land with a higher and better use in mind, enabling us to reimagine what’s possible for affordable housing.
BELIEVE GREATER DALTON
Believe Greater Dalton – Offered both funding and strategic alignment to ensure the pilot supports long-term community goals.
SIPLok
SIPLok – Extended low-interest financing that made innovation financially feasible.
Inspired by...
Inspired by Howard Building Science’s choice to use EcoPanels’ structural insulated panels for its first zero-net-ready neighborhood — a strategy that wasn’t just about speed; it was about performance, efficiency, and affordability. At the core of this work is a guiding principle introduced by Howard Building Science: Everyone deserves to live in the SHADE—homes that are Sustainable, Healthy, Affordable, Durable, and Energy-Efficient.
