Off the Wall: Manufacturing Future Homes based on a 'Throughput' Business Model

This chapter examines the future of housing, particularly focusing on a ‘throughput’ business model and illustrating the principles by reconstructing a business model from a novel historical example of innovation in housing production. The chapter criticises the traditional house-building professions' obsession with new technologies rather than adapting to economic realities. It suggests that future homes should prioritise modern production methods derived from the manufacturing and business context, adapting to the changing economic and policy landscape. The chapter acknowledges the barriers faced by modern methods of construction and draws lessons from the automotive industry's lean production practices. It emphasises the need to understand the underlying business model and the intricate relationship between finance and housing. By exploring these facets, this chapter offers valuable insights into the complexities involved in the dynamic relationship between finance and the manufacturing processes of houses.