Although concrete is a mainstay for foundations and landscaping amenities, buyers and builders in the United States have been slow to use concrete as a whole-house building material. Now, however, amid concerns over dwindling timber supplies, environmental conservation, and protection from natural disasters, there appears to be a new acceptance of concrete. This paper highlights some developments in the history of concrete as a homebuilding material and profiles four new precast concrete systems available today. Two are large-panel systems with integral insulation, suitable for erecting floors, roofs, and walls both above and below grade. The other two are based on transportable five-sided precast concrete box modules, which can be either stacked or laid out on one floor to produce a wide variety of homes. It is concluded that precast concrete housing satisfies environmental concerns while providing strength, durability, and protection from disasters at an affordable price.
