MIT Libraries homeDome

Pitched trusses being used behind the separately built gable face; steel beam at bottom to transfer weight; A tract home being built in a new development, Le St-Augustin. Mario Adornetto was the architect of the various tract models, Habitations ConceptDub was the builder. The images illustrate current home-building practices. Tract housing development makes use of few architectural designs, and labor costs are reduced because workers need to learn the skills and movements of constructing only those designs rather than repeat the learning curve. In addition, as all homes in the development will be built at the same time, the cost of purchasing and transporting building supplies may be reduced due to economies of scale. Components such as roof trusses, plumbing trees, and stair systems are often prefabricated in factories and installed on-site. Since the late 20th century tract developments have several designs and other variations in footprint, roof form, and materials, along with options such as garage bays, for a diverse appearance. Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (accessed 9/6/2015)