Meet Onx Homes, the Startup Building Sustainable Houses in 30 Days
Outlet: Cause Artist
Published on July 16, 2024
In the heart of the American dream, there’s a huge shortage of about 3.2 million homes, up from 2.5 million in 2018. This gap leaves families struggling to find affordable housing amidst high prices and interest rates.
The solution seems simple: build more homes. However, traditional construction methods have their own problems, scattered supply chains, out-dated materials, long build times, and lack of environmental innovation.
A 2023 report from RMI showed that new home construction in America produces over 50 million tons of carbon emissions each year—similar to the annual emissions of Norway.
This issue isn’t just about economics; it’s also about the environment.
Traditional construction harms the planet, using up resources, increasing carbon emissions, and creating waste.
We need innovative solutions that provide shelter while protecting the environment.
That’s where Onx Homes comes in.
The company believes it has the answer to these challenges.
A New Era of Homebuilding with Onx Homes
Onx Homes, a homebuilding automation technology innovator, is revolutionizing the industry with its proprietary X⁺ Construction™ technology.
Founded by a team of cross-disciplinary innovators, Onx eliminates inefficiency-prone multi-contractor approaches.
Instead, it creates configurable pods constructed in tech-driven factories using resilient, sustainable, and proprietary materials, including forms of concrete and light-gauge steel.
These homes are not only more resilient to catastrophic storms and hurricanes but also emit less carbon.
They can be designed, constructed, and built in under 30 days, redefining the future of sustainable, efficient communities.
The company’s innovative approach is already making waves. Onx has delivered 500 homes, with 1,000 more under construction.
In 2023 alone, it launched eight communities.
With over 35 patents secured in 2023 and the opening of its third factory coming in March in Pompano Beach, Florida, Onx will soon be able to deliver up to 1,500 homes per year.
The Vision and Journey of Ash Bhardwaj
Ash Bhardwaj, a longtime technology and manufacturing entrepreneur, leads Onx Homes as President and CEO.
The company uses its patented X⁺ Construction method of robotics and technology to manufacture home “pods” in its Florida City locations, with another facility coming soon in Pompano Beach.
Last year, the company completed about 140 single-family homes in southern Miami-Dade County in less than six months.
The homes can be ready for occupancy in under 60 days. Onx aims to deliver homes that are 100% LEED-certified, carbon-neutral, and composed of 80% recyclable material.
2025
100% Leed Certified Homes
2025
EV Charging Stations in Every Community
2028
80% Recyclable Material
2030
Carbon Neutral Homes
Addressing the Housing Crisis Sustainably
By leveraging automation and innovative technology, Onx builds homes in less than 30 days. This rapid construction capability, coupled with resilience and sustainability, sets the company apart.
The homes feature hurricane impact windows and concrete construction, ensuring durability against natural disasters.
However, the path to innovation is not without challenges.
Bhardwaj highlights the hurdles in getting developments approved, stressing the need for government collaboration to expedite the process.
Despite these challenges, Onx offers cost savings to consumers through reduced waste, efficient labor, and global sourcing of materials.
The company also provides upgrades and energy-efficient features to reduce maintenance costs and utility bills for homeowners.
A Sustainable Future
The company is committed to investing in sustainable materials and technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and improve overall efficiency.
Bhardwaj is optimistic about the future of the industry, believing that technology and consumer demand will drive significant change.
The company’s focus on building energy-efficient and cost-effective homes aligns with a broader vision for a sustainable future.
Key Takeaways from Interview
- The homebuilding industry is in dire need of disruption due to issues such as lack of durability, outdated construction methods, and inefficient supply chains.
- ONX Homes uses automation and innovative technology to build homes in less than 30 days, addressing these challenges effectively.
- Resilience and sustainability are central to Onx Homes’ mission, with features such as hurricane impact windows and concrete construction.
- Government collaboration is crucial to overcoming hurdles in the approval process for new developments.
- Onx Homes offers significant cost savings to consumers through reduced waste, efficient labor, and global sourcing of materials.
- The company is investing in sustainable materials and technologies to minimize its carbon footprint and enhance the overall efficiency of its homes.
- The company is optimistic about the future of the homebuilding industry, driven by technology and increasing consumer demand for sustainable housing.