Champion Homes and iUnit Communities Unveil Innovation Cottages Highlighting the Future of Energy-Efficient, Offsite-Built Housing
Champion Homes, Inc. reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to sustainability and housing innovation with the grand opening of the Innovation Cottages—two thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient homes that demonstrate the advanced capabilities of offsite-built construction. Developed in partnership with iUnit Communities, the cottages serve as a tangible example of how factory-built housing can deliver high performance, energy savings, and modern design while addressing evolving housing needs.
The Innovation Cottages reflect a collaborative effort between Champion Homes and iUnit Communities to showcase the potential of offsite construction as a leading-edge solution for energy-efficient housing. Manufactured in controlled factory environments, the homes highlight how precision engineering and innovative design can significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
“The Innovation Cottages are a marquee example of the incredible capacity of offsite-built homes to be an energy-efficient, forward-thinking housing solution,” said Bryan Phelan, Director of Business Development at Champion Homes. “When forward-thinking collaborators put their heads together, amazing things happen. These homes demonstrate what is possible when sustainability, innovation, and design excellence come together.”
To commemorate the completion of the project, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house were held on Friday, December 12, in Parksley, Virginia. The event brought together a broad group of stakeholders, including representatives from Virginia Housing, Accomack County officials, the Mayor of Parksley, and leaders from Champion Homes. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the homes firsthand and learn about the energy-efficient features and construction methods that distinguish the cottages.
Mayor Frank Russell expressed enthusiasm for the project and its impact on the community. “I can’t tell you how excited the Town of Parksley is to be a part of this incredible endeavor,” Russell said. “The Innovation Cottages represent progress, sustainability, and opportunity for our town and the region as a whole.”
Champion Homes designed custom ENERGY STAR® Certified floorplans for the Innovation Cottages, each featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. While the homes share a common commitment to energy efficiency, they were built to different construction standards, highlighting the flexibility and range of Champion’s offsite-built offerings.
The first home is a 1,200-square-foot modular residence constructed to the International Residential Code (IRC) at Champion Homes’ manufacturing facility in Liverpool, Pennsylvania. The second home is a 1,387-square-foot manufactured residence built to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code at the company’s Claysburg, Pennsylvania, facility. Together, the two homes demonstrate how both modular and manufactured housing can achieve high levels of energy performance while meeting distinct regulatory standards.
In addition to their technical efficiency, both cottages incorporate architectural features commonly associated with traditional site-built homes. Front porches, 7/12 roof pitches, and carefully considered exterior details enhance curb appeal and allow the homes to blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood. These design choices help dispel outdated perceptions of factory-built housing by showcasing modern, attractive residences that complement local housing stock.
iUnit Communities plans to place the Innovation Cottages on the market in early 2026. Beyond offering the homes for sale, the company intends to use the project as an educational platform to inform potential buyers about the long-term benefits of energy-efficient, offsite-built homes. This includes lower utility costs, improved indoor comfort, and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional construction methods.
The project received partial funding through the Virginia Housing Innovation Grant Program, which supports innovative approaches to housing affordability and housing services across the Commonwealth. The program primarily serves low- and moderate-income households and encourages solutions that improve access to high-quality, efficient housing.
“The Innovation Cottages help us continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with offsite construction as we build energy-efficient housing,” said Brice Leconte, Founder of iUnit Communities. “Champion has been a trusted collaborator with iUnit for more than a decade, and we truly value their continued support as we work together toward a shared mission of delivering sustainable, offsite-built homes.”
The partnership between Champion Homes and iUnit Communities underscores a growing recognition across the housing industry that offsite construction can play a vital role in addressing challenges related to affordability, sustainability, and efficiency. By combining advanced manufacturing techniques with thoughtful design and community engagement, projects like the Innovation Cottages offer a compelling vision for the future of residential development.
As energy costs rise and demand for environmentally responsible housing continues to grow, Champion Homes and iUnit Communities believe offsite-built homes will become an increasingly important part of the solution. The Innovation Cottages stand as a powerful example of how collaboration, innovation, and sustainability can reshape the housing landscape—one thoughtfully built home at a time.
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