Hey, I’ve been sketching out a modular building system that could really scale while staying energy efficient—curious to hear your take on it.

I’d start by keeping the envelope as simple as possible—think flat panels with a low‑profile wall system that can be shipped flat and folded on site. Use pre‑treated structural panels, maybe a high‑density foam core with a weather‑barrier layer that’s already sealed, so you only add a single layer of cladding on top. For the joints, a self‑locking tongue‑and‑groove with a gasket strip gives a tight seal without a lot of extra labor. The key to the cost is mass‑production and standard sizing. If every wall is the same width, the same screw pattern, the same trim kit, the factory can produce them in bulk and the on‑site crew just clips them together in a few hours. Add a thin layer of reflective sheeting inside the walls and a basic solar array on the roof—both are low‑cost per square foot but cut heating, cooling, and electric bills. That keeps the unit under the $100 target while still preventing leaks.

I hear you—hurricane load is a real constraint, so I’d design the panels with a composite core that has high shear strength, and embed a hurricane‑rated connector system that locks each panel in place under wind pressure. The factory process will include a torque‑controlled screw system and a quick‑check protocol so every joint meets the same tolerance; that way the crew can rely on the panels to stay sealed. For the ventilation, I’d integrate a discreet V‑shaped vent strip inside the wall cavity that directs any trapped moisture away toward the roof eave, keeping the reflective sheeting light enough to avoid heat buildup. If we keep the panels flat, use standard screw lengths, and provide a one‑day installation kit, the crew can still get a climate‑controlled envelope without sacrificing durability or cost.