In a time when more homes are needed fast, Hapi Homes is building with steel and speed.
The sustainable, steel-framed homes can be completed in as little as three months from permitting to move-in and CEO and co-founder Mary O’Brien says they’re just getting started. The home builder’s streamlined process allows for more purposeful builds including emergency housing, urban infill, and sustainable communities.
O’Brien jumps into what makes Hapi Homes different below.
Are Hapi Homes built on-site or off-site?
We combine the best of both worlds. The structural panels and core components are built off-site for speed and consistency. We use a precision-engineered panelized system that’s fabricated in a controlled factory setting — so weather delays, labor shortages, and material waste don’t slow us down. Then everything is assembled on-site, which gives us the flexibility to tailor the home to each location, layout, and local requirement. It’s fast, efficient, and far more precise than traditional construction methods.
What makes the homes different from traditional single-family homes?
Everything, starting with the structure. We build with steel, not timber. That means our homes are fire-resistant, termite-proof, mold-resistant, and built to withstand extreme weather, which makes them ideal for everything from accessory dwelling units to urban infill to building in disaster-prone areas. You reduce up to 40% in construction time and reduce costs by 20% or more, all while delivering an average of 10% more livable space. That added space makes a real difference in how people live day-to-day.
Are there any areas where codes or permitting prevent steel-framed houses?
In most jurisdictions, steel framing is not just permitted, it’s actively encouraged, especially in regions facing climate-related risks or modernizing their building codes. Across the United States, more states are embracing steel as a smarter, more resilient alternative to wood, particularly where durability, fire resistance, and long-term performance matter most.
What are some of the benefits of a steel-framed home?
Steel is stronger, safer, and more sustainable. It won’t burn, warp, rot, or attract termites. It’s dimensionally stable, which means tighter construction and less maintenance. And it's 100% recyclable. As the climate and housing needs a shift, steel offers resilience you can’t get from wood, without the environmental trade-off.
How many homes are you building a year?
We’re building in the hundreds, but with our pipeline and current demand, we’re scaling toward thousands annually. We’re working with several syndicates aiming to build 3,000-plus homes for homeless and displaced populations, with land and funding already secured.
Why aren’t more builders using steel frames?
In my opinion, it comes down to inertia. The construction industry is built on legacy practices, and timber has been the default for decades. Builders are familiar with it, the supply chains are structured around it, and many local contractors haven’t had the incentive — or the training — to shift.
Thanks to pre-engineered systems like ours, it’s now more cost-competitive with wood in many regions. What we’re doing at Hapi is proving that you don’t have to choose between speed, cost, and quality. Steel makes sense, and once builders experience the difference, they rarely go back.
Personally, what’s your favorite Hapi Home floor plan?
That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child. Every Hapi Home is designed to get the most out of its footprint — smart layouts, great light, and an easy flow. But if I had to choose, I’d go with the Rathdown. It’s our take on the classic A-frame — not the easiest shape when it comes to maximizing space, but I think the team absolutely nailed it, especially with the extended option. We managed to take a nostalgic, design-led form and turn it into something genuinely livable – and yes, you can walk around upstairs without hitting your head, which feels like a design win in itself.
Can you share a little about your journey to CEO at Hapi Homes?
My journey to Hapi Homes has always been driven by a desire to use technology and innovation to make a meaningful difference. Before co-founding Hapi Homes, I helped launch a digital health platform that significantly expanded access to telemedicine across Europe. I’ve worked across sectors and have always focused on solving real-world challenges, constantly looking for ways technology can increase efficiency and impact.
Housing felt like a natural evolution. Through my work with underserved communities, I saw firsthand how transformative safe, affordable housing can be. That experience inspired me to bring a new level of innovation to the housing market, combining sustainability, speed, and smart design to meet the needs of today’s families. Hapi Homes was born from that vision: to rethink how we build homes, creating affordable access.
