Clayton debuts CrossMod manufactured homes at HUD showcase

Tennessee-based homebuilder Clayton Homes presented the first official single-section CrossMod manufactured homes at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase this past weekend.

The event allowed the public, policymakers and housing leaders to tour the model, which was introduced following the expansion of conventional financing options by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to include single-section CrossMod homes.

“Today’s typical American family striving to become homeowners face many hurdles and often wait longer to purchase their first home,” said Clayton CEO Kevin Clayton. “For all U.S. households, that means about 75% are unable to afford a median-priced new home. We are thrilled single-section CrossMod homes will now offer attainable homeownership solutions for a wider range of budget and lifestyle needs.”

The featured model — called the Cypress — is 990 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Clayton said homes in this category are expected to cost roughly $200,000 in most markets, including land.

CrossMod homes combine off-site construction with features of site-built houses. The single-section version uses a smaller footprint and front-loaded design suited for urban infill and narrower lots, the company said.

“The single-section CrossMod home is a very attractive solution for builders and developers,” said Colt Davis, chief operating officer of Clayton Home Building Group. “The front-loaded design and size make them well-suited for development on narrower lots, increasing inventory without straining existing infrastructure — a critical advancement in the effort to expand affordable housing.”

Clayton’s exhibit also included a prototype exploring the possibility of constructing manufactured homes without a permanent chassis, which is currently required.

The company said removing that feature could reduce costs, improve exterior design and expand supply in certain markets.