Case Study: Blu Homes achieves precision folding, interactive 3D configurability and greener, more affordable prefab homes with Dassault Systemes' CATIA and 3DVIA

Revolutionizes prefab homebuilding with CATIA and 3DVIA

Blu Homes, a Massachusetts-based prefab homebuilder, needed 3D design and visualization tools to support its goal of producing eco-friendly, highly configurable homes that fold for transport and require extreme manufacturing precision. To manage tens of thousands of unique parts, tight kinematic tolerances, and a rich buyer personalization experience, Blu Homes adopted CATIA and 3DVIA from Dassault Systemes.

Using CATIA and 3DVIA from Dassault Systemes, Blu Homes modeled aerospace-grade kinematics and precision (tolerances around 0.0625 in) and automated downstream outputs like BOMs and renderings. The solution lets houses ship at about 8 ft and unfold to roughly 18 ft (making them ~40% wider than typical prefabs), enables factory assembly in hours, cuts shipping costs that translate to "tens of thousands" saved for customers, and provides an interactive 3DVIA configurator that eliminates surprises and speeds sales.

Blu Homes

Dennis Michaud

Vice President Product Development