Nate Peterson is the Founder of Vederra a new modular factory in Colorado. His 20-year career in the modular housing industry, is nothing but remarkable. Starting out in 2005, Nate was younger, eager, and diving into a field that has since defined my professional life. At that time, Colorado was home to five modular factories, including Champion, BonnaVilla, All American, and Wardcraft. These factories were vital contributors to housing in the state. However, the economic downturn of 2009-2010 drastically altered the landscape, leading to the closure of all these facilities.
From 2012 onward, Colorado endured a decade without a single modular factory. This meant relying on out-of-state manufacturers, which presented unique challenges. Modular housing components are expensive to transport, and importing 93% of modular housing into Colorado created logistical and financial hurdles. Additionally, it deprived the state of job opportunities tied to local manufacturing.
During this period, the industry adapted by sourcing from surrounding states, continuing to support housing needs despite the closures. However, it was evident that Colorado needed a local manufacturing solution to address its affordable housing crisis, which has remained a pressing issue.
Fast forward to recent years, and the tide has turned. The opening of Fading West in Buena Vista marked a significant step forward, reestablishing Colorado’s modular manufacturing capacity. As Nate worked alongside the state and industry partners, his team secured resources and funding to revitalize modular housing production. This collaborative effort resulted in the establishment of a modular factory in Denver, with production slated to begin in January 2025. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see these efforts come to fruition, as they will provide much-needed solutions for affordable housing and create jobs within the state,” said, Audree Grubesic.
Addressing Colorado’s Modular Housing Gap
“Despite the progress, Colorado remains behind the national average in modular housing adoption. While the national market share for modular housing is 3-4%, Colorado lags at 1.8%.” noted by Nate. “This disparity underscores the need for continued advocacy, education, and innovation to increase the adoption of modular construction.”
Educating stakeholders, from legislators to developers, has been a cornerstone of Nate’s effort. For years, he has attended meetings, advocated for the industry, and worked to ensure that modular housing is recognized as a viable solution to Colorado’s housing challenges. The ongoing collaboration with state agencies and industry partners has been instrumental in securing funding and developing policies that support modular construction.
Introducing Vederra: A New Standard for Modular Excellence
One of the most exciting developments is the creation of Vederra, a modular factory that aims to address common challenges in the industry. Having worked with various manufacturers over the years, Nate has gained valuable insights into what works well and what doesn’t. Vederra is designed to tackle these issues head-on, with a commitment to producing projects that are substantially complete at the factory.
Historically, many modular manufacturers have left significant portions of projects unfinished, requiring extensive fieldwork. For example, some factories wouldn’t install HVAC systems, roofing, or desired exterior finishes, leaving these tasks to be completed on-site. This approach often led to extended schedules and increased costs, defeating the purpose of modular construction.
At Vederra, their team aims to change that narrative. Their design philosophy prioritizes factory completion to minimize on-site work. Features like EPDM flat roofing, all-electric heat pump systems, and pre-installed HVAC condensers are standard offerings. By reducing the need for fieldwork, we can accelerate project timelines and deliver a true modular experience.
Overcoming Misconceptions Through Education
One of the biggest hurdles for modular housing in Colorado is the lack of understanding among stakeholders. With only 1.8% of the population familiar with modular construction, there’s a significant educational gap. Misconceptions often arise from poorly executed projects that don’t adhere to modular best practices. For instance, projects that incorporate traditional stick-built elements can create delays and challenges, undermining the efficiency of modular construction.
Through ongoing education and collaboration, they’re working to dispel these myths and demonstrate the benefits of modular housing. By emphasizing streamlined designs, efficient factory processes, and thoughtful project planning, we aim to set a new standard for modular construction in Colorado.
Looking Ahead
As the team at Vederra moves into this new chapter, the future of modular housing in Colorado looks promising. The factory launches innovation and continues advocacy for modular solutions while paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient housing industry. Reflecting on the past 20 years, it’s clear that the challenges and lessons learned have only strengthened Nate’s resolve to make modular housing a cornerstone of Colorado’s housing strategy.
Here’s to the next 20 years of innovation, collaboration, and growth in modular construction!