I came across blue sky building system of factory made light gauge construction system that can avoid foundation costs (built on piers), has quick assembly, consolidates trades etc...and uses EPS panels for an insulated tight shell.  They are in CA and claimed construction costs can be 20% less than other methods, but then saw figures of 200-300 sq ft. LOL.  Ouch!  Anyway, looks like a compelling system and wonder if the costs could be much more reasonable outside of CA?   With factory kits/plans, couldn't much of this be a DIY bolt together system?

They also mentioned advantage of a pier type system for hilly lots.  I have a terraced lake lot w/ a drop of 20' from one level to the next and have to consider foundation costs building into the hill or better to build more along the terrain.

It would make a good discussion on the general building system potential.  I like the concept of open spaces w/out need for many interior load bearing walls as well.

http://blueskybuildingsystems.com/why/economics/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycTa...ed

Another interesting video about engineered factory steel homes in Australia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNve...re=related

We built a barn with this sort of product. http://outbacksteelbuildings.com/index.htm We did the gambrel shape. You need to plan how you will insulate so there is no thermal bridging.

Building on piers on a steep lot makes sense. Steel tends to be more expensive than alternatives.

Yep, As far as thermal bridging, the insulating panels would definitely need to be on the outside of the steel w/ thermal break as opposed to inline between posts.