As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to address environmental impact, labor shortages, and rising costs, new approaches are emerging to meet these challenges. Among them, prefabricated construction methods are gaining traction, offering solutions that combine speed, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
One company at the forefront of this shift is CREE Buildings, whose construction platform is being adopted by developers across the world, seeking to future-proof their projects. Despite operating in different markets, High Six, ACR, and Grupo Casais share a common vision: accelerating sustainable development through industrialized efficiency. Each company leverages CREE’s innovative modular system to achieve repeatable design solutions providing flexible layouts, high quality, schedule and cost certainty, setting new benchmarks for the construction industry.
Redefining Urban Sustainability in France
In France, Aubin Balcerzak, CEO of High Six, is leveraging CREE’s Platform to integrate sustainability into large-scale urban projects. With a background in wood sciences and deep expertise in mass timber construction, Balcerzak co-founded High Six to drive profitable, low-carbon real estate development. „The ability to combine sustainability with efficiency is key in today’s market, “says Balcerzak. „CREE allows us to bring green innovations to scale while maintaining flexibility in design and execution.
“By using prefabricated components, High Six achieves carbon reductions and minimizes on-site waste, all while expediting project timelines. Beyond environmental impact, energy-efficient materials and precision manufacturing contribute to long-term cost savings, making projects more attractive to investors focused on both sustainability and returns.
Transforming Hospitality and Residential in Spain
ACR is applying the CREE Buildings approach to accelerate construction in the Spanish hospitality industry. President and CEO Michel Elizalde explains why his company turned to modular construction: „The industry is at an inflection point. We needed to reduce our carbon footprint, improve efficiency, and mitigate labor risks. CREE’s experience with modular hybrid systems provided an effective solution. “Elizalde points to a recent project in Madrid as an example of the efficiencies gained. „We delivered a 19,000 m² building where the entire structure—complete with facade elements—was assembled in just 77 days, cutting the overall construction time by six months. That kind of predictability is invaluable for financial planning. “
For hospitality developers, these efficiencies translate into tangible advantages: reduced financing costs, faster time-to-market, and improved asset performance. The ability to standardize components while preserving architectural flexibility is particularly valuable in a sector where branding and design consistency play a crucial role in positioning and differentiation.
Adapting to Local Needs in Portugal
Grupo Casais, a major Portuguese developer and general contractor, has also integrated CREE’s methods into its construction strategy. CEO Antonio Carlos Rodrigues emphasizes the importance of balancing modular efficiencies with regional architectural identity.
CREE’s System allows for standardization where it makes sense while preserving the ability to adapt to local aesthetics and cultural considerations, “says Rodrigues. „That flexibility is key for us. “Beyond design, speed remains a defining advantage. „Getting projects operational faster directly impacts profitability, “he adds. „It reduces financing costs and allows owners to start generating revenue sooner. “For Casais, sustainability is another crucial factor. „The construction sector accounts for a significant share of global emissions, “Rodrigues notes. „By adopting lower-carbon building methods like CREE’s, we are not just reducing costs but aligning with a future where environmental performance is a fundamental investment consideration. “
A Shared Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Despite their geographical differences, High Six, ACR, Grupo Casais and the entire CREE Network are united by the shared ambition of transforming the construction industry through modular and sustainable solutions. Each company demonstrates how CREE’s approach can be adapted to different markets and project types while maintaining efficiency and environmental responsibility. Their collective success highlights the growing recognition that industrialized, sustainable construction is not just an alternative—it is the future.
Scalable Model for Real Estate Investors
The experiences of these three industry leaders and CREE‘s 75 additional partners highlight the growing appeal of modular and hybrid construction beyond a niche innovation—it’s becoming an industry standard. With applications ranging from hospitality and offices to student housing and senior living, the model offers a scalable solution for developers looking to de-risk construction while optimizing long-term asset value.
For investors, the benefits are clear: reduced construction timelines, improved budget predictability, and lower operational costs through sustainable design. As the industry shifts toward greener and more efficient building practices, modular and hybrid systems like CREE’s are well-positioned to play a central role in shaping the future of real estate development.
