3D Printed Housing: The Future of Construction

The construction industry was valued at ~$1.36 trillion in just the United States at the end of 2020. It is a timely and expensive process that creates a significant negative environmental impact through the burning of fossil fuels. Construction projects typically release carbon dioxide, methane, and other waste products that contribute to pollution and global warming. But is there a more effective way to complete construction projects? One innovative solution changing the face of construction is 3D printing! As researched below, 3D printing can be a global solution for speeding up construction processes, decreasing waste and minimizing environmental impact, improving safety, enabling creative freedom, and much more! Many companies are working on — and have accomplished — construction projects using 3D printing.

How are 3D printed houses made?

3D printed houses are made of a cement-like mixture that is deposited in a layer-by-layer process. This process allows for more architectural freedom as it simplifies complex shapes and designs into individual layers.

How long does it take to 3D print a house?

3D printing a house is significantly faster than traditional construction, in fact, in most cases, the construction takes no longer than a matter of days. In the past, a 1900 square foot property was constructed in only 8 days, with only 48 hours of active print time.

When will 3D printed houses be widespread?

As the machinery production costs decrease with time, 3D printed houses will undoubtedly become a cheap housing solution for many. Rising environmental concerns may also push the spread of 3D printed buildings as they are more efficient in terms of energy and material resources. These projects generate less waste because only the required amount of material is dispensed — the mixture is shapeless and moldable. Meanwhile, traditional construction uses up tons of energy in every step of the way like transporting materials and workers to the site.

Who is 3D printing houses?

Alquist is planning to build 200 3D printed homes in the next 4–5years in Pulaski, VA. Another 3D printing company, ICON, was the first building project in America to secure a permit to 3D print a home in Austin, Texas in 2018. ICON is a Texas-based developer of advanced construction technologies involving robotics, software, and materials. The company is involved in many charitable initiatives to build homes in areas with housing insecurity. The project has raised hundreds of millions in investments and is currently working with NASA on construction methods for sites on the moon. They are one of many working towards making 3D-printing a mainstream process for building homes in the U.S.

Another notable company in the space is Apis Cor, a Florida-based team that specializes in creating equipment that can print entire buildings on site with a future vision of fully autonomous machinery. In 2017 they built a full-scale house in just 24 hours and are also working towards solving the affordable housing problem across many regions.

Two notable startups include Tvasta who was India’s first builder to 3D print a house which was completed in 21 days in 2021 and Danish startup 3DCP Group who showcased its first build that was printed in just over a month.

What is the cost of 3D printing a house?

3D printing houses reduces the need for a large construction crew because only a few workers need to be present while the equipment does most of the work as this will reduce labor costs. However, 3D printing equipment is very expensive currently. Overall, time saved with 3D printing means less money spent on staffing the site and other costs that come along with building.

A 410 square foot home in Russia cost only about $10,000 including all aspects such as wiring and interior. In addition, Icon is working on 600 square foot homes costing as low as $4,000.

As the tech improves, the costs associated with the actual machinery will very likely reduce. Furthermore, 3D printed houses are made of durable materials; they are long-lasting and require little up-keep.

Additional Sources:

The Top 8 Companies Building 3D Printed Houses | All3DP Pro

8 Reasons Why 3D Printed Houses Are the Next Big Thing | All3DP

How to Decrease the Environmental Impact of Construction — HSI Services (aquabarrier.com)3D Printed Housing: Future of Construction