3-D printed homes is a newer style of building homes; they have been around for several years. Essentially, the home will be designed as a 3-D model and then an industrial, gantry-style 3-D printer uses concrete mixtures to build the home. The largest 3-D built home, recently built in New York, is 2,000 Sq Ft. It has four bedrooms and is listed for $499,990.
The Build
Essentially, the home will be designed as a 3-D model and then an industrial, gantry-style 3-D printer uses concrete mixtures to assemble the home. It pushes out 9000 psi concrete, the same concrete used to build superstructures. These homes can be built in as little as 40 hours, and only requires three people. The first person needed is the one who runs the 3-D printer. They will walk along side it to make sure it is running at the correct speed and running smoothly. Also needed, is a mixologist who runs the volumetric mixer. Finally, a laborer is on site to make sure the site and crew have all the materials they need. They, also, make sure the site is clear for the 3-D printer to work. In the 2,000 Sq Ft home, the 3-D printer printed the forms, footings, foundation, and interior and exterior walls. It is believe, that in the future, the 3-D printer will also be able to print the roof.
Advantages
As previously mentioned, this home takes less time to build. The 2,000 Sq Ft home was built in 40 hours. If the rest of the building process runs smoothly, you can have a completed home in just weeks. Costs are cheaper than a traditional build and has less waste of materials. During a time when skilled tradesman can be hard to find and materials are high priced (and low in stock), this is a more affordable offer. The build of the home is very accurate.
The Future
It is believe, that in the future, the 3-D printer will also be able to print the roof. The hope is one to day to be able to build roads and a whole city using this technology.
