-_Stove_- t1_j7qn8pu wrote on February 8, 2023 at 6:50 PM

Reply to comment by TheMobyDicks in How Can We The Increase Affordable Housing Supply? Ideas? by twentiesforever

Yes, a new way to let a robot dispense concrete is clearly the path forward! /s

TheMobyDicks t1_j7qpiuq wrote on February 8, 2023 at 7:05 PM

Your snark has failed. In five years that's exactly what will be happening everywhere. And there'll be a ton more mediums than concrete. Maine is using wood flour and they're getting started now. This is being done SPECIFCALLY to increase affordable housing supply. The article can be found here: https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/11/23/3d-printed-houses-maine

UMaine unveils first 3D-printed home in a bid to mass-produce affordable housing

-_Stove_- t1_j7qqaqk wrote on February 8, 2023 at 7:09 PM

" Dagher said the lab is a long way away from producing 3D printed homes at a mass scale. This first prototype will sit outside for several months, and sensors will collect information about the impact of the cold, snow — and eventually heat and humidity — on the house. "

Five years? That's a pipe dream.

TheMobyDicks t1_j7qtji3 wrote on February 8, 2023 at 7:30 PM

There are a very small number of companies and architectural firms offering 3D-printed houses, but it is possible to currently purchase and move into a 3D-printed house in the United States. Texas-based construction company ICON is one of the largest 3D-printing companies in the United States.

This was July last year. The reason it will work is as the technology develops the cost to build homes will drop precipitously. There is a company in New Hampshire that is printing a partial home next Wednesday in a bid to secure a contract to print around 40 homes with site work starting in the Fall. The same company has partnered with a construction company to create hybrid (partially 3D printed and partially traditional stick-built) homes.

Further, there is a bill proposed in NH right now that wants to give $5 million in funding to NHFFA to mete out for projects that use innovation to create entry-level homes that SPECIFICALLY names 3D printing. To wit:

I. The homeownership innovations fund shall be used by the authority to make grants and loans to eligible applicants for the purpose of fostering innovations in the development and financing of entry-level homes for owner occupancy.

II. The authority shall consider a wide range of alternatives and solutions to affordable entry-level homeownership, including such approaches as 3D printing of homes, low cost and highly sustainable sources of energy and energy efficiency, and other concepts that will provide New Hampshire homeowners with the most advanced and most affordable alternatives available.

Get onboard, bud. The future's here.