It’s not often that something defies the saying “too good to be true,” but 3D printing an entire house in under 24 hours certainly seems to do just that. Yet, the reality of 3D-printed houses is here, and it’s rapidly changing the landscape of construction and housing.
What are 3D Printed Houses?
3D-printed houses are essentially life-sized structures brought to life using industrial 3D printing technology. This innovative method, formally known as construction 3D printing or additive manufacturing in construction, involves building structures layer by layer from the ground up, guided by digital designs.
As 3D-printed homes transition from experimental concepts to commercially available residences, the 3D printing industry is experiencing significant growth. Market analysis from Grand View Research projects a compound annual growth rate of 23.5 percent for 3D printing over the next decade. The unique aesthetic of these homes, often characterized by their shapely forms and distinctive ribbed textures in shades of gray, has captured widespread attention. Even NASA is exploring the potential of this technology, investing $57 million to develop 3D printing techniques for infrastructure on the moon.
The appeal of construction 3D printing lies in its capacity for high customization and design freedom. As a cutting-edge technology poised for market disruption, it holds the promise of revolutionizing housing through mass production and potentially addressing global housing shortages.
3D-printed houses are essentially full-scale homes constructed using 3D printing as the primary building method. These highly customizable structures can be erected with minimal human intervention, either directly on-site or in off-site facilities, and remarkably quickly, often in just a few hours, at a significantly reduced cost compared to traditional construction.
Typically, 3D-printed houses are recognized for their free-form, curvilinear designs, predominantly built using cement-based mixtures. Current projects range from experimental beta prototypes designed for research and development to ready-to-occupy affordable housing solutions and even high-end luxury residences.
Beyond the advantages of speed and cost-effectiveness, additive manufacturing is transforming the construction market for several compelling reasons. Many see this innovative, low-waste, and computer-controlled method of homebuilding, executed by large-scale industrial printers, as a vital solution for providing shelter to unhoused communities. Furthermore, it’s considered a crucial step towards creating sustainable and biodegradable housing options, addressing both environmental concerns and the urgent need for eco-friendly building practices.
How Are 3D Printed Houses Built?
Industrial-grade 3D printers are the cornerstone of constructing entire multi-unit housing developments, applying material layer upon layer. This iterative process is what defines the “additive” nature of “additive manufacturing.”
Following a precise digital blueprint, a 3D printer meticulously dispenses a specialized paste-like mixture. The composition of this mixture is carefully selected, commonly featuring a cement blend, but can also incorporate a variety of materials, from sand and specialized polymers to sustainable bio-resins like soil, clay, or wood flour—a fine sawdust combined with a corn-based binder.
How Long Does It Take to 3D Print a House?
Industrial 3D printers have dramatically reduced construction timelines, making it possible to “print” an entire house in under 24 hours. It’s important to note that this “printing time” typically refers to the core construction phase and may not include time for essential secondary installations or the assembly of components printed off-site and then transported to the final location.
When constructing a large structure like a house, the 3D printer itself must be appropriately sized. These industrial printers often feature a robust steel, quad-truss framework, similar to those used for concert stages, forming a substantial hollow cube structure. A robotic arm moves along a track at the top of this framework, precisely following pre-programmed instructions derived from the digital blueprint.
Much like a standard inkjet printer, the material mixture undergoes a thermal extraction process, often involving heating. The paste is then extruded through a nozzle, converting the digital design into a tangible physical form, layer by layer. Before applying the subsequent layer, a concrete dryer ensures the mixture solidifies, providing structural integrity. This cycle repeats, adding layer upon layer, until all the building elements dictated by the digital design are fully realized.
It’s crucial to understand that additive construction sites, while highly automated, are not entirely autonomous. Beyond the initial setup and eventual dismantling of the equipment, human oversight remains essential to manage operations and address any technical issues that may arise. Skilled specialists are necessary on-site to create openings and manage second-fix installations, such as integrating plumbing, electrical wiring, doors, and windows, ensuring the house is fully functional and habitable.
How Much Does a 3D Printed House Cost?
The overall cost of a 3D-printed house is subject to considerable variation from one project to another. It’s influenced by numerous factors, including the specific companies contracted, the types of materials used, and considerations such as geographic location, house size, desired amenities, and the complexity of the design. However, developers across the United States and internationally generally report significant cost reductions, often achieving savings of up to 30 percent compared to traditional building methods.
3D-printed houses first entered the U.S. real estate market in early 2021. Notably, a 1,407-square-foot house in Riverhead, New York, featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage, was listed on Zillow.com for $299,999, advertised as “the world’s first 3D-printed home for sale.”
ICON, a leading 3D-printing construction firm, has stated that they can produce an economy-sized building of 600 to 800 square feet for as little as $4,000 in just 24 hours.
At the higher end of the market, luxury 3D-printed homes can exceed $1 million. House Zero, for example, is a mid-century, ranch-style luxury property spanning 2,000 square feet, complemented by a 350-square-foot accessory dwelling unit. Zillow estimated its value between $723,000 and $908,000, based on size and location. However, its unique design and premium features could potentially elevate its market price into the seven-figure range. This was reported by All3DP, an online magazine specializing in 3D printing technologies.
When Will 3D Printed Houses Become Available?
The availability of 3D-printed houses is no longer a future prospect; they are already on the market. Projects like Project Milestone (detailed below) have seen residents moving in as early as April 30, 2021. Another example is a three-bedroom house in Virginia which was completed and ready for occupancy in just 12 hours.
Examples of 3D Printed Houses
1. BioHome3D
BioHome3D is a pioneering project by the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center. This initiative focuses on 3D-printing housing structures exclusively from bio-resins and wood fibers, aiming to address labor shortages and increase access to affordable housing. The project’s prototype, a 600-square-foot structure, showcases a fully 3D-printed floor and roof. Remarkably, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom building is entirely recyclable and composed of 100% biodegradable materials, including wood flour. BioHome3D is also equipped with monitoring sensors to collect data on thermal, environmental, and structural performance, which will inform and enhance future designs for resilience.
2. Citizen Robotics’ 3D-Printed Home
In 2023, construction company Citizen Robotics achieved a milestone by building the first 3D-printed house in Michigan. This project was a collaborative effort, incorporating design expertise from developARCHITECTURE and the president of the Detroit chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Citizen Robotics utilizes robotic and automated construction techniques to minimize both costs and material usage in home construction. Their 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom home, along with attached wall segments, was 3D-printed at their facility in Southwest Detroit. These components were then transported and assembled on-site in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood. The home became available for purchase in 2024, marking a significant step in accessible, modern housing.
3. East 17th Street Residences
Located in Austin, Texas, these four properties developed by construction 3D-printing company ICON are characterized by open floor plans, minimalist architectural aesthetics, and private yards. These residences vary in size, offering between two to four bedrooms and ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Each home features a ground floor constructed with “Lavacrete,” ICON’s proprietary cement-based material, which is designed for enhanced durability compared to traditional construction materials. The second stories are built using conventional methods, incorporating black metal cladding and richly toned timber. The homes share a unified color palette of green, white, and terracotta and have all been successfully sold.
4. House 1.0
House 1.0 is a pioneering project by Danish startup 3DCP Group, constructed with the help of 3D-printing construction manufacturer COBOD. Located in Hostelbro, Denmark, this 398-square-foot structure is recognized as Europe’s first 3D-printed tiny house. It comprises three sections that converge at an open, triangular central core. Inspired by the practical and economical design of student living, House 1.0 is efficiently laid out, featuring essential amenities including a bathroom, an open-plan kitchen and living area, and a loft-style bedroom on an elevated level. Sebastian Aristotelis, an architect from Saga Space Architects who designed House 1.0, noted that the project was intentionally built to minimize costs, utilizing inexpensive materials like concrete and adopting a low-to-no waste construction approach.
5. House Zero
House Zero is a collaboration between ICON and architectural firm Lake|Flato, resulting in a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath residence located just outside downtown Austin, Texas. Its distinctive curved walls and rounded corners are constructed with Lavacrete insulation and steel reinforcement. Including a one-bedroom, one-bath accessory dwelling unit, the entire property spans 2,350 square feet and was 3D-printed in less than two weeks. ICON describes it as embodying “mid-century modernist ranch house aesthetics.” Designed to achieve net-zero energy consumption, House Zero was recognized by Time magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2022.
6. Kamp C
Kamp C, a Belgian company, successfully 3D-printed its namesake demo house in one single piece directly on the property site in just three weeks. Developers assert that the building boasts a compressive strength three times greater than that of conventional brick, largely attributed to a specialized printer provided by COBOD. The model features smooth surfaces and robust layers, enhancing its structural integrity. Uniquely, for its time and even by today’s standards, this house includes two stories and was constructed as a monolithic piece. It stands nearly 27 feet tall, roughly the height of a standard residential telephone pole, and covers 967 square feet. Its sustainable design incorporates low-energy floor and ceiling heating, powered by solar panels and a heat pump system.
7. Mense-Korte
The 3D-printed house by Mense-Korte, located in Beckum, Germany, stands as a landmark as the first in the world to receive full certification under a national government’s building regulations. This modern, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers 1,722 square feet of living space, featuring a sophisticated interior and integrated smart-home technology. Constructed with multi-shell walls cast with in-situ concrete, the structure’s curved design was completed over approximately eight months, including an active printing time of 100 hours.
8. Mighty House Quatro
Mighty Buildings partnered with Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects to create a 20-home, net-zero development called Mighty House Quatro, nestled in a gated, hilltop community in Southern California. These homes are designed to generate as much energy as they consume. Built in about four months each, every house includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms within a 1,171-square-foot space, constructed atop a hot spring aquifer. Featuring a modern, minimalist aesthetic, these properties include amenities such as a swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Mighty Buildings utilizes 3D-printing methods that are twice as fast as traditional construction and produce 99 percent less waste, according to their company website.
9. Project Milestone
Project Milestone represents the world’s first commercial housing project using 3D printing technology intended for residential occupancy. Located in Eindhoven, a city in the Netherlands known for its technological advancements and cutting-edge design, this project comprises five 3D-printed concrete dwellings. The first of these 1,011-square-foot homes was printed on-site in 120 hours, constructed from 24 separate components. Resembling elongated boulders with smooth, rounded edges, Project Milestone homes blend seamlessly with their tech-forward urban environment. They are designed for high energy efficiency, featuring extra-thick insulation and connection to the heat grid, earning them high ratings in energy performance from 3D Natives. The first residents received their keys on April 30, 2021, marking a significant milestone in 3D-printed housing.
10. Tecla
Tecla is an innovative housing project developed through a partnership between 3D-printing firm WASP and Italy-based studio Mario Cucinella Architects. This project aims to create bioclimatic, low-carbon housing solutions in response to growing global climate emergencies and housing crises. Tecla distinguishes itself with a unique tan, double-dome structure, constructed from 350 layers of locally sourced clay from a nearby riverbed. The name Tecla is a portmanteau of “technology” and “clay,” reflecting its blend of innovation and natural materials. This 538-square-foot structure stands approximately 15 feet tall and includes two skylights. The eco-habitat is built entirely from organic, bio-materials, and of the 200 hours needed for full construction, active printing took 72 hours. Tecla serves as a compelling proof of concept for sustainable architecture and housing.
11. Wolf Ranch Community
ICON has expanded its 3D-printing construction to create entire neighborhoods, exemplified by the Wolf Ranch community in Georgetown, Texas. This development, built between 2022 and 2024, comprises 100 3D-printed houses. Each single-story home includes three to four bedrooms and features concrete walls designed to withstand termites and the challenging Texas climate. ICON utilized the Vulcan printer for this project, a machine that measures 45 feet wide and weighs nearly five tons, demonstrating the scale and capability of current 3D-printing technology in residential construction.
12. Sustainable Concrete Innovations’ 3D-Printed Home
Sustainable Concrete Innovations has addressed Ohio’s housing challenges by constructing the state’s first 3D-printed house in Wapakoneta. Although the 3D printer used for this project has a potential cost of $1 million, it enabled the company to complete construction in under a week at a reduced overall cost. The house was built using a concrete mixture that provides resistance to tornadoes and fires, enhancing its durability and safety. Industry leaders hope that 3D-printed homes can effectively address significant housing needs in cities like Columbus, where another 3D-printed home project is currently underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 3D-printed house cost?
The average cost of a 3D-printed house ranges from $10,000 to $400,000. However, prices can fluctuate significantly depending on various factors such as location, size, amenities, and the materials chosen for construction.
How long does it take to 3D print a house?
The 3D printing process for a house can take anywhere from 24 hours to three weeks, depending on the project’s complexity and scale. This timeframe typically excludes the time needed for second-fix installations (like plumbing and electrical systems) and material transportation, especially if components are printed off-site.
Where can I buy a 3D-printed house?
3D-printed houses are increasingly available for purchase through various channels. Real estate platforms like Zillow and homeownership assistance programs such as Habitat for Humanity sometimes list 3D-printed homes. Additionally, companies specializing in 3D-printed construction often sell properties directly, so checking their websites and local listings can be fruitful.
How long does a 3D-printed house last?
While 3D-printed houses are a relatively recent innovation, they are constructed from highly durable materials. Current estimates suggest that the lifespan of a 3D-printed home ranges from 50 to 300 years, reflecting the robustness of the materials and construction techniques used.
What is the downside of a 3D-printed house?
Despite their numerous advantages, 3D-printed houses do have some potential downsides:
- Limited Expertise: The construction industry currently has a limited pool of professionals with specialized expertise in 3D-printed home construction.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Building codes and legislation for 3D-printed houses are still developing in many regions, leading to potential regulatory uncertainties depending on location.
- Modification Challenges: Once a 3D-printed house is fully constructed, making changes or alterations can be more difficult compared to traditionally built homes due to the monolithic nature of some construction methods.
- Material Carbon Footprint: Cement, a commonly used material in 3D printing for houses, has a significant carbon footprint, raising environmental concerns despite the overall efficiency of the construction process.
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