It would be nice if we could figure out how to build homes that were more affordable, more resistant to earthquakes, hurricanes, and fire, and more environmentally friendly. It turns out that this is already happening, with the aid of 3D printing technology. Who knew that they could build a house with a 3D printer!
In this article, 3D printed houses are being built in an impoverished area in Mexico: 3D printed housing is affordable, practical, and can withstand earthquakes (techwireasia.com)
"HOUSING is a challenge for most regulatory bodies, especially when it comes to providing affordable accommodation to sections of society that struggle to make ends meet."
"New Story, a non-profit organization, demonstrated recently that 3D printed housing can solve that problem.The company used a giant 3D printer to build two houses in an impoverished, rural area in Mexico and announced intentions to scale the project to put 50 houses up by the end of 2020 to build the world’s first 3D printed neighborhood. "
That article was from 2020. There are already 3D printed houses being built in Austin Texas, and Florida. Watch 3D-Printed Houses Get Built By Robots in Texas (bloomberg.com)
"Sustainability and savings are also likely to be selling points when the homes go on the market this year. Concrete is carbon-intensive, but Ballard says the material’s use at Wolf Ranch creates nearly airtight buildings that will reduce homeowners’ heating and cooling costs, while the solar panels installed on each residence will supply carbon-free electricity. Icon’s 3D-printed walls have exceeded building code strength requirements by 350%, according to the company, which allows them to better withstand hurricanes and wildfires. An initiative is also underway to reduce Lavacrete’s carbon intensity."
Scroll through this article, Meet the future of housing: with these 7 3D-printed houses (interestingengineering.com) to see seven completed houses constructed with 3D printing. Some look a little like Smurf houses, but some are quite beautiful. They range from basic to rather upscale.
This is the one I found most interesting: "Called the PassivDom House, this house was designed to be as sustainable and energy-efficient as possible. It runs entirely on solar power and can even generate its water from the moisture in the air with an optional add-on."
"It was created using a large 3D printer in a factory in Nevada and could be a game-changer for small housing.The shower in the bathroom can also clean and recycle water. The house is designed to use as few resources as possible. Initially, the company wasn't aiming at creating an off-grid home, but the team realized it was a feasible option as they developed their ideas."
Interesting stuff, Katherine. 3d printed homes also have the possibility of being unique, avoiding the boring monotony of developments. So far, my only reservation concerning 3d printed concrete houses is that they don't incorporate rebar which would give them the strength of monolithic dome houses.
ReplyDeletemonolithic.com
I took a course once in building these homes. I'm presently thinking about how 3d printing could be combined with this technology, the strength of a monolithic dome combined with the aesthetic flexibility of 3d printing.
These houses may be the ticket to building houses for the new climate.
It does seem like they'd be stronger with rebar.
DeleteI was intrigued by the part of being able to generate water from the air (which really isn't anything to do with 3D printing) I assume that would be like distilled water, for drinking. The water for other uses wouldn't have to be as high quality. Probably wouldn't work for Phoenix, because I don't think they have any moisture in their air at all.
You've got me thinking, Katherine. I'm going to start playing with Sketchup, a 3d modeling program that now outputs 3d printing files. I think the SW US might be a lost cause because of the water problem. But flood resistant houses could be built in flood plains and coastlines. There ARE places that can benefit from water extraction. I'm thinking of coastline areas like Morocco and Libya.
DeleteI really have no grasp of how 3D printers work. No idea at all.I’ll trust Stanley to figure out how to create affordable, strong, housing using them. I do not have a scientific mind. Nor a math mind. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteOff topic.Michael Sean Winters column about a publication being received in chanceries and rectories all over the country. Probably the one Jim and Katherine’s husband have received.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ncronline.org/opinion/ncr-voices/conservative-critics-synod-and-francis-are-embarrassing-themselves
Before the pandemic, I regularly took courses at the local Community college, they were very good on hands on things like programming languages, photography, art and music. Courses could be audited by seniors for minimal costs beyond the books and materials which were sometimes not minimal. Most of these are taught by local professionals rather than academic people.
ReplyDeleteThey had a few brief demonstration courses on 3D printing which were very helpful. Of course, there is always the cost of materials both in terms of dollars and the environment.