Could utilities help advance 3D printing construction technology?
For decades, housing prices have been rising at a rapid rate in many areas of the country. The 2008 economic crisis brought the housing market back to reality for a brief period, but in recent years housing prices are again accelerating quickly and putting home ownership out of reach for many individuals and families. In addition, homes with energy-efficient equipment and features are highly coveted due to their reduced energy costs and lower cost of ownership – further aggravating the housing affordability issue.
So what can be done to help address the need for more affordable housing? The answer may lie in a technology that’s been around since the 1980s, but has recently been repurposed for use in home construction: 3D printing. Advancements in modern 3D printing technology are making it possible for companies and organizations to build eco-friendly, cost-affordable homes in hours instead of months. These homes are energy efficient too – using construction materials that reduce air leaks, maintain more consistent temperatures, and minimize heating and cooling costs. And believe it or not, 3D-printed homes are cheaper to construct with an estimated 15 percent savings per square foot when compared to a traditional stick-built home.
With all of these advantages, it’s no surprise that Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg in Virginia is now building 3D-printed homes. In late 2021, a local mother and her son moved into one of the organization’s first 3D-printed homes in the United States. Habitat for Humanity teamed up with 3D printing home construction company Alquist to build this cutting-edge home. Made primarily with concrete, the 1,200 square-foot house has three bedrooms and two full baths, is Earthcraft certified, and provides greater protection against severe weather such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Amazingly, it took just 12 hours to build the home. And the new homeowner was even provided with a miniature 3D printer to make replacement parts – including baseboard trim, doorknobs, and cabinet handles – as needed.
The Habitat for Humanity project provides a window into the future of construction, but can 3D-printed homes become more mainstream? Utilities and energy efficiency portfolios across the country could play a significant role in advancing this approach to new home construction. Financial incentives offered through a utility’s new construction program could drive greater interest in and adoption of 3D printing construction technology. Utilities will benefit from the reduced energy demand of 3D-printed homes while their customers will enjoy lower energy and maintenance costs. Additionally, this construction technology will provide utilities with an opportunity for greater market development in lower income communities – delivering affordable energy-saving benefits to economically disadvantaged areas.
Affordable housing is a major issue in the United States and across the world. So is climate change. It is possible that 3D-printed homes can help to address both issues simultaneously – especially as building materials become more eco-friendly and sustainable.
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