One of the major problems that we face in today’s world is living space. There are not enough houses and apartments to accommodate the population, and also there is a significant lack of affordable housing.
The idea of living in a 3D home has been proposed for some time now, but it is only now that we have started seeing real projects being built.
Living in a 3D home will solve many of the problems we have with housing today. It will provide greater living space at lower cost, as well as increased access to public facilities such as parks and green spaces.
People are already living in 3D homes:
3D printed homes are the future. The way these homes are being built is a revolutionary change in construction, and it’s changing the industry for the better. Not only does this method save money and time, but it also provides a more sustainable option for housing.
This article will examine everything you need to know about 3D printed homes – how to buy them, what they include, where you can buy them from, who is publishing them, what benefits they offer, and much more!
How can I buy a 3D house?
You can purchase these homes directly from the company that is printing them or contact an architect specializing in this type of construction. You should also be aware of some restrictions regarding where they may place your home – check with local laws to ensure it will meet code standards.
What’s included?
Typically, the interior of a three-dimensional printed home looks very similar to any other house. The exterior may look different as it needs special printing equipment and is done by hand – but this can be altered if you want your home to stand out more!
A 3D home is a virtual representation of your current or future home. It is created by using the latest technologies and design principles to provide you with a realistic experience. You can walk through any room in your new house, see what it would look like at different times of day, and even change the interior decoration to suit your tastes. What should one include in their 3D home?
Floor plan with measurements – if you are building a new home, this may be the only way that all of your ideas will come together.
Pictures and descriptions of desired items or furniture to use in the house. This could include appliances, fixtures, cabinets, etc., and decorations for different rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.
A list of colors that you would like to use in your home, complete with paint swatches or color samples. This will help the visualization software provide a good representation of what it will look like when completed.
How are these homes built?
If you’re familiar with how 3D printing works, the process here isn’t that different. The process usually starts with a CAD design that is then fed into the printer. The machine will use concrete to print each layer of the home, and it can do so in as little as 24 hours!
3D printing is achieved using a preservative process, where an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire thing is completed.
Each level can be seen as a thinly sliced flat cross-section of the final object. 3D printers build things using many different materials, including plastic, metal, ceramic, and glass.
Until recently, most additive manufacturing has been used to manufacture plastic parts. This is because the demand for 3D printing in other areas has outstripped engineers’ ability to develop appropriate software tools to use this process in more demanding applications.
The architectural design team of WATG, Snøhetta, and Koletti developed this house as four stacked boxes represented in the computer-aided design (CAD) files. A construction-size 3D printer was used to print each layer on top of another, one after another.
The Contour Crafting process begins with one or more CAD files, which define the shapes to be printed. The program slices these cross-sections into layers that are designed to fit within the available print height.
The printer uses a mortar mixture with additives for increased viscosity, green strength, and decreased water content.
The second step is to create the support structure of the house. The support structure will provide physical support until the concrete has cured enough to stand on its own. Once the concrete has cured, it will replace the support structure material and serve as the structural component of the house.
Where Can You Buy Them?
Several companies worldwide offer this type of housing – some include Apis Cor, WinSun Global, and ICON. Each of these companies is working to make this process more affordable and ensure that everyone has access to a sustainable home.
What Companies Are Printing The Homes?
There are currently three leading companies in North America printing homes: Apis Cor, WinSun Global, and Icon.
What are the Benefits of Building with Concrete?
Because these homes use concrete, they offer several benefits, including:
Each layer is created in as little as 24 hours – this saves time and money during construction! These structures will also be around for centuries rather than years or decades like many other housing types.
The materials that go into these homes are eco-friendly and sustainable – they’re not made from wood or other natural resources but somewhat recycled plastic bottles! These structures have no problem with moisture; in fact, keeping them moist can actually help to make the house stronger over time!
What to Check For if You Buy One
Make sure that the house you choose is built to code and permitted by your local government. You should also ensure that it meets all of your requirements – such as size, number of rooms/bathrooms, etc. Additionally, ask about how long these homes typically last.
How Much do 3D Homes Cost?
This type of housing doesn’t come cheap, but it isn’t the most expensive option available. There is a range of costs that you can expect to pay when purchasing one:
This is dependent upon which company and product line you choose – every home will be different! Do your research before buying so you aren’t surprised later on down the road with additional costs.
3D homes cost as much as the labor and materials to construct them, just like any other home. Material costs depend on what will be used for building the house. If a prefabricated method is used, it can take more time to make, but not that much more money. This type of construction entails using a pre-made design.
How long do they last?
These structures stand up incredibly well to the elements and can become more robust as time goes on. Theoretically, this type of housing could be around for centuries rather than years or decades like many other housing types! Each area has different weather conditions – so it’s important to build homes to meet those specific standards.
Are these homes customizable?
Yes, the great thing about this type of housing is that it can be easily customized based on your current or future needs! You’ll want to speak with an architect who specializes in three-dimensional printing for more information. Some companies will offer customization options, and some may decline. The price of your home will also rest on the level of customization you choose to have!
Sometimes It can be puzzling to find a home that suits all of your needs. When you purchase a new home from 3D Homes, you will have the opportunity to customize everything about it! For example, if you need an extra bedroom for your growing family, or want a larger kitchen so that everyone can cook together at once – these features are available with our homes.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to choose what colors your home is painted and which flooring would be best. When it comes down to designing a house that fits all of your needs – choosing from our customizable options is definitely the way forward!
What are some examples of homes?
Many architects have been designing homes in all shapes and sizes. While a 3D home is a luxury, some added benefits that some homeowners are willing to pay extra for water surrounding them.
There are several great examples, including:
This company, World’s Advanced Saving Project (WASP), has already printed over 100 houses, and they plan to release their newest model within the next year! This is one example of companies worldwide working with this type of housing – each offers something unique and innovative.
Currently, several homes have been printed in China – these include:
Located on the outskirts of Changsha city and was built by Chinese company WinSun Global! It’s estimated to be less than $5000, and it took just a few weeks to construct. This structure measures up at 20 feet by 33 feet, and it’s estimated to last 100 years!
This house is located in Shanghai, China, and was printed from recycled construction waste. It measures up at 20 feet by 32 feet with three stories – making it the most extensive home ever designed using this method. This structure took just 14 days to build and cost around $161,000.
Another type of 3D home is one that is built like a treehouse. Usually, these homes are elevated with stairs or an elevator leading to the different levels and rooms inside them. one of the most legendary examples in this category would be Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, built in 1937- not a 3D printed house, obviously.
One of the unique 3D homes is built atop a cliff and juts out over the edge. Some of these structures, such as Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, provide 360-degree views to diners seated on costly glass tables. Like Le Palais Ideal, others offer space for a garden, patio, pool, and other amenities.
Finally, many 3D homes are built as small towers or skyscrapers. The Pyramid House would be an example as it has only three levels, including one bedroom and bathroom.
3D homes can be any shape or size but usually provide their owners with something other than a regular home. For instance, some homes are built on another structure or elevated above the ground to provide an unobstructed view.
Are these homes for everyone?
Not exactly. Initially, these structures will be sold to wealthier people because they can afford them! For example, a company in China is printing luxury villas and selling them at around USD 161,000 each – which means that this type of housing isn’t cheap or affordable by all standards. As time goes on, however, these homes will likely become more affordable.
How can 3D printed homes be permitted by the City & State?
In 1954, a small town in Southern California was faced with housing shortages after WWII. The United States government approved the development of manufactured homes, intended to be temporary shelters for war veterans and low-income families. In 1976, these structures were also permitted as permanent dwellings. Since then, manufactured home communities have been developed by private companies and local/state governments.
These communities, known as manufactured home communities (MHCs), serve lower-income families and seniors unable to afford traditional homes. However, the housing market has shifted over time; in 2014 alone, prices for manufactured and mobile homes increased nearly 2%, whereas typical houses had a 5% drop in prices.
Concerning this, the 3D printed housing market has been on a steady rise. Enrico Moretti, an economist at UC-Berkeley, claims that “3D printers will have a bigger impact than internet technologies”. The technology is being advanced by companies such as Apis Cor and Win Sun but is still being perfected. The technology allows for the construction of homes rapidly and lowers costs, meaning that 3D printing can provide inexpensive living options.
In March of 2015, the first permitted 3D printed house was created in Russia. In September 2017, Dubai hosted an event that showcased several 3D printed homes, stating, “Our ambitions are higher than having the biggest 3D printer”.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for MHC-related jobs is expected to increase by 13% by 2026. This progression is partly due to the increase in demand for low-cost housing options, which 3D printing can provide.
3D printed homes can be permitted by the city and state. This includes MHCs, as well as any future developments in community building or constructing houses. However, some barriers would need to be overcome first.
The permitting process typically requires reviewing blueprints of the home/building to be constructed. This includes its planned use, development, and construction. Before the era of 3D printing, this was a time-consuming process that could cost up to $2 million and take several years. However, 3D printing allows for plans in just one day at 1% of the cost. This would streamline the permitting process, especially for low-income families.
However, there are still barriers to overcome; 3D-printed homes do not have an established code system in most States. In fact, Phoenix recently created a committee specifically for overseeing 3D printing, which will work on establishing a code system before the first 3D home is built.
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
