First 3D-printed Community Coming to Latin America

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

The homes are 3-D printed and will be completed in 24 hours.

New Story, a non-profit working to end global homelessness, has partnered with Icon, a homebuilding robotics company, and Fuseproject, a renowned design firm, to create the world’s first 3D printed community. The homes would be built for low-income families earning less than $200 per month to provide them access to safe shelter from environmental and physical dangers.

According to New Story, the homes are made of a proprietary concrete mixture that is three times stronger than the industry standard for used for most concrete builds. They are also eco-friendly as the printer uses local materials and produces zero waste.

The non-profit states that currently there are a billion people across the globe living without safe shelter and the number is estimated to triple by 2050. Current building methods simply can’t keep up with the need and do so in a fast, cost-effective manner. The first home was printed in 48 hours, but as technology improves and they produce more homes, they hope the process will be able to be completed in 24 hours. 

The process is shown in this video on New Story’s website and is fascinating to watch. It appears that the inside rooms, walls and exterior walls are printed and then the structure is topped with a pre-built roof.

Fuseproject says on their website that their approach is to address “the important questions related to climate, family structure and the role that the homes can play in creating a larger community. Features that improve ventilation and offer outdoor spaces for cooking, dining and family gathering, are all part of the multiple design programs we created for the community. The roof overhang over the front and back patios provide added shade from the sun, protection from rainfall and a space for socializing.”

If this project is successful, expect to see it spreading to areas of the world who struggle with lack of housing and poverty as it has the potential to provide a much improved and safer lifestyle for millions.

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Photo courtesy of Fuseproject.