You might have seen our recent blog about technology in the property industry. We’re not sure how we missed 3D printed homes off the list, but in this blog, we’ll be discussing an interesting new construction trend.
The concept of 3D printing was written in a short sci-fi story by Murry Leinster in 1945. The first 3D printer was created in the 1980’s by Chuck Hull, It layers and cures resin to build up an object. In 2023, people are 3D printing all sorts, there is a market for them and it’s not that uncommon to have a 3D printer in one’s home. This doesn’t make the concept of 3D-printed homes, any less strange.
3D-printed homes use a large 3D printer to place layers and layers of concrete on top of one another to create highly energy-efficient builds. The walls are 3D printed with space in between so wiring and insulation can be added later. In the UK, most 3D printed developments utilise only recyclable materials.
The first 3D printed development in the UK is a £6m project, and is in Accrington, not far from where our office is based! The development will deliver 46 eco-friendly homes for low-income families and veterans, who will be trained by Building for Humanity on how to 3D print the homes.
These homes are faster to make and require less manpower than a traditional build, they also cost less and create far less waste. So why have they not taken off all over the world?
Well, 3D printed houses are new, there are still bugs to work out and tradespeople, electricians, plumbers, roofers etc. are not used to working on these homes. The only parts that can be 3D printed are the foundations and the walls, and the walls show layer lines, which will have to be filled with more concrete or plaster if the homeowner doesn’t like the look of it.
