When you hear "3D-printed home," you may envision a far-fetched, futuristic concept. Thanks to Icon, a construction company that uses 3D printing, and non-profit New Story, though, the concept is quickly becoming a reality—and may be a major advancement in creating affordable homes for underserved communities.
According to Icon, the first permitted, 3D-printed home is just 350 square feet, and located in Austin, Texas. The tiny home serves as "proof-of-concept for sustainable homebuilding that will allow for safer, more affordable homes for more families, faster than ever," per a press release.
The printer used for the home, the Vulcan, is designed with common constraints in mind for places such as Haiti and rural El Salvador—unpredictable power, little technical assistance, and potable water not guaranteed. Brett Hagler, CEO of New Story, said, "We feel it's our responsibility to challenge traditional methods and work toward ending homelessness. By working with Icon and leveraging their 3D printing innovations, we're able to reach more families with the best possible shelter solutions, exponentially faster."
3D printing for homes offers advantages that may not be available in conventional construction methods. Jason Ballard, co-founder of Icon, says that they offer nearly zero waste, but that's not all. "...You also have speed, a much broader design palette, next-level resiliency, and the possibility of a quantum leap in affordability. This isn't 10 percent better, [it's] 10 times better."
The Austin home was printed in less than 48 hours, according to New Story's website, but the company says it aims to get faster "as the technology progresses." Check out this video to see the first tiny home being printed:
Eventually, the company's goal is to print homes in less than 24 hours. The Austin home cost around $10,000 to create (the printed portion only), but Icon and New Story hope to create similar homes for as low as $4,000.
New Story and Icon plan to break ground on the first 3D-printed community in history this summer. We can't wait to see.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Maya McDowell is an Assistant Editor at HearstMade.
-
Anna Sawai Is 'Shōgun's Not-So-Secret Weapon
The actress discusses the FX miniseries’ climactic penultimate episode and Mariko’s heartbreaking [spoiler].
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Taylor Swift Is Celebrating the Release of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ With a Pop-Up Poetry Library
Anticipation is building as fans anxiously wait to hear the singer's eleventh studio album.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Met Gala 2024 Details: The Theme, A-List Attendees, and More
Find all the information on its theme, attendees, and how to watch the year's most anticipated night in fashion.
By Emma Childs Published
-
PSA: Amazon Is Having a Secret Sale on Weighted Blankets
Couldn't we all use a little sedative action right now?
By Kelsey Mulvey Published
-
The Iconic House from "The Golden Girls" Has Been Put on the Market for the First Time Ever
This is MAJOR.
By Kelly Corbett Published
-
The Prints by Black Women Artists Your Walls Have Been Missing
You're going to need a lot of Command strips for this haul.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
All of the Moons That Are Expected In 2020
Keep your eyes on the skies this year.
By Nathalie Kirby Published
-
A Super Pink Moon Will Be Visible Tonight
It's the biggest, brightest supermoon of the year.
By Isabel Garcia Published
-
Chrissy Teigen Says Nothing Else Compares To This Cozy Barefoot Dreams Blanket
"I use mine 365."
By Jasmine Gomez Published
-
17 Books About Fashion Your Coffee Table Is Missing
The perfect low-key accent piece.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
No, Your Down Payment Doesn't Have to Be 20 Percent
There are pros and cons of putting down less.
By Anni Irish Published