Are you curious about how long do 3D printed houses last? If so, you should be because this is a fundamental question when buying a home.
Future of 3D-printed houses
When it comes to building a home, there are a lot of options. There are several ways to construct a house, from stick-built to modular prefabs. But one of the newest trends is 3D printing to build homes.
While it may seem like a futuristic idea, the truth is that many companies are actively testing the technology. One company, ICON, is currently building two neighborhoods of 3D-printed homes in the U.S.
In addition, companies in other countries are looking at the same technology. For example, the U.K.’s Building for Humanity is launching a PS6 million project to build a community of 3D-printed houses in the U.K.
Unlike traditional construction, 3D-printed houses can be completed in hours. That’s a real-time saving and could be cheaper than other homebuilding options.
The process is also relatively eco-friendly. For example, 3D-printed houses can be made from recycled materials such as plastic or glass. It also reduces carbon emissions.
Another aspect of the process is that it allows for good concrete designs. This is a huge step forward for the housing industry.
Finally, it has allowed for the integration of sensors during the building process, making it a very nifty technology. Eventually, it could become an industry standard.
The durability of 3D-printed houses
While 3D-printed houses are still relatively new, there are many benefits to constructing your own home this way. These benefits include a lower cost, faster production, and the ability to be moved without much effort. But while these innovations may seem like the future wave, there are still some challenges.
One of the biggest challenges in building a 3D-printed house is making sure it meets state regulations. You also need to consider the materials you will be using. Some may not be food-safe, while others will not be temperature controlled.
A well-made 3D-printed house should last a minimum of 100 years. That is not bad, considering a typical timber-framed home will last for 20 to 35 years. However, there are downsides to relying on wood and other non-concrete material.
Luckily, there are ways to reduce the amount of waste produced during construction. For example, some of the 3D-printed materials used in the structure can be recycled. This is another way to reduce the carbon footprint of a house.
Several companies are developing 3D printing technologies. They can create interesting structures from a wide range of materials. The technology is also being used in disaster relief.
One company, Winsun, claims it will build 15 homes in Xianning, China, by 2020. Its houses feature air conditioning, insulation, and even toilets.
Cost of 3D-printed houses
3D-printed houses are an emerging technology that has made some significant advances. They can reduce the cost of housing. There are currently a variety of companies popping up all over the world.
Many have already begun selling houses that are less expensive than traditional builds. These houses can be built in a matter of hours instead of months. The cost depends on the size and location of the house. A small house, for example, can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000. In comparison, a large-sized four-bedroom house can cost up to $150,000.
It has been estimated that the cost of building a typical home can range from $95 to $150 per square foot. This excludes materials, labor, and finishing. Those costs can be drastically reduced with construction 3D printing.
One company, Apis Cor, has been using tiny homes as a test bed for their in-house 3D printers. They are planning to build 52 affordable houses in Kenya.
While it is too early to tell, some experts believe the technology will be more affordable in the next two to three years—a study published in 2018 estimates that 3D printing can cut costs by at least 35%.
Besides the lower initial cost, there are many other benefits to 3D-printed houses. For instance, they are less wasteful and can help to protect a community from weather disasters. Also, they can be built with very little or no labor.
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