November 18, 2022
Let’s talk about 3D-printed developments.
Last week, Lennar announced the construction of the first-ever 3D-printed community of 100 homes just outside of Austin. Designed by Bjarke Ingels and produced by ICON using their proprietary “Lavacrete”, the team claims these homes will be extremely durable, printed at high speeds, produce less waste, and enable greater design freedom than any building method before.
ICON’s far from the only game in town. Mighty Buildings has delivered what it claims is the world's first 3D-printed net-zero home as part of a 40-unit community in Desert Hot Springs that explores environmental and economic development strategies. Los Angeles-based Azure Printed Homes is 3D-printing homes out of recycled plastic. Power2build has finished its largest 3D-printed building in Angola, Africa.
This type of out-of-the-box innovation is exactly what we need to address the pressing housing crisis in our country. What is yet to be seen is whether this strategy will truly make an impact, both in terms of affordability and sustainability.
Would you live in a 3D printed house? Feel free to hit respond — would love to hear your thoughts!
//
MUST-READS
Look inside the only large-scale 3D printed housing development in the U.S. // CNBC
Is Scent Styling the Next Big Thing for the Home? // Architectural Digest
Mushroom walls and waste-fuelled stoves: inside the self-sufficient home of tomorrow // Guardian
10 smart city startups to watch, according to VCs // Sifted
Is the office now just one big conference room? // Propmodo
Meet the Design Practices Shaking Things Up in Mexico City // Metropolis
//
IDEA SPOTLIGHT
Harlem Grown Urban Farming
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced an indoor farming pilot project in Harlem that will increase the year-round availability of fresh fruits and vegetables for local underserved families and further national research about optimal indoor growing conditions and crop production. Part of a multi-state demonstration funded by the New York Power Authority and led by energy R&D institute EPRI and produced by Harlem Grown, the large shipping container outside a New York City Housing Authority building will help communities grow produce throughout the year, develop healthy habits and learn about sustainability and environmental issues.
//