In a neighborhood near Austin, Texas, a community of 100 homes is being built using 3D printing technology. The project aims to provide affordable and energy-efficient housing with features such as biophilic designs, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. Residents are enjoying the benefits of innovative construction methods, including lower lifecycle costs and utility bills, faster development, and an innovative aesthetic.
3D Printed Homes in Texas: A Look Inside
Introduction
In a neighborhood near Austin, Texas, a community of 100 homes is being built using 3D printing technology. The project, led by Icon and Lennar, aims to provide affordable and energy-efficient housing.
Features of the Homes
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Biophilic Designs: The homes feature curved walls and biophilic designs that incorporate more organic forms with rounded edges and curves.
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Energy Efficiency: The thick concrete material used in construction provides well-insulated temperatures against Texas heat, keeping homes cool and quiet.
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Low Maintenance: Residents have reported lower lifecycle costs and utility bills due to higher energy efficiencies.
Resident’s Experience
Daniella Glaeze, a resident of the neighborhood, has been documenting her 3D printed home on TikTok. She appreciates the aesthetic appeal of her home and enjoys its peaceful environment.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Glaeze loves how the curved walls make “the whole house feel very seamless and clean.”
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Quiet Environment: Despite the presence of heavy machinery outside, Glaeze finds her home quiet and peaceful.
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Low Noise Pollution: The thick concrete material effectively blocks external noise.
Benefits of 3D Printing
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Lower Construction Costs: Icon stated that 3D printing offers lower construction costs compared to traditional methods.
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Faster Development: The company also mentioned that their robotic system can complete a wall system in as little as two weeks, significantly faster than traditional development times.
Conclusion
In a neighborhood of 100 3D printed homes in Texas, residents are enjoying the benefits of innovative construction methods. The community, called Wolf Ranch, was built using Icon’s Vulcan Construction System, which spans 45.5 feet wide and 15.5 feet tall.
Energy Efficiency
According to Icon, the homes have reported lower lifecycle costs and utility bills due to higher energy efficiencies. The company also stated that 3D printing offers lower construction costs and faster development.
Features of 3D Printed Homes
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Homes are built using a massive gantry-style printer, called the Vulcan Construction System.
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Each wall system takes an average of two weeks to complete.
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Residents can hang things on the walls using a concrete bit.
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Walls can be painted with an airbrush.
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Walls can be made flat by sanding or using plaster.
Benefits of 3D Printed Homes
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Lower lifecycle costs and utility bills
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Faster development
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Lower construction costs
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Innovative aesthetic
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“I’m definitely excited to bring some of this content to viewers and anyone interested in seeing the process and how these homes work,” she said.
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Glaeze also shows viewers a tour of a model 3D printed home by Icon.
The neighborhood of 100 3D printed homes in Texas is an innovative example of construction methods. With energy efficiency, lower lifecycle costs and utility bills, faster development, lower construction costs, and an innovative aesthetic, this community is setting a new standard for sustainable living.
