China to explore 3D printing on moon to build habitats
Al JazeeraAPR 21 2023
Construction startup ICON is set to complete building reportedly the world's largest 3D-printed housing community this summer in Georgetown, Texas.
The Wolf Ranch community, built by Dallas-based Hillwood Communities, has 100 homes printed by 46-ft wide robots using concrete material Lavacrete.
Construction began in November 2022. The homes cost $450K-600K and over 25 have been sold — some homeowners have already moved in.
3D-printed homes are revolutionizing construction, offering a solution to labor shortages, making more sustainable products, using less energy, and producing less waste. They allow for easy customization and personalization as 3D printing enables complex shapes and innovative designs. It can also potentially create stronger structures with less — and even recycled — material. 3D-printed homes are the way forward.
3D-printed homes remain more of a novelty than a viable housing solution. The nascent technology has thrown up durability, safety, and long-term performance concerns. It can't yet replicate the complexity of traditional home building involving multiple materials and techniques. In any case, many "3D-printed" buildings still require significant conventional construction work.