Are 3D printed homes the future of real estate? There has been a growing need for affordable homes across the globe but the main inhibiting factor to this great achievement has been high construction costs and time. Luckily, after years of trials and error, the 3D printing or additive manufacturing concept has finally been unveiled in the real estate sector. It’s widely used in industrial automation processes but its application in the real estate sector has proven to be a game-changer.
What is 3D printing in real estate?
3D printed houses are new homes that are constructed using gigantic 3D printers that eject and pile layers and layers of special concrete using a nozzle. 3D printed houses are built using the guide of digital files such as Computer-aided Design (CAD) or Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) programs.
This innovation makes it possible for walls and frames to be constructed within a day or two thus, saving a lot of time and resources. Other home features such as windows, plumbing works, and electricity are done separately by experts to make the house complete and functional.
Benefits of using 3D printing technology in real estate
As 3D printing technology continues to gain attraction in the real estate industry, we can predict that the future looks bright and homeownership will be possible for many people across the globe. The following are the main benefits that 3D printing or Additive manufacturing brings to the real estate industry;
- It lowers construction costs
Compared to the traditional home construction process, 3D printing lowers home construction costs by 30-40%. It requires a minimum workforce, there is no material wastage, and there are no logistical delays. 3D printing also makes off-site house construction easier as different parts can be designed and constructed in different locations and transported to be joined together if there are no favorable working conditions at the site like bad weather.
- It’s easy to create a prototype
3D printers use digitally-designed prototypes to build a 3D house. When the construction part is automated through 3D printing, it becomes easy to build different housing components within a very short period of time. Therefore, the prolonged project duration that is common with traditional home construction is eliminated and clients enjoy faster project completion.
- It makes it easy to print on demand
All the 3D house print design files are stored as digital documents in a virtual library where they can easily be printed using a Computer-aided Design (CAD). Therefore, the designs can be located, edited, and printed at any given time according to the forces of demand.
- Eco-friendly and sustainability
Unlike the traditional construction method which has a lot of material wastage, house parts built by 3D printers use exact materials that are required to actualize that part. There is little to no wastage as the level of precision is very high something that helps builders save on resources and construction costs. 3D printed homes help reduce carbon footprints as there are minimal waste and improved fuel efficiency and recycling of any unused parts for future re-use.
- Unique and customized home designs
3D printing technology will bring a new world of possibilities to the real estate industry. If you want a unique design from the usual house designs in your neighborhoods, 3D home printers can produce the most complex and unique house designs that you can think of. Due to their reduced weights, they can reach areas where building cranes can’t reach. It’s also very easy to customize a 3D printed house since the digital files are easy to modify to meet the needs and preferences of different clients.
3D printed houses are setting a new trend in the real estate industry by redefining traditional housing construction processes. As the technology continues to gain popularity, 3D printing will play a big role in the future as the solution to the high demand for affordable, eco-friendly, and dignified houses.