3D-Printed tiny home where innovation meets affordability.

Posted on

Construction innovation often comes with a hefty price tag. But what if we told you that a Japanese company has managed to 3D print a concrete tiny home for the same price as an average car? For years, the concept of 3D-printed homes has tantalized our imaginations. The idea of a machine constructing an entire house, layer by layer, seemed like science fiction. However, this technology has rapidly evolved, and it’s no longer a distant dream. Japanese construction company In a world where housing prices continue to soar, Japan-based housing company Serendix is pioneering an innovative solution that could change the way we think about homeownership. This achievement is not only impressive but potentially transformative.

Serendix made waves back in March 2022 when they unveiled the ‘serendix10,’ a 3D-printed home that took less than 24 hours to print. By October, all six editions of this revolutionary home had been sold out. Riding on the success of the serendix10, the company embarked on a new venture—designing and constructing the serendix50, also known as the ‘barnacle model.’The inspiration behind the serendix50 was the demand from older married couples seeking a comfortable home for their retirement years. The result? A 538-square-foot masterpiece created in just 44 hours and 30 minutes. What’s particularly interesting about the serendix50 is that it combines two digital fabrication techniques: 3D printing for the framework and CNC cutting for the roofing.

The serendix50 comes with a price tag of $34,000. Yes, you read that right—$34,000! That’s a staggering 90% less than the average house price in Japan. It’s a game-changer, making homeownership a reality for many who might have thought it was out of reach. With this achievement, Serendix is opening the door to a future where ordinary people can purchase high-quality, safe, and affordable homes without the burden of a mortgage.
Serendix’s statement perfectly captures the essence of this breakthrough: “Until now, the house was haute couture (depending on the craftsman), and it was natural that the cost was high at tens of millions of yen. In the automotive industry, 40 years ago, the price reduction of products began due to the innovation of the manufacturing process using robots. We believe that the 3D printer house is the beginning of complete robotization of the housing industry.”This isn’t just a technological feat; it’s a societal shift. It’s akin to how robots revolutionized the automotive industry four decades ago, making cars more accessible to the masses. Now, Serendix is doing the same for the housing industry, marking the dawn of a new era. The serendix50 joins the ranks of impressive projects. It showcases the potential of 3D printing in creating affordable housing solutions, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. It’s not just about constructing houses; it’s about reshaping the way we envision homeownership.

As we look to the future, projects like the serendix50 remind us that innovation knows no bounds. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and the limitless possibilities of technology. With affordable 3D-printed houses on the horizon, the dream of owning a home can become a reality for more people than ever before. Serendix has ignited a spark of hope, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

By Niall Patrick Walsh.“Japan’s Serendix Completes ‘Serendix50’: A 3D-Printed House for the Price of a Car.” Aug 17, ’23 11:42 AM EST. Japanese company delivers 3D printed home bought for the price of a car.

 

Formnext forum Austin navigating the future of 3D Printing in an unpredictable world.

Posted on Updated on

The 3D printing and additive manufacturing (AM) industry has always felt like it’s on the verge of something big, only to face setbacks. Just when it’s about to make significant strides, unexpected hurdles arise, setting it back. Formnext Forum Austin 2023 hinted at the possibility of a year filled with uninterrupted progress in the 3D printing world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key takeaways from this event and why 2024 might be a pivotal year for the industry.
Formnext Forum’s choice of Austin for its inaugural event reflects the journey of the AM sector itself—full of fits and starts. Interestingly, the event will not return to Austin in the coming years; instead, it will move to Chicago in 2024 and 2025. This shift mirrors the industry’s history, adapting and evolving based on the available choices and conditions at hand.
Much like the AM industry, which has had to navigate through challenges, including the choice of event location, Formnext Forum Austin faced logistical hurdles due to its timing and location. But, it’s also a testament to the resilience of the industry and its ability to adapt.
Formnext Forum Austin proved to be a unique and social experience for attendees. Despite the scorching Texas heat and outdoor gatherings, participants found themselves enjoying the camaraderie. It was more like an indoor company barbecue with presentations, fostering connections and relationships within the AM community.
The significance of 2024 as a turning point for the AM industry became apparent during the event. Several developments, including Apple’s confirmation of using 3D printing for the Apple Watch Ultra, signaled a shift. This move towards using AM for consumer electronics suggests that the industry is on the brink of significant changes.
While 2024 holds promise, the AM sector faces two major challenges—workforce development and cybersecurity. The need for a skilled workforce in the manufacturing sector is greater than ever, and cybersecurity is essential for the industry’s growth.
To overcome these challenges, collaboration is crucial. Industry players, including 3D printing OEMs, need to work together towards a common goal. Samuel Manning from Markforged emphasized the importance of unity within the sector, paving the way for future success.
Formnext Forum Austin 2023 offered a glimpse into an exciting and unpredictable future for the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry. While challenges lie ahead, the spirit of collaboration and the resilience of the AM community provides hope for a year of unprecedented progress in 2024 and beyond. The journey may have been filled with ups and downs, but it’s clear that the industry is on the cusp of something transformative.

8 hours. By Matt Kremenetsky.

The Storm Before the Storm: Formnext Forum Austin Signals the Dizzying Year ahead for 3D Printing.