Affordable Housing

3D-Printed tiny home where innovation meets affordability.

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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.

 

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ICON’s 3D-Printed neighborhood, a turning point in community-scale development

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In 2021, ICON, the visionary leader in 3D printing, announced an extraordinary project that promised to reshape the landscape of community-scale development – a 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas. The brainchild of co-founder and CEO Jason Ballard, this ambitious endeavor has the potential to be a watershed moment in the history of homebuilding.
Jason Ballard’s vision is simple yet revolutionary – to tackle the United States’ staggering deficit of approximately five million new homes by harnessing the power of 3D printing. He firmly believes this cutting-edge technology can deliver high-quality homes faster and more affordably than conventional building methods. By addressing the pressing need for increased housing supply without compromising on quality, beauty, or sustainability, ICON’s 3D printing technology emerges as the ultimate solution.
The traditional homebuilding industry has long faced challenges such as extended construction timelines, escalating costs, and limited availability of skilled labor. Jason Ballard recognized that a disruptive approach was required to transform the future of housing. 3D printing was the ideal solution, capable of revolutionizing the construction process from the ground up. By employing large-scale robotic printers and a concrete-based material called Lavacrete, ICON’s 3D-printed homes are rapidly taking shape, setting an unprecedented precedent for community-scale development.
As the CEO expressed, this bold venture represents a profound need to bridge the housing gap and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society. The 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas is a shining example of how technology can be harnessed for social good, offering a beacon of hope for millions seeking affordable and sustainable housing solutions.The collaborative efforts of ICON, Lennar, and Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have shown a new homebuilding era that joins innovation with practicality and modernity with environmental responsibility. The first completed house in the neighborhood is a testament to the vision’s viability and potential to revolutionize the construction industry.As the project unfolds, it is becoming increasingly evident that ICON’s 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas is more than just a collection of homes; it is a paradigm shift, an embodiment of progress, and a blueprint for the future of community-scale development.Independent research conducted by various institutions has substantiated the eco-friendly potential of 3D-printed homes. A groundbreaking 2020 study from Singapore revealed that a bathroom unit constructed using 3D printing was not only 25.4% cheaper but also produced almost 86% less carbon dioxide compared to its conventional construction counterpart.
As the world watches in anticipation, ICON’s groundbreaking project serves as a testament to the boundless potential of 3D printing in reshaping the foundations of homebuilding, transforming not only concrete and steel but also lives and aspirations. The 3D-printed neighborhood stands as a shining beacon of innovation, a symbol of hope, and a reminder that progress lies at the intersection of human ingenuity and technological prowess.

By Oscar Holland, CNN. 9:25 AM EDT, Fri July 28, 2023. Look inside the world’s largest 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas.

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