Columbus is set to make history with the construction of its first-ever 3D-printed house. Located on East 26th Street in South Linden, this innovative home is being built layer by layer using a massive machine that extrudes concrete into the frame of a house. This cutting-edge project is spearheaded by Ohio contractor Mayo Makinde in collaboration with the city, aiming to showcase the potential of 3D printing in home construction.
Makinde is enthusiastic about the numerous benefits of 3D printing homes compared to traditional building methods. “Less cost, less material, less manpower,” he explained. With the use of this technology, the building process becomes significantly more efficient. Instead of a team of 30 people working for one to two months, the 3D printer can construct the home in just one week with a team of only four people. Additionally, the materials used in 3D printing are designed to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring durability.
City officials are optimistic about the future applications of this technology. Columbus City Councilmember Emmanuel Remy sees this as a significant step toward addressing the city’s affordable housing needs. “Looking at places like Austin, Texas, where they have done a lot of this type of work, we believe that this is an opportunity to stand things up quickly in a cost-effective way,” Remy told 10TV. He is hopeful that this innovation will lead to the creation of more affordable housing in various areas of Columbus.
While the 3D printing of homes is still a relatively new industry, it holds promise for reducing housing costs significantly. The house on East 26th Street is expected to be completed by the end of August or September. Once finished, the home will serve the Airbnb market and contribute to Makinde’s nonprofit organization.
3D Printing in Housing: A Broader Perspective
The concept of 3D-printed homes is not entirely new to Ohio. In the small city of Wapakoneta, another 3D-printed house stands out among its traditionally built neighbors. This house was constructed by Sustainable Concrete Innovations, a company that believes it has created the first 3D-printed home in the state. Founder John Smoll sees this as just the beginning. The company plans to 3D print three to six more homes this year and an additional 20 homes next year.
“It’s going to completely change, at least, a segment of the market,” Smoll told The Ohio Newsroom in April. “Not everybody is going to want to live in a 3D-printed house, and we certainly understand that. But for those who have a need and can’t find a place, I think it’s really a game changer.”
The Basics of 3D-Printed Homes
For those unfamiliar with the concept, 3D printing in construction involves using a machine to layer concrete or other building materials into the desired structure. This technology allows for greater precision and efficiency, reducing the need for large crews and minimizing waste. The process starts with a digital model of the house, which the 3D printer follows to build the structure layer by layer. The result is a solid, durable home built faster and at a lower cost than traditional methods.
Looking Ahead
As Columbus embraces this innovative technology, the hope is that it will pave the way for more affordable and efficient housing solutions. With the potential to significantly lower construction costs and reduce the time needed to build homes, 3D printing could be a game changer for many communities. The excitement surrounding the first 3D-printed home in Columbus is just the beginning, and it will be interesting to see how this technology continues to evolve and impact the housing market.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a prospective homeowner, or simply curious about the future of construction, the 3D-printed house on East 26th Street is definitely something to keep an eye on. Columbus is taking a bold step forward, and who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself living in a home built by a 3D printer!
