Printed homes can be a more affordable housing option due to reduced labor and material costs
Corporation to Develop Communities (CDC) of Tampa is looking to technology to help produce more affordable housing in Hillsborough County. Recently, the nonprofit demonstrated how a 3D printer will be used to build exterior and interior walls quickly and economically.
The printer, purchased with a $500,000 contribution from Hillsborough County, will be a key component of the CDC's plans to build affordable homes in the region.
In the early stages, the 3D printer will be used exclusively for creating exterior walls out of concrete, though its scope of work may eventually be expanded to other home components. CDC of Tampa is in the permitting stage for its first house with 3D-printed walls and plans to build more in the near future.
Advantages of 3D printed homes
Houses built with 3D printers offer several advantages, including lower price points and faster construction. In some cases, a house's exterior walls can be built within 15-18 hours of "printing time," according to James Light, owner of Precision Building and Renovating.
As Light describes it, the 3D printer is simply a "precision concrete pump" that uses a pre-designed digital blueprint. By automating the building process, both the cost of construction and risk of error decreases, which can translate to more affordable houses.
Sarah Lower, founder and principal architect for LLG Architecture, says that 3D printers represent a big change for the home-building industry. She's excited about the opportunity for more resilience and durability in housing construction.
Because 3D printers can use customized building materials, homes can be tailored to specific climates and terrains. This means significantly better heating and cooling efficiency. It also means safer houses, since 3D-printed homes can be designed and built to be fireproof, waterproof, and even stormproof.
Affordable housing initiatives
Founded in 1992, the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa creates opportunities for people to build prosperous futures and vibrant communities. The nonprofit drives economic prosperity by connecting workforce development, housing, and real estate with education, resident leadership, and community safety strategies.
The programs and services funded by Hillsborough County focus on creating new affordable housing opportunities, training for residents to further their careers and afford home ownership, and infrastructure improvements that enhance the communities around them. For more information on Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services, visit HCFL.gov/AffordableHousing.
The 3D printer demonstration was held at the Tampa Vocation Institute on Aug. 22, 2024.