Exploring the Future: Building Sustainable Homes with the World's Largest Wood 3D Printer
Discover how the University of Maine pioneers sustainable housing by printing homes with the largest polymer 3D printer, replacing traditional concrete with eco-friendly wood materials.
Dozens of 3D-printed homes have been constructed globally, from housing a family in Virginia to supporting impoverished communities in rural Mexico. The world's biggest 3D-printed neighborhood is being developed near Austin, Texas.
This innovative technology could play a crucial role in addressing housing needs, such as in Maine, where a report from three state agencies highlighted a requirement for around 80,000 new homes by 2030 to combat a shortage.
"People are struggling to find affordable homes due to high prices. Additionally, there is a shortage of electricians, plumbers, and builders as the population ages," shared Habib Dagher, the executive director of the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC), in a video call with CNN.
Dagher believes he has a solution to these challenges. Recently, the ASCC revealed what they claim to be the world's largest polymer 3D printer. Dagher is optimistic that the "Factory of the Future 1.0" can help tackle the housing crisis in the state and lead to advancements in 3D-home-printing technology.
“The approach we’ve taken is quite different from what you’ve seen, and you’ve been reading about for years,” he says.
A home every 48 hours
3D-printing has become increasingly popular in recent years, being used to create a variety of structures such as businesses, bridges, and even mosques. One non-profit organization is currently working on printing schools in a war zone, showcasing the diverse applications of this technology.
Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, currently holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest 3D-printed structure. The city has set a goal to have 25% of new buildings constructed using 3D printing technology by the year 2030, demonstrating its commitment to innovation in construction.
The majority of current 3D printing projects involve the use of concrete, where a robotic arm equipped with a nozzle is used to layer wet concrete into the desired shape.
ASCC is changing the game with its massive printer. According to Dagher, it is the only printer, along with its predecessor, that is constructing homes using wood waste materials. In fact, in 2019, the predecessor was recognized by Guinness World Records as the "largest prototype polymer 3D printer."
Check out this timelapse video showcasing the world's largest 3D printer in action as it prints a house module.
University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center has successfully tested a new technology. In late 2022, they introduced the "BioHome3D," a 600-square-foot single-family home. This home is considered the world's first 100% bio-based 3D-printed home, constructed using local wood fiber and bio-resin materials.
"When they're working with concrete, they only print the walls," explains Dagher. He mentions that the floor, roof, and walls of the BioHome3D were all printed.
Dagher also points out that concrete homes must be constructed on site. This can be challenging, especially in the snowy winter months of New England. "If the weather is bad for two weeks straight, printing becomes impossible," he adds.
By contrast, ASCC printed prefabricated modules at the university and bolted them together on site to create BioHome3D.
Nobody’s ever done this before with these kinds of materials.”
Habib Dagher, the executive director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, introduces the new printer. It has the capability to create objects that are 96 feet long, 32 feet wide, and 18 feet high, with a printing speed of up to 500 pounds per hour.
Dagher's ultimate aim is to enhance the printer's efficiency to be able to print 1,000 pounds of material within an hour. With this advancement, he envisions being able to replicate the BioHome3D in just 48 hours.
If they can achieve this goal, their 3D-printed homes will be very cost-effective compared to traditional housing construction, according to him.
However, working with wood materials at a high speed can pose challenges. Even ASCC's cutting-edge printers can experience jams at times. During the printing of BioHome3D, for instance, the printer halted due to a buildup of dust. Dagher notes, "This has never been attempted before using these materials."
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‘When can I have one?’
The BioHome3D’s warm wooden floors and walls give it the look of a sleek, modern Scandinavian-inspired log cabin.
Dagher believes that many people find concrete to be cold and uninviting, not ideal for living spaces. In contrast, the BioHome3D is described as warm and welcoming.
In addition to its inviting nature, the BioHome3D is also sustainable. Once a home is no longer needed, it can be recycled and used to create something new. ASCC is incorporating wood residuals from Maine's sawmills in their research, with plans to expand production using these local byproducts.
A close-up view of a wall in the BioHome3D. The walls, floors and roof of the home were all printed.
A close-up view of a wall in the BioHome3D. The walls, floors and roof of the home were all printed.
The Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine in Orono has attracted thousands of visitors to see their prototype. Dagher mentioned that it is uncommon for a visitor not to inquire about acquiring one for themselves.
“We hear, ‘You know, I’m retiring, and I want to downsize. Can I put one of these up?’” Dagher says.
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The expert predicts that while the printer won't replace traditional home construction, 3D printed homes are expected to make up a larger portion of the world's housing supply in the future.
He mentions that the ASCC is currently focusing on integrating conduits for wiring and plumbing directly into the printing process, placing them precisely where architects would prefer.
The printer is currently working on a new project to build a neighborhood of nine homes for individuals experiencing homelessness. They are collaborating with a local NGO to plan and design the structures, with printing scheduled to begin in 2025.
Editor's P/S:
The article sheds light on the promising potential of 3D-printed homes in addressing housing needs and promoting sustainability. The University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) has made significant strides in this field, developing the world's largest polymer 3D printer and constructing the world's first 100% bio-based 3D-printed home, the BioHome3D. This innovative approach to home construction offers numerous advantages, including affordability, reduced construction time, and the use of sustainable materials.
The article also highlights the challenges faced in scaling up 3D-printed homes, such as the need to update building codes and integrate wiring and plumbing into the printing process. However, the potential benefits of this technology are immense, particularly in areas facing housing shortages and affordability issues. By leveraging 3D printing technology, we can create more affordable, sustainable, and resilient housing solutions, paving the way for a future where everyone has access to a decent and dignified home.
