Tiny Houses – Design ’em, Build ’em, or 3D Print ’em? (2024)

FAQs

What are the downsides of 3D printed houses? ›

3D printed walls are not thin, so this can increase to the overall footprint of the structure, adding costs. Also, normally the insulation is loose vermiculite filler that will run out if the wall is penetrated inside or outside, and most homeowners will have a challenge getting it back in.

In November 2022, the first prototype of a small 3D-printed house with a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath was ready. The surfaces were created with layered sawdust biomaterial that gives the impression of solid wood. This contrasts with existing printed homes made from concrete, which tend to be boxy and gray.

“We think that 3D-printed homes are an amazing investment, but you need to look at, and ask questions about, how the electrical's ran in the wall, how the plumbing's ran in the wall, if there are access panels to repair or replace that later, and so forth,” says Nate Schlueter, chief visionary officer at Eden Village ...

It's typically cheaper to build a tiny house than to buy one prebuilt, but don't get too caught up in the savings. You may underestimate the job you're taking on by choosing to build yourself, as one small mistake can end up costing extra time and money to fix.

How much does a 3D-printed house cost? 3D-printed houses cost about $10,000 to $400,000 on average, but pricing can vary based on the house's location, size, amenities and materials used.

This will depend on the house's construction, but it is generally thought that homes using this technology can be quite durable. It's thought that 3D homes that have been constructed using concrete will likely last as long as a home made from concrete blocks – at least 100 years.

According to a recent article in the World Economic Forum, 3D printed houses can cost up to 45% less than those built with traditional methods, by eliminating the need for expensive materials and labor.

Are 3D-Printed Houses Safe? The short answer is yes. 3D-printers build structures with a plastic or concrete mixture that is just as durable as traditional homes. Concrete houses have long been known for their strength and resiliency, lasting centuries or even millennia.

The interior walls will be made of drywall, although it's possible to construct the entire home of 3D-printed concrete. “A big component of 3D printing is the flexibility,” McCoy says. “You can print the footings, subfloor, joists, roof trusses and walls within a few weeks.”

3D printing concrete allows for formwork-free construction, saving time, cost and material. This advantage leaves this new construction technique vulnerable to shrinkage-related cracking, since elements are exposed to the drying conditions of the environment from immediately after placement.

What are the biggest barriers for 3D printed homes? ›

Comprising 3D-printed floors, walls and roofs of wood fibers and bio-resins, the home is fully recyclable and highly insulated with 100% wood insulation and customizable R-values.

For those who want to build their tiny house on the lowest budget possible, there are several options available. One of the most popular is to build the home yourself using reclaimed materials. This can be done by sourcing materials from salvage yards, second-hand stores, and even Craigslist.

Another advantage of building a tiny house is the potential for cost savings. While the initial investment in building a tiny house may be higher than purchasing one, you may be able to save money in the long run by building it yourself or even by hiring reputable tiny house builders.

Building a tiny home is a tough first building project. If you're not already an expert DIYer, it demands some serious commitment to learning from detailed and often complex resources, not to mention a higher tolerance for error. Don't hesitate to enlist practiced friends or experts for help with technical tasks.

The result is homes with printed walls that reduce the embodied carbon footprint of the cement by 92% compared to traditional cement. PozzoCEM Vita also dries quicker than traditional cement. Homes can be built more quickly; typically, the walls can be completed in about one working day.

Are 3D-Printed Houses Safe? The short answer is yes. 3D-printers build structures with a plastic or concrete mixture that is just as durable as traditional homes. Concrete houses have long been known for their strength and resiliency, lasting centuries or even millennia.

There is a limited time that is available to print the material. Any delays may cause the concrete to harden. Therefore, special material mixes are needed that allow enough time for the material to be printed. Challenges related to the 3D printer include scalability, directional dependency and cybersecurity.