Here’s The First 100% Bio-Based, 3D-Printed Home That Can Be Recycled
While 3D-printed homes are becoming more common, researchers at the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) have recently taken the innovation a step further, unveiling the first-ever 3D-printed house made entirely from bio-based materials.
As entire neighborhoods of these structures sprout up across the globe, the university tapped on funding from the US Department of Energy’s Hub and Spoke program between the UMaine and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with MaineHousing and the Maine Technology Institute, to come up with a 100% eco-friendly iteration.
Impressively, the 600-square-foot prototype home comprises 3D-printed floors, walls, and a roof made of wood fibers and bio-resins. Not only is the entire building fully recyclable, but it stands up to the environment with full wood insulation and customizable heat flow.
In addition, due to the incredible precision of the 3D-printing process, nearly all construction waste that would be commonly found at construction sites was eliminated during the building of the home.
Aside from being environmentally-conscious, BioHome3D could be a creative way to tackle the state’s housing shortage, contribute to the forest industry, and “deliver people a safe place to live so they can contribute to our economy,” explains Maine Governor Janet Mills.
The very first 100% bio based #3DPrinted Home! #BioHome3D!
— UMaine Composites (@UMComposites) November 22, 2022
Strengthening Maine's forest products industry and delivering our people a safe place to live. For people and the planet!#AdditiveManufacturing #Renewables #AffordableHousing #ClimateCrisis #Cop27 #ClimateSolutions pic.twitter.com/7WQlXemS64
Many in the region are experiencing a crisis-level shortage of affordable housing. In fact, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that over seven million affordable housing units are required across the United States.
Just within Maine, as per the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, there’s a deficit of an estimated 20,000 homes, with the number growing each year. Almost 60% of low-income renters in the state spend more than half their monthly income on accommodation.
3D-printing technology helps address the issue of labor shortages as well, with less time being required for on-site building. Plus, printing homes using abundant, renewable, and locally-sourced wood fiber feedstock doesn’t add more demand to the struggling supply chain.
Each BioHome3D is printed in four modules before being moved on-site, with assembly only taking half a day. Electricity only runs for two hours with just one electrician needed to overlook the process.
Dr Habib Dagher, ASCC Executive Director, points out that while many different methods are being developed for 3D-printing housing units, most still rely on traditional materials such as concrete.
“Unlike the existing technologies, the entire BioHome3D was printed, including the floors, walls, and roof. The biomaterials used are 100% recyclable, so our great-grandchildren can fully recycle BioHome3D,” he adds.
[via Interesting Engineering and University of Maine, cover image via University of Maine]
