An estimated 100 million people worldwide endure homelessness while an estimated 1.6 billion people lack access to satisfactory housing. These numbers come from a United Nations survey in 2005—the last time a survey on global homelessness was conducted. With homelessness and inadequate housing a problem not just on American soil, it’s no wonder organizations like New Story and ICON want to make a difference, starting with 3D-printed housing for impoverished families.
Cost-effective homes for families living in extreme poverty
New Story and ICON believe everyone deserves not just a roof overhead, but also a safe place to live. Many regions around the world lack access to safe housing, including safe drinking water and sanitation. Clean water, sanitary conditions, proper floors, and adequate roofing promote healthy living, giving impoverished families the opportunity to focus on other areas of life, like employment and education, rather than risking disease from unclean spaces.
The answer? A home built primary with a 3D printer, drastically cutting construction costs, building time, and wastefulness. Less expensive housing can make it easier for families to afford shelter and safe living conditions.
The Austin prototype
New Story’s partner, ICON—a startup construction tech company—has already constructed a permitted 350-square-foot prototype home in Austin, Texas. The company’s Vulcan I 3D printer laid down mortar in about 48 hours for around $10,000, after which another ICON partner, Alchemy Builders, applied roofing, windows, electrical, plumbing, and so forth. ICON is currently testing the space for durability as the company’s office.
Soon, ICON and New Story will build homes in El Salvador—this time with cost and printing time cut in half: $4,000 homes in 24 hours. Yes, you heard that right. A sturdy, safe home built in 24 hours for only $4,000. The 3D-printed housing communities won’t end in El Salvador; the plan is to put these houses in as many places as possible, including the United States. In fact, ICON expects to begin construction on 3D-printed housing in the U.S. as early as 2019!
Ambition to the stars
Constructing 3D printed housing doesn’t end on Earth, either. ICON has ambitions for leveraging their technology for off-planet habitats—we’ll just have to see how that goes.
The future is now. Between cost-effective homes for the severely impoverished and the possibility for 3D-printed habitats on Mars, homelessness and unsafe living conditions may become a thing of the past. When everyone is living in the 3D-printed homes, perhaps we’ll look back on our ancestors and think, “How did they ever manage?”
For more information on this global initiative by ICON and New Story, click here!
For more real estate news, continue following the Ryan Roberts blog. Looking to buy or sell your house in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin area? Call Ryan Roberts at 334-750-9872 or email [email protected].