Across the United States, the construction industry is preparing for a technological shift that could redefine how homes are built. In 2023, several large-scale projects using 3D printing are scheduled for completion, signaling a potential turning point for the adoption of additive manufacturing in residential construction.
Over the past year, examples of 3D-printed structures have emerged worldwide, from a luxury residence with printed walls in Austin, Texas, to a compact 400-square-foot concrete dwelling in Denmark. These projects demonstrate the adaptability of the technology, whether for high-end custom designs or efficient, small-scale housing. The momentum shows no signs of slowing, with upcoming builds ranging from recycled plastic homes to printed educational facilities.
Zack Mannheimer, CEO of Alquist, a startup specializing in 3D-printed construction, has stated that by 2027, “more homes will be printed than built traditionally.” His optimism is grounded in the efficiencies the technology offers: reduced build times, lower costs, decreased material waste, and diminished physical labor requirements. While current implementations often focus on printing the layered walls, leaving other elements to conventional methods, the impact is already tangible. Jason Ballard, cofounder and CEO of Icon, explained that this approach makes the process “radically faster and meaningfully cheaper.”
In practical terms, Mannheimer notes that a traditional build taking six to seven months can be shortened to five or six months with 3D printing, with a target of just four months in the near future. Although printed homes are only slightly more affordable than conventional ones at present, economies of scale could drive prices down as adoption spreads. Mannheimer projects that by 2025, 3D printers could be a common sight on construction sites nationwide.
Alquist’s roadmap includes 200 concrete homes in southwest Virginia over the next five years, as well as a partnership with Muscatine, Iowa, to produce 10 homes in 2023. On the West Coast, Los Angeles-based Azure will begin delivering accessory dwelling units made from recycled plastic, including 10 rental properties in Los Angeles and Orange County. In Florida, startup CPH-3D is collaborating with Alquist on a $600,000 printed home in Tampa, expected to be completed and sold in 2023.
Major players are also entering the space. Homebuilding giant Lennar is working with Icon on a 100-home community, with reservations opening in 2023 for units starting in the mid-$400,000 range. These developments highlight how 3D printing is moving beyond experimental builds into commercially viable projects.
The technology’s reach extends beyond housing. Nonprofit organization Thinking Huts is applying 3D printing to address educational infrastructure needs in underserved regions. After completing its first prototype school in Madagascar in 2022, the group plans to construct a campus using a “honeycomb” design, creating multiple connected buildings. This application underscores the versatility of additive manufacturing in addressing global challenges.
Despite its promise, 3D-printed construction remains a nascent field compared to traditional methods. Many companies are still refining processes, materials, and integration with existing building systems. However, the convergence of economic pressures—such as supply chain constraints, inflation, and labor shortages—with the capabilities of 3D printing is creating fertile ground for rapid adoption.
Ballard’s perspective captures the ethos driving this movement: “I don’t want to build a worse world faster and cheaper. I want to build a better world faster and cheaper.” As 2023 unfolds, the industry will watch closely to see whether these projects mark the beginning of a broader transformation in how structures are conceived, designed, and brought to life.