THERE are so many different things you can do with 3D printing. You can even build homes with it.
In recent years, several start-ups have emerged to do just that. But out of all of them, Mighty Buildings from Oakland, California, is taking this endeavour to a whole new level.
Mighty Buildings builds homes using a massive six-metre tall, 3D printer. This device prints at speeds of 120 mm per second and can print a 350-square-foot studio within 24 hours.
The material used is something called Light Stone, a thermoset composite material which hardens almost immediately when exposed to ultraviolet light. It can support its own weight, making it possible to print horizontally in the air.
The company describes Light Stone as being "similar to Corian by Dupont", an acrylic polymer used in the production of counter and bench tops.
The material's quick-hardening ability enables the creation of ceilings and overhangs without the need for any underlying support structures. In comparison, typical construction 3D printing methods use cement and steel reinforcement is required.
Instead of 3D printing sections of each home for on-site assembly, which is what most 3D printing homebuilders do, Mighty Buildings is able to print the home's entire structural shell, meaning not only the walls and floor but also the ceiling and overhangs.
The windows, plumbing and electrical fittings are done on-site, while a "bathroom pod" is made by another supplier.
While it would be possible to bring the printer to the location and print the homes on-site, it's more efficient to work inside a factory, where construction can happen year-round in a controlled environment.
This process allows it to create homes with 95 per cent less labour hours and considerably less waste than traditional construction techniques.
The construction industry generates waste equivalent to 30 per cent of the materials delivered to site. This method also achieves impressive cost savings of 20 to 30 per cent compared to traditional prefab methods.
For the moment, Mighty Building is focused on accessory dwelling units (ADUs or additional buildings on a homeowner's compound), which are easier to get permits.
The company currently offers six customisable ADU models that range from 350-square-foot studios (that start at US$115,000) to three-bedroom, two-bath homes (ranging up to US$285,000).
The company officially launched early last month but it has completed two prototypical ADUs in California: in San Ramon and San Diego.
SAN RAMON PROJECT
The Abdou family have been on the search for the perfect ADU for their backyard for many years.
Having to raise two kids with a full-time job left them with no time for themselves, let alone to undertake the process of hiring multiple contractors and a project manager to realise this dream of having a backyard pool house.
When asked why they chose to build an ADU and a pool cabana in the backyard, their answer was simple.
They wanted to keep their parents close while maintaining their own space. Now their in-laws and guests can visit and stay over at ease, without worrying about feeling cramped up.
SAN DIEGO PROJECT
Daniel was initially working with a different traditional ADU builder.
He was getting very frustrated with the entire process and hassle of dealing with permits, contractors, and being the point of contact for all of the parties involved. That was when he found Mighty Buildings.
At first he was planning to rent the ADU for passive income but after the installation, he was so impressed that he's now considering moving into the unit himself while he puts his main house up for rental. The project was done within five weeks, from construction to installation.
Oon Yeoh is a consultant with experiences in print, online and mobile media. Reach him at oonyeoh@gmail.com.