Detroit’s First 3D-Printed House & Other Top Stories
Detroit’s First 3D-Printed Home is on the MarketConstruction of Detroit’s first 3D-printed home, located in the Islandview neighborhood, is now complete and on the market with an asking price of $224,500. Citizen Robotics and developArchitecture first kicked off construction for the 988-square-foot, two-bedroom home in October of 2022. The home is the first of its kind in Detroit and will be more efficient in lowering utility costs for residents.New Cocktail Bar to Open in Detroit This SpringSaksey’s Cocktail Lounge, an intimate cocktail bar, is slated to open to the public in the lower level of Gilly’s Clubhouse & Rooftop this spring. The lounge offers many unique features, including tableside mixology service, live entertainment, a rich food menu, and more.Unique Museums to Visit in MichiganWhether you’re a history buff looking to dive into an interesting subject, a gamer with an eye for technology, a fashion fanatic, or just looking for your next adventure, these unique Michigan museums leave plenty to be discovered.Curtis Chin Discusses His Book Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, A Memoir Curtis Chin, who was born in Detroit and raised there and in Troy, grew up at Chung’s, a beloved Cantonese restaurant stationed along the Cass Corridor in Detroit’s New Chinatown that was owned and operated by generations of Chin’s paternal family. His recently published first book, the memoir Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, is about growing up Asian in 1980s Detroit and coming out to his working-class immigrant family.Buddy’s Pizza is Set to Open 23rd Location in CantonBuddy’s Pizza will be opening its newest carry-out location on Feb. 26 on Ford Road in Canton. With this addition, the originator of Detroit-style pizza will be operating 23 locations, including six other carry-out restaurants and 16 full-service restaurants.Indoor Waterparks in Michigan to Chase Away the Winter BluesMichigan is home to waterparks that are filled with fun for the entire family to enjoy, and thanks to a number of indoorwaterparks in metro Detroit and beyond, a waterpark can be a weekend vacation destination any time of year. Check out these five options for your next staycation. Meet Detroit’s Monument ManLocal sculptor Austen Brantley creates art that honors Black history for Detroit’s public parks — and beyond. has already made his mark in Detroit’s public parks, honoring icons of the past. His first public project was installed in 2019, the statue of slain civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo in a park named after her on Detroit’s west side. Check out our interview with Brantley to learn more about his work.Meet Chef and Author Abra BerensSouthwest Michigan chef and author Abra Berens talked to Hour Detroit about her career as a chef that earned the title of James Beard semifinalist , the cookbooks she wrote while also working as a chef in Chicago, and her rise to prominence.7 Metro Detroit Spots for Eggs BenedictWhether you’re looking for a tried-and-true take on eggs Benedict or want to branch out for a unique taste, consider ordering from one of these metro Detroit restaurants the next time you’re craving the savory breakfast dish.Lenten Fish Fries in Metro DetroitDuring Lent, many Catholics will refrain from eating meat, except for fish and seafood, on Fridays. Naturally, several fish fries are taking place throughout Lent in metro Detroit. Here are the details on some of those events.Want more reads delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Hour Detroit’s newsletters today.
First 3D-printed home in the Midwest celebrated in Detroit ribbon cutting
DETROIT (WXYZ) — Today, the builders of the first 3D-printed home in the Midwest held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The home is located at 1444 Sheridan Street in Detroit’s Islandview Neighborhood.It’s a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 988 square feet, single-family home. 7 Action News first reported on the construction project back in October.Evelyn Woodman, the co-founder of Citizen Robotics, said the project is 15 months in the making.She and her father, Tom, started the project.She said one key highlight of the home is it has a universal design. The home is accessible for people with disabilities.“As the homeowner continues to age, or should they have any physical disabilities they would have no problem getting around in this home,” Woodman said.She said the concrete walls are built with a 3D printer, and the materials used help save on energy costs for the homeowner.Mildred Malone, who has lived across the street for 76 years said, “Oh, this place is larger than I thought.”7 Action News showed Malone photos of the interior.She said she’s lived in her home all her life. So, she’s seen a lot of change, including the condos she said were constructed about 15 years ago.Malone said of the 3-D home, “I think it’s good. I think it’s good. It’s something different we haven’t seen before.”“Maybe they’ll put some more up,” she said.Malone, who inherited several plots of land on both sides of the street from her parents, said she’s not opposed to parting with some of it for the sake of more single-family homes.“I might consider it maybe, but not the house and not the immediate land,” she said.Sam Stragand is the senior program manager for the Detroit Partnership on Economic Mobility through the University of Michigan Poverty Solutions.“I’m excited about it. It certainly is not a solution on its own,” he said.7 Action News discussed the home’s listing price of $224,500 with him. “The median housing value in Detroit is about $80,000. So, this is a house that’s worth more than twice as much as the average house in Detroit. At the same time, it is… I think that in order to develop more affordable housing we are going to need to encourage technological progress in home building,” Stragand said.Woodman said the price comparison is a conversation that comes up routinely.She explained, “We think it’s not comparable to compare this new build, it’s airtight, it’s energy-efficient, it’ll have low maintenance over time, and low heating and cooling costs over time. So, what we’re focused on is affordability over the life span of a home.”Woodman said since this is the first build of its kind that they’ve done, construction costs were expected to be higher and they’re hoping it’ll come down over time. Citizen Robotics said it desires to build more 3-D homes in the future.
Detroit’s First 3D-Printed Home is Now Available for Sale
Construction of Detroit’s first 3D-printed home, located in the Islandview neighborhood, is now complete and on the market with an asking price of $224,500.Citizen Robotics and developArchitecture first kicked off construction for the 988-square-foot, two-bedroom home in October of 2022. The home, which is located at 1444 Sheridan St., is the first of its kind in Detroit and will be more efficient in lowering utility costs for residents.“This home proves that, by leveraging digitalization and robotics, we can solve for many of the problems that plague the homebuilding industry. We can build right-sized homes, with fewer workers, that cost less to heat and cool. We can build homes with features to support living at any stage of life,” said Tom Woodman, co-founder and executive director of Citizen Robotics, in a press release.Citizen Robotics is an organization that encourages the adoption of robotics and automation in home building in an effort to provide affordable and sustainable housing. developArchitecture is a metro Detroit architecture firm focused on small businesses, 3D-printed structures, and tenant improvements.The home was printed with a cementitious mortar using a giant robotic arm. The innovation behind 3D-printed homes makes for a more efficient building process that involves less labor, fewer expenses, and more sustainable materials.The home received nearly $160,000 in funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program, which covered the construction materials for the house.“As we move quickly with solutions to address Michigan’s housing crisis, we are serious about investing in innovation and piloting new ideas, and the 3D-printed house is a great example of that,” said Amy Hovey, MSHDA chief executive officer and executive director, in a press release. “We need all types of housing for Michiganders, and we are committed to exploring programs and partnerships that advance our goal to not only increase housing supply but also lower construction costs, reduce environmental impacts, and maintain affordability for homebuyers and renters.”Moving forward, Citizen Robotics and developArchitecture plan to host workshops throughout the state that will educate others about 3D printing designs and processes.For more information on the home, visit developarchitecture.com and citizenrobotics.org. For more community news and events, visit hourdetroit.com.
VeroTouch Debuts 3D Printed Home in BV, Announces Inclusion in Chaffee County Ascent Accelerator – by Carly Winchell
Work takes place on site of a VeroTouch 3D printed home in Buena Vista. VeroTouch courtesy photo.
Salida technology company VeroTouch has debuted Colorado’s first 3D-printed home in Buena Vista. VeroTouch was established in 2023. The company uses all Colorado materials and has systems for recycling any concrete waste as well as a water reclamation system to reuse water during construction. Its spokesmen say it seeks to enhance manufacturing and construction efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness through its offering of comprehensive design, engineering, automation, and construction services.
This innovative company has also earned a spot in the 2024 cohort of the Chaffee County Ascent Accelerator program.
“We are thrilled to unveil our cutting-edge solutions to the vibrant Colorado community, setting new standards for excellence and efficiency in the industry. Positioned at the forefront of technological advancements, VeroTouch is poised to redefine the manufacturing and construction industries,” explains a VeroTouch press release.
VeroTouch 3D printed home. Photo by Carly Winchell.
The introduction of Colorado’s very first 3D-printed home in Buena Vista is a major milestone for the company. This unveiling underscores the company’s pioneering advancements in construction and additive manufacturing technology and positions VeroTouch as a leader in innovative housing solutions. They are now working on printing a second home next door to the first.
These residences resulted from a strategic partnership with South Main Developer Jed Selby.
“Nestled in the charming enclave of South Main, an idyllic new urbanism neighborhood along the banks of the Arkansas River, these homes symbolize a noteworthy achievement in VeroTouch’s unwavering dedication to cutting-edge building solutions,” is how the company’s press release references it.
VeroTouch began working with South Main to construct their first homes because South Main is forward thinking and provided VeroTouch the opportunity to build their processes, teams, and company and figure out how to take this new technology and scale it.
VeroTouch was recently accepted into the Chaffee County Ascent Accelerator Program, a move that validates the company’s potential contributions to local economic development. The program provides valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, and compels those companies included in each cohort toward success.
Chaffee County EDC executive director Jake Rishavy recognized VeroTouch’s potential as he spoke about the company’s inclusion in the program.
“It’s rare and exciting in the economic development world to have the opportunity to support a company that is not only creating in-demand, high-paying jobs in a small mountain community but doing so while addressing one of our community’s most pressing needs—housing,” said Rishavy. “We’re eager to leverage what we believe is an unsurpassed network of business growth advisors in support of VeroTouch’s ongoing success in blending innovation and community impact.”
VeroTouch was co-founded by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Grant Hamel and Chief Engineer Officer Elliott Harvey, P.E. It derives its name from the Latin word “vërus,” which means truth. The company touts a steadfast commitment to science-based manufacturing and construction principles.
The addition of “touch” to “vero” emphasizes the company’s “dedication to streamlining processes, empowering individuals to tackle tasks requiring creativity, intuition, and a personal touch.”
VeroTouch Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Grant Hamel and Chief Engineer Officer Elliott Harvey, P.E. VeroTouch courtesy photo
The company also speaks of a strong sense of community, with a commitment to addressing societal challenges through cooperative efforts. It focuses on what it calls “the Focal 5” of housing, education, labor and wage gaps, sustainability, and elder care.
The company actively seeks to mentor and empower the next generation of thinkers and builders. VeroTouch has partnerships with Salida and Buena Vista Schools and Colorado Mountain College and offers internship opportunities to high school and college students. VeroTouch also provides apprenticeships to help workers enter the field.
The VeroTouch team says they are “comprised of innovative doers and dreamers” and fosters a collaborative work environment by encouraging creativity and continuous learning.
Reinventing the Way Housing is Made
Ark Valley Voice managing editor Jan Wondra sat down to discuss VeroTouch with founders Hammel and Harvey over Zoom.
What should we know about VeroTouch?
“VeroTouch is a multi-facted company,” replied Hammel, citing their internships, apprenticeships, and in-house education alongside their professional design, engineering, and construction capabilities.
“We are trying to figure out new ways to look at the construction industry through being a tech company in that industry. It’s kind of the last hurrah of what we’re doing as humans and it hasn’t had tech injected into it quite as much as some of the other industries. We found that to be something that we needed to bring our expertise in and say hey, ‘What can we do here to reduce the cost of the biggest burden on everybody in their lives?” explained Hammel.
Hammel continued, saying housing is the largest expense in most people’s lives and VeroTouch’s goal is to figure out how to use technology to reduce costs of housing by increasing efficiency in the construction industry. “We have to find a way to be more efficient and that’s what we’re doing,” said Hammel.
How much does a 3D Printed home cost?
Hammel explained that VeroTouch strives to innovate and discover how to build a better product overall. “What we’re doing is building a better product for the same market price. . . What the industry is full of is a lot of over promise and under delivery and we’re not interested in that.”
In addition to high installation rating, A1 fire rating, Energy Star certification, and work toward LEED certification, Hammel cites more design freedom as a benefit of 3D-printed homes. Curves that can be produced by a 3D printer are expensive to replicate using traditional building methods. As long as designs meet the structural capabilities of the material and design, VeroTouch can do it.
3D-printed homes also have the benefit of more flexibility during the construction process with design necessarily occurring up front, details can be adjusted as they build the home from the bottom up. “We can make those adjustments quite a bit easier because it’s all programming,” said Hammel
Homes can also be finished using more traditional methods to make them look like any other house, or people can save on costs by foregoing these extra details and painting the 3D printed product. The concrete with aggregate material used by VeroTouch resembles smooth coat stucco when finished this way.
Renovation is also possible. Hammel explained walls can be printed offsite and installed and confirmed that this is structurally sound. There can also be a mixture of 3D-printed exterior with a traditionally framed interior. Customizability is key.
What parts of the home are 3D printed?
Detail of a VeroTouch 3D Printed Home in process. VeroTouch courtesy photo
The forms for foundations and walls are printed. Hammel reported creating twenty-two inches of stem wall in three-and-a-half hours of printing. He also explained this form of construction comes with “low physical burden labor” and opens the doors to greater diversity in the workforce.
VeroTouch believes their automation engineer Ashley Fant is the first female print operator in the country. “We can talk more about how this industry is injecting new exciting talent into the construction world, pulling from other places because people are just excited about this technology,” commented Hammel.
Though printing times are comparable to traditional building times, Hammel explained that it reduces complexity in the construction process.
“The difference is it reduces the subcontractor costs; if you do it in-house, all those other points along your project management, it makes it easier. Since you’re planning everything ahead of time, which you have to do, which is a little bit different than what construction typically does. . . As we’re going up we can start building those components [electrical, plumbing, conduit, etc.] as we go. So it’s kind of like a holistic manufacturing thing.”
Just like any other construction company, VeroTouch has standards they must meet during the building process. They have had their material tested and continue to refine it. They take in variables throughout the day and adjust the materials to meet the conditions.
“We obviously want to build homes that are better, and stronger, and that’ll last longer, so they are more sustainable for our communities over a long period of time and have a high energy rating,” explained Hammel. “We’re not just trying to meet those standards, we’re really trying to exceed them.”
How did you come to put this in Salida?
Hammel and Harvey have worked together for nearly a decade, so they came into this venture with a strong relationship and broad experiences.
“We realized we were really quite quick at getting things done and developing automated processes on the engineering and design side just to get things done faster,” said Hammel.
Hammel was initially looking to open his tech startup in Austin, Texas. But he visited some friends in the area and decided to move to Salida instead. “This is really an environment that supports entrepreneurship,” said Hammel. “Everybody says it’s rural, but it feels like a place that isn’t really rural.”
Hammel lived in Wichita and Kansas City for most of his life and Harvey hails from the suburbs of Kansas City as well, which is where they met. They decided to bring their tech startup to Chaffee County because the valley is so supportive of entrepreneurship and the environment opens up opportunities for getting to know and work with the community in ways that aren’t possible in larger cities like Denver.
What is the competitive environment for VeroTouch?
“There should always be multiple ways of solving a problem,” replied Hammel.
Looking at the field of construction, Hammel said that it hadn’t changed as much as other industries, and he believes that robots and automation is a way to fix the labor problem in the industry and generate interest in the trades again.
“It’s my belief that in X amount of years, robots will be building our homes and we wanted to be in the forefront of that area,” said Hammel.
He estimated there are probably about a dozen other companies actively doing what VeroTouch is doing now, but added the tech construction industry isn’t an easy path to take.
“We didn’t get into this because we thought that we were going to plug in a machine that was going to build 100 houses. We knew we were going to have to help develop the technology, push an industry that’s traditionally been highly labor-based into the technological age, and start reducing some of these burdens that we’re seeing across our communities.”
How are you planning to scale this operation?
VeroTouch got its equipment and began operating in the middle of 2023. While they haven’t been operating long, Hammel says their accomplishments have already been significant.
“We wanted to see that we can make it work,” said Hammel. “We’re starting to prove this out and it’s starting to really make sense and we’re starting to really understand it. We see what the needs are for the technology, how to build a company around this, and how to develop that full holistic plan for developments, and now we’re figuring out what that means and what additional pieces of technology we may need.”
How is this startup being funded?
VeroTouch has pursued grants and intends to continue to do so in the future. Currently, the company is funded entirely by Colorado-funded private equity.
Could you talk about the 5 Focal Points, one of which was education?
“My belief and the basis of our company is that we have to reinject knowledge back into industry,” replied Hammel. “Partnership with business and education is extremely important because they are providing the product for the businesses, and so businesses have to step up and say hey I’m here, how can I help.”
Hammel believes it is the responsibility of businesses to help educators and lift some of the burdens faced by teachers and schools. VeroTouch currently works with Colorado Mountain College (CMC) apprenticing a CMC graduate, and they are visiting other campuses around the area. They sponsor internships and apprenticeships to help deliver what they refer to as “high-paying, enjoyable jobs” without as much pressure to pursue the collegiate path, which has become the standard.
“What we need to do is bring business into the classroom and the students out of the classroom and into business,” declared Hammel.
Could you talk about the Ascent Accelerator Program?
Hammel and Harvey had just returned from their first three-hour session with the program before meeting with AVV. During the first session, they got the chance to meet the other cohort members.
Mock up of finished VeroTouch 3D printed homes. VeroTouch courtesy photo.
“Jake and Tim I think are some of the best people I’ve ever met in my life… I couldn’t say enough positive things about them,” said Hammel of Rishavy and Ascent Accelerator Tim Martinez.
Hammel met them before moving to Salida and cited them as among the reasons why VeroTouch decided to make their debut in Chaffee County. He also praised the Ascent Accelerator program in the area, calling it a “massive success.”
“A rural program having that type of stats on an accelerator is unbelievable. We’re very, very excited to be a part of it,” said Hammel.
The program lasts for twelve weeks and is mapped out to target priority areas for businesses including deep dives on financials, business structure, and goals. It also works to connect cohort members with the right people to get the answers needed to be better and succeed as a company.
What is your plan for this year?
Hammel and Harvey say the house in Buena Vista is more than a pilot. “We’re spending a lot of time to make it a beautiful, livable house. It’s definitely a product,” said Hammel.
“We didn’t just start printing,” explained Hammel, who broke down the process of experimentation to ensure a quality product, which sometimes includes printing something and tearing it down to do it better. VeroTouch is printing the second house next door and hopes to continue working with the public to find better ways to get into a more attainable market.
Hammel said they received some criticism about building in South Main and that not being attainable, but he explained that they understand and South Main is simply a starting point for the company. The high standards of the neighborhood have given them the freedom to experiment and find ways to create more attainable housing in the future.
The Wrap-up on VeroTouch
VeroTouch doesn’t just provide construction. “We’re a full-scale engineering and design company,” said Hammel.
They completed a site plan for a recreational complex in Poncha Springs pro bono, and are eager to provide site plans for elder care, which is another one of their focal five issues. Their diversity of experience in manufacturing allows them to use different experiences and apply them to the construction tech industry.
“We’re a community company. Making money is very important, but Eli and I are not into this to buy land, put a bunch of houses on it, flip it, and run out of town. We’re here to see how we can build this community both from the education side, the operational side, and build the industry up, so we’re really here to do what matters and that’s where our hearts are at,” concluded Hammel.
More information on VeroTouch is available at VeroTouch.com.
Interview MT/Sprout: CyBe prints houses with a 3D concrete printer: quicker, cheaper, and more sustainable
Building with a 3D concrete printer is four times faster, eighty percent more sustainable, and up to thirty five percent cheaper. Houses created in a factory setting, that is the matter CyBe Construction concerns itself about. A first funding round will yield the necessary funds.
Berry Hendriks, CEO and founder of CyBe Construction in Oss, has the blood of a contractor running through his veins. Ever since he was eight, he has been running around on construction sites. Berry Hendriks is the son of the CEO of Hendriks Construction, one of the top-five construction companies in the Netherlands
He is the eldest son of the fourth generation of Hendriks Construction. From a young age, he has been working at the family-owned company. Berry, however, has always been more interested in 3D technology than traditional technology. A 2012 YouTube video, where a professor showed a simulation of a machine printing concrete, sparked his ambitions.
Hendriks is excited, his father is not. Berry left the company in 2013 and started his own company: CyBe Construction. “To do great things that have an impact on the world: faster, cheaper, and more sustainable than conventional construction.”
Selling technology is more profitable
The first step was developing CyBe’s own machine, as well as concrete made for printing houses. “Known concrete suppliers, like Lafarge, Holcim, and Sika, told me I was crazy. Printing concrete was impossible. Many construction companies told me the same thing. The concrete wouldn’t set fast enough.”
Hendriks proved them wrong. CyBe’s concrete sets in three minutes, and reaches structural strength within the hour. “They then told me it is all fun and games in theory, but there is no way this technology will be faster, cheaper, and more sustainable than traditional construction.”
“I see building ourselves as a part of our marketing, it is all about credibility.”
At the innovation initiative Climate-Kic in Delft, Hendriks learns that it is “more profitable to sell the technology than it is to build yourself.” The core business activity of CyBe becomes selling 3D concrete printers. Today, they sell printers in 35 countries around the world. “Every day, this number grows.”
Gaining own experience
Nonetheless, Hendriks believes it is important for CyBe to build on their own. On numerous places around the world, Hendriks, working with his own team, has been the general contractor for construction projects. One of these places is Teuge-Apeldoorn, in the Netherlands, where the Vergaderfabriek has been built. CyBe is also building in the US and South-Africa.
He explains that architects design buildings based on bricks. These designs should be adjusted for printed buildings. Furthermore, there is the cost calculation, applying for the right permits, complying with the local rules and regulations…
All of this is fairly complex, so it is more than convenient to have some experience with this. Hendriks knows that having this experience makes it easier to support clients that want to buy a printer. “I see building ourselves as a part of our marketing, it is all about credibility.”
a home built with a 3D concrete printer
Net-zero construction
Later this year, CyBe is planning on building the first-ever, 3D printed, four-story apartment in Eindhoven. CyBe wants this project to be produced in-house, so that the construction can be limited to almost no nitrogen pollution. This will be the start of the home-factory in Oss, where CyBe plans to produce houses in a factory setting.
Concrete printers print layers of four centimeters. This makes the walls less massive (8-12 cm) than traditional concrete walls (30-40 cm), meaning less concrete is needed. Additionally, the binder for the concrete is a lot better for the environment, resulting in a decrease in CO2 emissions of up to eighty percent.
Sustainable construction: check. Concrete printing can bring back construction time from twenty five weeks to five weeks. This quicker construction, in turn, has an impact on the costs. If you choose to print the floors and walls on the construction site, you can save about ten percent of the costs. “Production in our factory to be installed on-site later saves you about thirty five percent of the costs in the Netherlands.”
Getting ready for investors
If you take into account all the benefits, CyBe Construction is a real gamechanger. So why aren’t contractors forming a line outside CyBe’s doors? “I have had this type of discussion with Hendriks Construction too. It is all about change management. You can buy a 3D concrete printer, but you also have to teach people how to use it. Business processes, as well as your supply chain, have to be adjusted.”
“These are the kind of complexities our company has to deal with. Nonetheless, our growth is good. Last year, we doubled our revenue. This year, our growth will be about 120 percent, up to 10 million euros. We are going to expand our team to sixty employees.”
Up until now, Hendriks has done everything by bootstrapping, thanks to a loan from his family’s company, but “those have been paid back.” At this point, he is the only shareholder. “If we want to make serious steps in the future, we have to be ready for investors.”
To the stock exchange
“We have been working on this for a couple of months now. This isn’t the best time to ask the bank for a loan. That’s why we want to have our first funding round next year. We want this to yield around 5 million euros.”
“The ambition is to reach a unicorn status, but in my own way.”
CyBe wants to use this money to increase and expand its sales. “Our new factory in Texas and the home-factory in Oss require a lot of capital. If you want to grow fast, you need strategic partners that generate sales for you.”
Hendriks is foreseeing a second and third funding round, as well as eventually going to the stock exchange. The ambition is to reach a unicorn status. “But if investors don’t want to do it my way, I won’t do it at all. We have a track record of ten years, we have clients, we are up and running. We just want to go quicker.”
CyBe Construction scores in the US
Business in the US is going so well by now, that CyBe has opened an LLC in Florida at the start of this year. The reason business is going so well in the US has to do with the fact that quick and cheap construction allows for low insurance rates.
“There are lots of wooden homes in Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. If a hurricane comes along, these homes are gone. Due to climate change, contractors want to switch to concrete construction, but they do not have the infrastructure or the employees to do so.”
“We reduce the need for employees, and we build more firmly. A concrete column, a printed structure, is steadier than one made of wood. If a hurricane comes along, the home will still be there afterwards. This allows the homeowner to pay lower insurance rates. This is a big reason for why business is booming in the US.”
a concrete printer doing its job in Florida
Number 1 worldwide
“People ask me if we are the Tesla, the Facebook, or the Uber of construction. I tell them: no, we are simply the CyBe of construction. Maybe we will reach a similar status as Tesla did in the car industry.”
Of course there is a lot of competition, he explains. “Icon has earned over 850 million dollars in the US over the last two years. I remember helping Icon’s founder with his graduation. Basically, all those competing companies are in our slipstream.”
“We are number one worldwide, because we do more than just selling machines or building construction projects. We have our own team of architects, construction managers, and ecological engineers from the University of Wageningen. We do both: we sell the entire concept of construction.”
Carbon-neutral homes
“We help our clients with their first building, which they can then show to local authorities to get the permits for a second or third project. We do everything for our clients’ success. If they have enough projects, they’ll eventually come knocking on our door for additional printers.”
“There is a tremendous shortage on the housing market, and not everyone can live on Mars.”
CyBe continues innovating, with the goal to build net-zero houses, completely environmentally neutral. “We are working on geopolymer concrete, which is like concrete 3.0. This will allow us to print CO2-neutral.”
CyBe Construction can solve the housing shortage problem
“We want to build the biggest community worldwide, and then work together with them. We connect our partner in Miami who is printing frame walls with our partner in France who is doing the same. This way, they can learn from each other. This is the power of our way of working.”
Hendriks notes that there is a huge potential worldwide. “We share this world with eight billion people. There is a tremendous shortage on the housing market, and not everyone can live on Mars, we need to fix this problem here.”
“In Indonesia, they’re experiencing a housing shortage of ten million houses. We are working together with a contractor from India, who’s building 200,000 homes a year. This is three times as much as the amount of homes built in the Netherlands, all construction companies combined.”
“In South-Africa, close to Johannesburg, we are working on a joint venture to start constructing homes ourselves. There, they have a backlog in housing construction of around two and a half million homes. From that perspective, the housing crisis in the Netherlands is relatively small.”
This text is a translation of MT/Sprout’s interview with Berry Hendriks that was published on 24-04-2023. All credits go to Karin Swiers. The original article can be read here.
Press Release – The Future of New Zealand Construction: From Abstract Vision to Concrete Achievements
QOROX heeft goed gebruik gemaakt van hun positie als geautoriseerde reseller van CyBe printers. Ze hebben hun eerste 3D-printer al verkocht aan hun partners van Iconic Construction. De deal voorzag Iconic van een CyBe RC (Robot Crawler), waardoor het bedrijf nu ook kan profiteren van alle voordelen die aan 3D-printen verbonden zijn. Iconic Construction is opgericht in 2009 met het doel om de standaard in de industrie te verhogen door het leveren van vakmanschap met trots. Het bedrijf steunt op integriteit, groei, teamwork en creativiteit, en combineert deze waarden om tot de best mogelijke bouwoplossingen te komen. 3D-printtechnologie past perfect binnen dit principe om gebouwen van de hoogst mogelijke kwaliteit te realiseren. Na een verleden van diverse renovatie- en nieuwbouwprojecten, is Iconic nu klaar voor de volgende stap. Enthousiast als ze zijn, hebben ze al twee projecten klaarliggen om hun tanden in te zetten. Het eerste project is Lowe Road Studio, de eerste 3D-geprinte Airbnb van Nieuw-Zeeland, die aan de rand van Hamilton gebouwd zal worden. In dit autonome, op zonne-energie gedreven gebouw kunnen mensen ervaren hoe het is om in een 3D-geprinte ruimte te slapen. Ze zullen binnenkort ook beginnen aan The Vicarage, een multifunctionele commerciële voorziening die gebouwd wordt op de grond waar vroeger de priester woonde. Dankzij hun nieuw aangeschafte 3D-printer kan het bedrijf deze twee projecten veel sneller voltooien dan ze met traditionele bouwmethoden zouden kunnen, terwijl ze hun standaard van hoge kwaliteit en vakmanschap behouden.
Orascom and COBOD bring 3DCP to Egypt
The partnership, owned 76% by Orascom Construction and 24% by COBOD, will play a leading role in the technological advancement of the construction sector in Egypt. Not only is this new technology more cost and time efficient compared to traditional methods of construction, but it is also more environmentally sustainable as it reduces material consumption, […]
Zoom On The Tallest 3D Printed Building COBOD International
The world’s tallest 3D printed building is now complete and it is in many ways impressive. The 3-story, 9,9 m tall building compromises 345 m2/3713,55 ft2 and was made by the leading Saudi Arabian real estate developer, Dar Al Arkan, using a COBOD 3D construction printer. The villa features several smart home features and the […]
COBOD Launched VR Solution for 3D Construction Printing
COBOD has launched a VR solution for 3D construction printing, allowing people to experience live 3D printing in virtual reality. The VR solution offers a realistic experience, allowing individuals to watch COBOD’s real printed buildings being constructed in a virtual residential area. COBOD will present the VR solution at UK Construction Week, London, from May […]
Black Buffalo 3D Takes the International Codes to New Heights
NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Black Buffalo 3D Corporation, a leading provider of large scale 3D printers for construction and a member of HN Inc.—formerly Hyundai BS&C Co. Ltd.—today announced its success in working with the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) to revise its ICC-ES AC509 criteria. This update enhances the acceptance criteria (AC) for 3D Automated Construction Technology for 3D printed concrete walls from a single story building construction to multi-story building construction.
Black Buffalo 3D is a global provider of large scale 3D printers for construction and proprietary cement-based ink. Its mission is to increase awareness, efficiency and utility of additive manufacturing in the construction industry. The company continues to invest in its 3D construction printers and material science with the intent to become the first 3D construction printing company to meet ICC-ES AC509. With printers developed by its sister company, Hisys— based in South Korea—the latest model is capable of printing buildings up to 4 stories high.
“We want to build trust and prove the safety of our technology in a way that no other 3D Construction printing company has done before,” remarks Jenn Christman, PE, 3D Product Specialist. “Black Buffalo 3D was created to increase acceptance of 3D printing in the construction industry, revolutionize traditional building techniques and truly showcase the potential of large scale 3D printing.”
Large scale 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) has the potential to help governments, businesses and NGOs address a number of infrastructure needs including closing the gap on affordable housing deficits, speeding up disaster recovery efforts and providing more value to much needed infrastructure improvements throughout the world.
ICC-ES is a nonprofit, limited liability company that performs technical evaluations of building products, components, methods, and materials. Agencies use evaluation reports to help determine code compliance and enforce building regulations; manufacturers use reports as evidence that their products (and this is especially important if the products are new and innovative) meet code requirements and warrant regulatory approval.
As a globally recognized organization, ICC-ES brings legitimacy to code compliance claims and helps developers ensure building regulations are met. 3D Construction printing is a relatively new application with growing interest because when used correctly and safely it has the potential to alleviate affordable housing deficits, speed up disaster recovery efforts and help build much needed infrastructure around the globe.
Black Buffalo 3D will continue to make investments in 3D construction printer technology, material science and form strategic partnerships as it works towards meeting ICC AC 509 acceptance criteria. The company will also continue to capture, analyze and share information regarding the positive impact on reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry through automation and use of environmentally friendly materials and designs.
For more information on our pilot projects and how to view live demonstrations please follow us on social media or request more information on our website.
About ICC-ESICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), a member of the ICC Family of Solutions, is a nonprofit, limited liability company that provides technical evaluations of building products, components, methods and materials. ICC-ES evaluation reports, building product listings and plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas listings provide evidence that products and systems meet requirements of codes and technical standards. Visit their website at https://icc-es.org/
About Black Buffalo 3D CorporationBlack Buffalo 3D Corporation (http://www.blackbuffalo.io) is the NY based, US affiliate of HN Inc. co. Ltd.—formerly Hyundai BS&C Co. Ltd.–and subsidiary of Big Sun Holdings Group, Inc. Black Buffalo 3D is poised to revolutionize construction and become the leading global provider of smart 3D construction printers from one to four stories, proprietary construction “ink” and 3D print construction consulting services.
Press ContactPeter CoopermanHead of Marketing and Strategy311469@email4pr.com(646) 650-5863
Press Contact (ICC-ES)Anna MullenMarketing Manager291515@email4pr.com
ICON’s House Zero Graces the Cover of Austin Home Magazine & Selected…
The 36th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour to feature the innovative 3D-printed home October 22-23, 2022
We are thrilled to share that ICON’s House Zero, designed by Lake|Flato Architects, is featured on the Fall 2022 issue of Austin Home Magazine and has been selected as one of nine homes to be showcased during the 36th annual AIA Austin Homes Tour taking place October 22-23, 2022.
The Austin Home cover story features the most noteworthy people, places, trends and architecture in the design and residential industry. It is an honor for House Zero to be recognized as one of the most “technologically sophisticated” and inviting homes in Austin.
House Zero, unveiled in March 2022, was 3D printed by ICON’s Vulcan construction system and is the first home of its kind and a major advancement in modern architecture. The 2,000+ sq. ft. home with a 350 sq. ft. accessory dwelling unit pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with architecture through automated construction only achievable through 3D printing.
By interweaving biophilic principles with additive construction methods, House Zero was able to create a tranquil and humanistic environment. House Zero blends a mid-century modernist ranch house aesthetic with the digital possibilities of additive construction and is unlike anything that has been designed, to date.
Interested in touring House Zero? Get tickets to the AIA Austin Homes Tour 2022
Read the Austin Home magazine cover story.
PROJECT COLLABORATORSConstruction and Technology: ICONArchitecture: Lake|Flato ArchitectsStructural Engineer: GNAStructural Engineer: WJEMEP Engineer: Integral GroupLandscape Architect: Word + CarrInterior Design: Lake|Flato Architects + ICONLighting Design Consultant: Studio Lumina
ICON’s Receives Honors From Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter”
Awards list honors brands that communicate and demonstrate brand purpose and who have achieved relevance through cultural impact and social engagement
Announced today, ICON has been named an honoree in Fast Company’s second annual “Brands That Matter” list! ICON matters because housing matters.
Fast Company writes that ICON is a company whose “results punch above their weight” and who “has forged their own path in distinct areas–from standing up for employees to homebuilding innovation.”
Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter” list is an extension of the company’s broad-reaching mission and seeks to commemorate companies and nonprofits that have altered the corporate landscape by infusing it with unique takes on culture, social engagement, and purpose while simultaneously creating timeless content that positively impacts our communities.
The Brands That Matter list recognizes 145 brands across 24 categories that have trailblazed and defined what it means to be an impactful company in an ever-changing world. All of the companies on this list have succeeded in devising a way to forge an intimate connection with the public.
ICON is proud to be included among such ingenious changemakers. It is our mission to develop advanced construction technologies in service to humanity in order to solve great problems and pursue grand opportunities. We exist as a response to the global housing crisis. Construction-scale 3D printing not only delivers higher-quality homes faster and more affordably, but fleets of printers can change the way that entire communities are built for the better. The U.S. faces a deficit of 5 million new homes and worldwide there are 1.2 billion humans that lack adequate shelter. There is a profound need to swiftly increase supply without compromising quality, beauty, or sustainability and that is exactly the strength of ICON’s technology.
To read more → visit Fast Company’s Brands That Matter
First fully 3D printed home completed in Paremoremo
QOROX’s 3D printed concrete technology has achieved yet another first for New Zealand – the completion of the first fully 3D-printed residential home in the Auckland suburb of Paremoremo.
This also becomes the largest fully 3D printed building in the Southern Hemisphere another groundbreaking achievement for Waikato-based QOROX.
The 252m2 family home was designed for a family of four to complement the site’s natural contours and peaceful setting, and features 3D-printed concrete wall panels which provide the perfect backdrop for modern living.
The mastermind behind the home’s unique design features was multi-award-winning architectural firm, Dorrington Atcheson Architects, who said the use of 3D printed technology provided more flexibility than traditional concrete builds.
“It’s pretty cost effective, and you can get the geometric proportions and shapes that you would have to spend a lot of money to get if you did it in traditional concrete construction,” said Tim, director of DAA.
Qorox managing director Wafaey Swelim, said the design provided by DAA allowed them to fully utilise the design capabilities of their 3D printer.
“DAA provided an amazing design which enabled us to fully utilise the design capabilities of our 3D concrete printer and produce a strong, secure and warm home for the owners to enjoy for many generations to come. People who visit the home are so impressed by its calmness and warmth.”
To create the ‘printing ink’ for the home, QOROX utilises its own mortar recipe that is 80% locally sourced. The final product was rendered internally and externally, using full Resene Construction Systems hand applied ROCKCOTE exterior and interior plaster and finishing coats, providing a ‘natural look’ to the wall panels and providing the clients with their desired finish.
Swelim said the flexibility of 3D printed concrete allowed homeowners to add their own personal flair to their homes, without an additional price-tag.
Paremoremo house’s 63 panels, with a total area of 360m2, were prefabricated in Hamilton and transported to site for installation by Qorox’s experienced team, with Senior Construction undertaking the rest of the build.
With 30% less emissions than traditional concrete builds, Swelim said achieving the fully 3D-printed home was another tick in the box for the next evolution in building.
“3D printed concrete is the next evolution in building, and it’s happening right now, right here in New Zealand.
“There are so many advantages to 3D printed technology. Our system allows the formation of wall cavities for insulation, plumbing and electrical wiring, and apply patterns and design elements directly, without the need for additional work.”
The QOROX 3D printed wall solution provides excellent thermal mass qualities helping to create more climate resilient homes that are warmer during the winter months, delivering more comfortable living environments.
“The best part is all of these elements this can be completed without compromising the R-Value (thermal rating) or the overall strength of the build.”
Swelim encouraged architects and homeowners interested in 3D printed concrete to head to www.qorox.co.nz to learn more.
ICON Featured on NBC’s TODAY Show
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The #1 morning show in America, TODAY, went behind the scenes with ICON and Lennar to get a sneak peek at a 100-home community of 3D-printed homes located in Georgetown, Texas, just 20 minutes outside of Austin. Codesigned by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, the homes range from 1,500 – 2,100+ square feet and feature 8 floorplans, 24 elevations and will be powered by the sun with rooftop solar panels.
ICON’s Dmitri Julius speaking with Today Show correspondent Kerry Sanders at Wolf Ranch in Georgetown, TX.
Correspondent Kerry Sanders watches in real time as these one-of-a-kind, resilient homes are brought to life and speaks to ICON and Lennar leaders about what this project means for the future of homebuilding.
To view the full segment, visit TODAY. To be the first to hear when home reservations open, join the list.
Detroit’s First 3-D Printed Home Has Been Completed
Citizen Robotics and developArchitecture have completed Detroit’s first 3D-printed home. // Photo courtesy of Citizen RoboticsCitizen Robotics in Detroit and Detroit-based architectural firm “developArchitecture” have completed Detroit’s first 3D-printed home, located at 1444 Sheridan in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood (west of Indian Village).Construction for the 988-square-foot, two-bedroom home began in October 2022, and is the first of many 3-D-printed homes meant to be affordable and more efficient in lowering utility costs for residents. To celebrate the project’s completion, Citizen Robotics will host a ribbon-cutting event at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 22“This home proves by leveraging digitalization and robotics, we can solve many of the problems plaguing the homebuilding industry,” says Tom Woodman, co-founder and executive director of Citizen Robotics. “We can build right-sized homes, with fewer workers, that cost less to heat and cool. We can build homes with features to support living at any stage of life.”The home began as a 3-D design and was printed with a cementitious mortar using a robotic arm. The innovation behind this method of architecture makes for a more efficient build process that involves less labor, fewer expenses, and more sustainable materials, according to the manufacturer.“It’s rewarding to finally share our pilot home because 3-D printing is the future of architecture,” says Bryan Cook, founder and CEO of developArchitecture. “3-D printing will eventually become a standard method across the industry and Detroit is the perfect landscape for this type of innovation.”The home also received nearly $160,000 in funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program to cover the construction materials for the house.Gardner White in Warren is another partner for the project. The company staged the home, including two 3-D-printed tables from its soon-to-be-released collaboration with artist and designer Mike Han.As part of Citizen Robotics and developArchitecture’s mission to increase diversity and inclusion, they partnered with BIPOC individuals across 12 different aspects of the home building process.Future plans for Citizen Robotics include two upcoming workshop series — a 3-D printing roadshow funded by MEDC will travel across six counties in northern Michigan demonstrating 3-D printing for the environment, while a workshop series also is in the works to educate Detroiters about design for 3-D printing and the 3-D printing process.To learn more about the 1444 Sheridan St. home or the ribbon-cutting event, visit citizenrobotics.org or developarchitecture.com.
World’s First 3D Printed Living Seawall gets installed
A future homeowner in Miami Beach has become the first to have Kind Designs’ Living Seawalls installed. Opting for this structure specifically to support the environment, they are the recipient of the world’s first 3D printed seawalls. While seawalls to prevent flooding are necessary along the Miami coastline, these Living Seawalls go a step further in environmental protection. In addition to safeguarding the land from erosion, flooding, storm surges, and sea-level rise, Kind Designs‘ Living Seawalls actively contribute to improving the local marine environment. Once installed along the shoreline, the Living Seawalls seamlessly support the needs of local marine ecosystems. Moreover, in addition to enhancing the sea, the seawalls also monitor its quality. Embedded sensors enable the Living Seawalls to measure information on water quality across as many as 15 different parameters.
Code Service report paves path to multi-story, 3D-printed structural concrete
Black Buffalo 3D Corp., a global provider of large scale, building-grade printers and proprietary cement-based ink, has worked with the International Code Council Evaluation Service in Itasca, Ill., to expand criteria in the ICC-ES AC509 – 3D Automated Construction Technology for 3D Concrete Walls report from single- to multi-story building.
Black Buffalo is raising the stakes in 3D-printed structural concrete, engineering equipment capable of placing up to four-story projects.
Operating until recently as Hyundai BS&C Co. Ltd., New York-based Black Buffalo 3D aims to increase awareness, efficiency and utility of additive manufacturing in construction. It continues to invest in printers and material science, intent on becoming the first to meet ICC-ES AC509 criteria. With printers developed by sister company Hisys, based in South Korea, its latest model is capable of printing up to four-story buildings.
“We want to build trust and prove the safety of our technology in a way that no other 3D construction printing company has done before,” says Product Specialist Jenn Christman. “Black Buffalo 3D was created to increase acceptance of printing in the construction industry, revolutionize traditional building techniques, and showcase the potential of large scale printing.” The latter concept has the potential to help governments, businesses and non-governmental organizations address a number of infrastructure or affordable housing needs and speed disaster recovery efforts, she adds.
ICC-ES is a nonprofit, limited liability company that performs technical evaluations of building products, components, methods, and materials. Agencies use evaluation reports to help determine code compliance and enforce building regulations. Manufacturers or suppliers use reports as evidence that their equipment, products and materials meet code requirements and warrant regulatory approval. — Black Buffalo 3D Corp., U.S. affiliate of HN Inc. co. Ltd., www.blackbuffalo.io
PRINTING TECHNOLOGY PRIMER FOR BUILDINGSThe Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology presents concrete methods in “3D Printed Buildings Guide: Required Materials, Tips, and Resources” as part of a Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree overview, posted under Engineering & Technology Degrees at https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu. The guide provides an overview of 3D-printed buildings; project scheduling and labor-saving advantages; challenges for adoption of the casting/fabrication method; and, construction-grade printing materials.
“3D printing technology has had a revolutionary impact on enterprises around the world. It enables businesses to quickly develop models and prototypes, expediting their ability to test and fine-tune new products. It also makes it easy and affordable to manufacture pieces and components that keep important machinery working as intended,” guide authors explain. “One of the most exciting applications of 3D printing technology is in the construction industry, where it being used to construct entire homes, office buildings, and other structures. 3D-printed buildings can span thousands of square feet and multiple stories, and they can be made with lower costs and less waste than traditionally constructed buildings. [They] represent one of the most significant construction and design trends for civil engineers.”
Authors describe the basic process flow: 3D printing employs large-scale machinery into which an engineer inputs floor plans and building designs, and operators feed concrete ink or other printable building material; a software-guided extendable arm, or nozzle, then applies the material or mix in thin layers; the entirety of the building or structure emerges according to the engineer’s specifications, one layer at a time. Among benefits of 3D printing methods: Materials are consumed at exact volume requirements, free of waste, as printers can precisely follow blueprint dimensions and specs.
Construction tech startup partners with NASA on otherworldly 3D-printed homes that can sustain natural disasters — and possibly even space
Journalist Lesley Stahl’s introduction to her recent “60 Minutes” story about 3D printers sums up the initial promise of the unique technology.
“There was a time when futurists were predicting that the advent of 3D printing was going to change our lives — that each of our houses would have a 3D printer to make whatever items we need,” she said in a video clip.
While that isn’t yet the reality, the tech has taken perhaps an even more interesting path. 3D printers are actually building homes around the country.
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What’s more, Texas-based ICON has earned a nearly $60 million contract from NASA for its Project Olympus, to develop space-based 3D construction processes for an eventual trip to the Moon — and farther. The project builds upon other space-based research ICON has completed, per a company press release.
“To change the space exploration paradigm from ‘there and back again’ to ‘there to stay,’ we’re going to need robust, resilient, and broadly capable systems that can use the local resources of the Moon and other planetary bodies,” ICON CEO Jason Ballard said in the statement.
ICON has already made a name for itself in 3D printing. The company is working on a project in its home state that will be the world’s largest 3D community. There are 46-foot-wide printers deployed on-site to create the 100 homes, which have solar panels to maximize sustainability, as CNN reported.
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The tech is touted as creating less air pollution than traditional building methods, with a host of other benefits, including withstanding 200-mile-an-hour winds and being fire-resistant and termite-proof, according to 60 Minutes.
“That’s why this feels like lightning in a bottle,” Ballard told 60 Minutes.
As part of the NASA job order, ICON’s team will be working in support of the agency’s Artemis program, aimed at putting the first woman and person of color on the Moon for new types of exploration, according to NASA.
“In order to explore other worlds, we need innovative new technologies adapted to those environments and our exploration needs,” Niki Werkheiser, from NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, said in the ICON press release. “Pushing this development forward with our commercial partners will create the capabilities we need for future missions.”
ICON’s advanced hardware and software will be leveraged. The team will have access to lunar rock samples from Apollo missions to study their properties in simulated lunar gravity, to use as much material sourced from the Moon (or one day Mars) as possible.What they learn about the Moon’s rocks will help the team determine how their 3D equipment can one day build “landing pads, blast shields, and roads,” all per ICON. It’s the infrastructure needed for human existence on foreign worlds.
“The final deliverable of this contract will be humanity’s first construction on another world, and that is going to be a pretty special achievement,” Ballard said.
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Monticello business aims to 3D print biggest building in the Midwest with new technology
MONTICELLO — Monticello will soon be home to the largest 3D-printed building in the Midwest.At least that’s what Nathan Lilly, founder of LX 3D Concrete Printing, plans to make happen, and he’s only just getting started.His company uses a large-scale 3D-printing machine equipped with a patented nozzle and custom concrete recipe to print buildings that Lilly said are more resistant to flood, mold, fires and tornadoes than structures made out of typical materials.
The buildings are also more energy- and cost-efficient, and require significantly less time to construct. The printer can lay down 10 inches of concrete a second, so the walls of a 2,000-square-foot building can be built in less than 20 hours.The method, Lilly said, carries the potential to revolutionize housing to become more affordable, durable and less supply-chain dependent.“We’re really making a structure that would be prohibitively expensive to compete with if it was truly in wood,” Lilly said.“Here’s an easy way to explain it. There’s a book called ‘The Three Little Pigs,’ right? We’re on house number two and we’re changing it to house number three.”Lilly printed his first building, a 1,500-square-foot structure in Monticello, last fall. He said he’s now only waiting on permits to be approved before he starts printing an 8,000-square-foot combination-industrial-office building this spring that he plans to later lease.Born in central Illinois, Lilly said he worked in real-estate investment and development — most recently as the chief financial officer for the student housing company JSM Living in Champaign — before he started LX two and a half years ago.The idea started, in part, after his parent company, Lilly Capital, a private-investment firm, began looking at acquiring a chain of local hardware stores.But a team member posited that hardware stores would probably be put out of business, Lilly said, if a shop could print whatever part a customer needs right then and there and not have to carry inventory.Lilly said he then decided to look into printer technology and acquired a $1 million concrete printer from the Danish company Cobod. The machine can print 25-foot-tall walls without being moved.
Though the machine runs with typical-grade concrete, Lilly said he tinkered with the ratio of its ingredients and developed a special nozzle to allow the machine to print buildings that look like they’ve been constructed using traditional methods.A common critique of concrete construction is that cement requires high heat and a large carbon footprint in order to bind to local aggregates. Lilly said he’s conducted tests with more environmentally sustainable alternatives, but those alternatives have not been structurally approved yet.“The printer is really just a delivery vehicle,” Lilly said. “So it’s very easy for us to adapt and change to any material design improvements, whether it’s fly-ash or some alternative that dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of actual cement.”Further, the construction of 3D-printed buildings nets less waste because the company only manufactures what materials they need from a mixer on-site, Lilly said. And concrete buildings can last much longer than structures made primarily of wood or plastic.Lilly’s number one goal in starting LX was to create homes, but he added that it would be foolish to restrict the company to only use. That’s because printing technology has the potential to create other concrete items more efficiently, like concrete tubes for city utilities.For example, Lily said he already scoped plans to mass-produce a three-year’s supply of lids for a septic tank company in one day.“Initially, we were just planning to subcontract for larger volume home buildings, but we kind of realized that the only way to add value to the most people possible is to not turn people down,” Lilly said.“Really, if anyone wants a structure built, we’re certainly going to be open to it. Our goal is to invest really heavily into the space and shelter the whole world if we can — at least the Midwest.”