The First 3-D Printed Net-Zero Energy Home

Nov 16

Image by Mighty Buildings via mightybuildings.com

A not-so-new concept recently brought to reality in the housing industry is 3D-printed homes, also called additive construction or additive manufacturing. Ever since 3D printing became broadly known, there has been much discussion about how 3D printing could help the future of housing.

We at Array were honored that Mighty Buildings chose to use Array solar modules for this incredible project. We love knowing that our modules will help to empower more lives and help support a more sustainable future.

We’re excited to share that Mighty Buildings has brought the concept to life, making sustainable, affordable housing available and creating the very first net-zero 3D-printed home. One of the ways that Mighty Buildings has succeeded in this endeavor is by using Array Modules to power their homes.

The technology Mighty Buildings uses has been developing since 2017, but they didn’t gain much attention until two years ago. Since then, they have received funding and gained the resources to continue growing their business and expanding their operations. This includes partnering B2B with home developers globally to help provide more sustainable housing for the planet, across the planet.

What is a Net-Zero Energy Home?

What does it mean to have a net-zero energy home? A net-zero energy home is a highly efficient home powered by a renewable energy system that can offset all of its energy use. This is achieved by either putting energy back into the grid via net-metering or by being off-grid, generating and storing all needed energy independently.

In fact, net-zero energy homes aren’t only carbon neutral, but are actually designed to generate more energy than they need. This means that the minimal amount of energy that is used during production, delivery, and construction is offset by the energy generated once the home is in use.

Are 3D Printed Homes Sustainable?

Sustainability is top of mind for many as they decide how to build their home. A net-zero energy home is an attractive option for those looking to build their first home, but is the process of 3D printing a home sustainable? When it comes to Mighty Buildings, the answer is yes.

Mighty Buildings has perfected a near-zero waste production for their kit 3D-printed homes by generating only 1% of waste compared to traditional construction methods. Their concrete-free material formula uses 60% recycled materials, and they are continuously researching ways to improve that generous number.

The panel-based system from Mighty Buildings reduces construction time by more than half, giving immediate value to anyone who uses it. Pre-production and ready-to-assemble kits create benefits by reducing preparation and sourcing time. Their 3D-printed designs can be adapted to any climate, protecting from extreme temperatures, pest infestation, flooding, high winds, and the materials used are fire resistant.

Intending to reduce waste and deliver carbon-negative construction by 2028, Mighty Buildings has gone above and beyond by putting its products through a full life cycle assessment.

When paired with solar modules and either tied into a power grid or storing electricity in a battery bank, a 3D-printed home is one of the most sustainable options on the market.

3D Printing for ADUs and Tiny Homes

A huge step towards affordable housing is the ability to produce 3D-printed ADUs (accessory dwelling units) at a much lower cost than a traditionally built ADU. These small dwellings have become increasingly popular as we are trying to find ways to create more affordable housing for smaller families or single-resident renters. 3D printing for ADUs allows us to build sustainable and affordable homes that can be delivered to almost any location.

The same concept goes for tiny homes, which are slightly different than an ADU because they often are designed to be able to move after they are built. ADUs require a foundation and are designed to stay in one location permanently once built.

Mighty Buildings started out manufacturing 3D-printed ADUs and then expanded into other modular home designs. They are building communities of 3D-printed homes in Southern California, complete with solar modules and optional battery banks for power storage.

How Much Does a 3D-Printed Home Cost?

The cost of a 3D-printed home will vary depending on the size of the home and the location of where it is being built. Regardless, 3D-printed homes are considerably less expensive than traditional construction methods. Less manual labor is required for 3D printing, and since most plans are modular, manufacturing costs are reduced with a consistent product.

Some tiny home 3D-printed houses can cost as little as $4,000 but can quickly increase in price depending on the size and design. The overall cost of a 3D-printed home is typically 20 to 40 percent less than a regular home constructed with typical materials and general labor costs. This is largely due to the lower cost of labor and the speed that 3D-printed buildings can be assembled once the pieces are printed.

The Future of 3D-Printed Homes

3D-printed homes are the housing of the future. The technology has advanced (and continues to advance), and it will only be a matter of time before more people see the value of 3D-printed homes. Additive construction is more efficient than traditional construction, taking 50% less time to erect a new home for a fraction of the cost.

Can you imagine a future with affordable, net-zero energy communities that can be assembled in nearly any location? We can, and we’re excited to be a part of these revolutionary developments.

Rent is expensive now, just like everything else. Housing costs will probably stay high for the foreseeable future. We need to increase an affordable housing supply, and 3D-printed homes may be the best solution for affordability and the planet as a whole.

Sierra Eberly