University of Maine's 3D Printer Tackles Housing Shortage with Bio-Based Homes

The University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) is leveraging the world's largest 3D printer to address the state's severe housing shortage. With Maine projected to need 80,000 new homes by 2030, this innovative technology could provide a sustainable and efficient solution.

Dubbed the 'Factory of the Future 1.0,' the ASCC's 3D printer can produce objects as large as 96 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high. Currently, it can print up to 500 pounds of material per hour, with a goal of reaching 1,000 pounds per hour. This would allow the printer to reproduce a 600-square-foot single-family unit, like the 'BioHome3D,' in just 48 hours.

The BioHome3D is the world's first 100% bio-based 3D-printed home, constructed from local wood fiber and bio-resin materials. This sustainable approach utilizes wood residuals from Maine's sawmills, reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability. The BioHome3D features warm wooden floors and walls, giving it a modern Scandinavian-inspired log cabin look.

Why this matters: The development of sustainable and efficient 3D printing technology for home construction has significant implications for addressing housing shortages and environmental sustainability. If successful, this technology could provide a model for addressing housing crises in other regions and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions from construction.

Habib Dagher, executive director of the ASCC, highlights the urgency of the housing crisis: 'People can't find homes, they're very expensive. We also have an aging population ... so there's less and less people who are electricians, plumbers, or builders.' The innovative use of 3D printing technology could address these challenges by providing a faster and more efficient method of construction.

The ASCC's printer is unique in its use of wood residuals, whereas most 3D printing relies on concrete. Dagher notes, 'Nobody's ever done this before with these kinds of materials.' This approach not only makes the homes more sustainable but also more aesthetically pleasing, as many people find concrete structures less inviting, opting for a more cozy home design.

Despite the promising potential, there are challenges to overcome. The printer sometimes jams, and processing wood materials at high speeds can be difficult. Additionally, building codes need to be updated to accommodate 3D-printed homes. The ASCC is working on incorporating conduits for wiring and plumbing into the printing process to streamline construction further.

Looking ahead, the ASCC plans to partner with a local NGO to design and print a nine-home neighborhood for people experiencing homelessness, with construction set to begin in 2025. This project aims to demonstrate the scalability and practicality of 3D-printed homes in addressing urgent housing needs.

The ASCC's innovative approach to home construction could significantly impact Maine's housing crisis. By utilizing local materials and advanced technology, the center is paving the way for a sustainable and efficient solution to the state's housing shortage, potentially becoming a model for future construction.

Key Takeaways

• Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center uses the world's largest 3D printer to address the state's housing shortage.
• The printer can produce a 600-sqft home in 48 hours using local wood fiber and bio-resin materials.
• The BioHome3D is the world's first 100% bio-based 3D-printed home, promoting environmental sustainability.
• The technology could provide a model for addressing housing crises in other regions and reduce carbon emissions.
• The ASCC plans to partner with an NGO to design and print a 9-home neighborhood for people experiencing homelessness in 2025.