3D Printing Explores New Methods for Affordable Housing in Virginia
Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity has begun construction on five 3D-printed affordable homes in Henrico County, Virginia. The project aims to test and scale new building technologies.
Construction has commenced on five 3D-printed affordable homes in eastern Henrico County, Virginia, as part of a collaborative effort by Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity. The project is located at Carter Place I, a new community development near Richmond International Airport.
The initiative is supported by a $1.1 million Innovation Demonstration grant from Virginia Housing, which allowed the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech to acquire a mobile 3D concrete printer. This technology is being used to explore and advance affordable construction techniques throughout the Commonwealth.
Partners in the project include Virginia Tech professors and students, the Henrico County Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Houston-based automated 3D-printed construction company HiveASMBLD, Indian 3D printing technology manufacturer Tvasta, and construction consultants Williamsburg Builder Consultants LLC.
Initially, walls are being printed off-site in a warehouse environment before transport and assembly at the home sites. The project anticipates transitioning to on-site printing later this year. This approach is intended to enhance productivity, quality control, and mitigate weather-related delays.
The Carter Place I project will provide valuable real-world data on the advantages, limitations, and costs associated with these emerging construction methods. The research component aims to document findings and inform the future application and scalability of 3D printing in affordable housing developments.