Exciting Times for Detroit: 3D-Printed Homes Are on the Horizon!

Exciting Times for Detroit: 3D-Printed Homes Are on the Horizon!

Detroit is buzzing with anticipation as a groundbreaking project is kicking off right in the heart of the city. Citizen Robotics has launched its ambitious plan to create the very first 3D-printed house in Detroit and, believe it or not, it’s set to be the first of its kind in the entire state of Michigan! This innovative move is not just a stroke of genius but a necessity for a city grappling with housing shortages.

What’s Brewing in the Warehouse?

This past Tuesday, a state-of-the-art 3D-printing robot started crafting concrete walls in a warehouse located in southwest Detroit. The upcoming home will feature two cozy bedrooms stretching over 850 square feet and is designed specifically for low-income families, particularly those making around 80% of the median income, which roughly translates to $50,240 for a two-person household.

Tom Woodman Weighs In

During this thrilling development, Tom Woodman, executive director of Citizen Robotics, shared his concerns about the broader housing crisis. “If cities and states don’t invest in technologies like this, our housing stock will continue to decline,” he noted. Woodman fears that without such projects, housing costs will continue to rise, making it difficult for residents to afford living in vibrant neighborhoods.

Why Choose Detroit?

Why is Detroit the chosen city for this incredible project? Woodman explained that Detroit is actively “striving for solutions”, making it the perfect testing ground for innovations in housing. Additionally, the project aims to make a significant impact by transforming Detroit’s many vacant lots—there’s about 19 square miles of them, according to city planners. By building 3D homes, the hope is to create more affordable housing options and rejuvenate the community.

Energy Efficiency and Home Comfort

The benefits of this modern construction method go beyond just affordability. Woodman emphasized that homes made from 3D printing technology are expected to use much less energy for heating and cooling. “This is not just better for homeowners’ wallets; it’s a step forward for our planet too,” he added.

A Glimpse of the Future

The structure of the 3D-printed home is set to be completed by the end of this year, with the entire project slated for full completion by spring 2023. Architectural designer Bryan Cook is thrilled about this pioneering project and expressed excitement as he watched the initial stages unfold. “It feels really good to see something tangible coming to life,” Cook remarked.

A Bold Proposal from City Council

Adding to the positive momentum, Detroit City Councilman Coleman A. Young II has put forth a request to analyze the viability of launching a pilot program focused on building 3D homes in some of the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods. He is seeking insights from various city departments and contemplating the feasibility of the city acquiring its own 3D printer.

Investment and Support for the Project

The projected cost for the Detroit project is about $230,000, with part of the funds coming from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), which is contributing $150,000. MSHDA’s involvement is crucial, as they see this 3D home as a “proof of concept project” to evaluate the sustainability and effectiveness of this new building method.

Community Support is Vital

As the project gains momentum, there’s an underlying message that supporting community journalism is just as important. Local news outlets play a crucial role in keeping residents informed about developments like these. They shed light on issues that matter most to the community, urging residents to contribute if they value local reporting.

Wrapping Up

As Detroit races towards this innovative future, it’s clear that the city is setting a precedent for how housing can evolve. With the combination of cutting-edge technology and a resilient community spirit, the dream of affordable housing can truly become a reality.