Lately 3D printing seems to be an inescapable topic in the architecture industry.  This is mostly because architects have been testing the potential that 3D technology presents for the future.  While we've already seen the world's first 3D printed house and how the newest 3D printing methods are changing architecture. We now are discussing how a group of individuals are revolutionizing the real-estate industry with their newly printed 3D homes.

Although we are still amused by the first ever 3D printed home, now we have even more to be enchanted by since The WinSun Decoration Design Engineering Company has discovered a way to complete 10 houses in a single day using a massive printer that was 490 feet long, 33 feet wide, and 20 feet deep. The video above explore the process of how the home was constructed.  

While the printing is not unique, unlike the other architects that use a concrete formula, the 'ink' used to make these houses was made of recycled construction materials, industrial waste and tailings. This makes the house not only environmentally conscientious but also inexpensive. According to Architect's Newspaper, the houses are estimated to cost around $4,800.

Since the house is relatively inexpensive, some have showed their disdain for the appearance of it and even went as far as to suggest that the style of the home is sacrificed by the cost. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it is important to recognize that the style of the houses weren't the priority of the company. Instead, they wanted the focus to be on how revolutionary this process is for the real-estate industry.  

In addition to their relatively low cost and quick building time, these homes are disposable and reusable. Each house can be demolished, chipped, and ground to a predetermined particle size that can then be mixed with some bonding agent or concrete, and then used as ink in the 3D fabricator. The company can grind them up multiple times and reprint an entirely new home with the old materials. 

Since the house is able to be remade, it is an attractive housing option because of its adaptability.  Whether this is adding an office for individuals who've decided to work from home or making the home more suitable for aging individuals. As housing needs change for individuals entering different stages of life, the house will be able to accommodate to  the changes easily.

Although the adaptability of the home may seem like enough of a reason to invest in such a home, the real challenge is deciphering if it is feasible. One of the biggest concerns is the longevity of the home. If there is only an expected lifespan of 10-20 years for the home, this means that having to dispose of the house to build a new one will not only have costs incurred for the rebuild but also for the displacement of the individual while the home is being rebuilt. 

Regardless of the conflicting emotions towards the housing, it doesn't seem like the trend will be disappearing anytime soon.  In fact, it seems more likely that we'll be hearing a lot more about this trend as new developments are shared and architects compete to offer the best disposable house. 

Source: Future of Construction cover photo © unsplash