Interest in tiny homes has grown rapidly over the last 10 years, not only in the U.S., but in other areas well. And so too has the interest surrounding 3D printers, with researchers and different companies from many countries exploring the vast possibility for their use.
You can find a variety of different tiny home organizations and communities that have sprung up in various states, and other areas as well. You'll also be able to find 3D printers being used to print a variety of objects from household items, to living organs, food, and more.
One startup from Texas has brought the two together; using 3D printers to print tiny homes.
By printing the home, this helps to drastically reduce the price of the home, the 3D printer is able to produce an affordable housing unit that costs roughly $4,000. The Austin-based startup, known as Icon, is working to revolutionize human shelter and use innovative tools to help drastically reduce traditional construction costs.
Icon has managed to be the first company in the country to secure a building permit and successfully build a 3D printed home.
The 650-square foot home that they were able to print in Austin, Texas, was built in a few hours and it only cost them around $10,000 to make.
Compare that to the traditional build of an average home in the United States, which is currently estimated to be roughly $237,000 and it takes several months to complete.
