To increase the development of affordable housing, the state of Oklahoma could turn to 3-D printing. An Oklahoma lawmaker, Rep. Mickey Dollens, is proposing legislation to address the state’s affordable housing crisis by incorporating 3D-printed homes into the state’s housing tax credit program, according to Route Fifty. These homes, which were originally proposed for construction on Mars, can be built for as little as $14 per square foot and are constructed by pouring a foundation, printing the floor plan, and then adding a traditionally built roof.
Over a dozen other states already allow such homes to be built, according to Alper Real Estate Group, which has studied the emerging technology.
Tyler Ley, an Oklahoma State University structural engineering professor, said that the technology has minimal formwork, saves labor, has faster delivery and less waste, but conventional 3D-printing can cost more than conventional construction. But Ley said that he believes 3D print construction will become standard practice if given time. Read more
