Tampa Readies For Its First 3D-Printed Housing Community

Housing communities built using 3D-printing technology are on the rise in markets across the U.S., and Florida is one of the latest states to welcome this method.

A new 3D-printed community recently broke ground in East Tampa, Fla., to provide affordable housing in that community. Consisting of 18 units, the homes are being built by nonprofit organization Community Development Corporation of Tampa with $2.4 million in funding from Hillsborough County, Bay News 9 reports.

When complete, the community will be the first 3D-printed development in Tampa. The homes are also designed with their environment in mind, using materials that are equipped to withstand common weather conditions in Florida, such as high winds and flooding.

“We have a lot of flooding that happens in Hillsborough County, a lot of hurricanes,” said Ernest Coney, CEO of the CDC of Tampa. “So we wanted to make sure we have something sustainable that can stand strong during hurricanes. If it floods, it’s cement — you just let the water back out and you’re good.”