California\u2019s housing crisis involves everything from the affordability and availability of homes to homelessness, and there\u2019s not one, simple solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, two Northern California companies are trying to shake things up in the construction industry. Instead of conventional, \u201cstick-built\u201d homes, they are using a 3D printer, something they think will make a big difference in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emergent 3D, in Redding, and Mighty Buildings, in Oakland, have different approaches to 3D printing homes, but both say \u2014 what they\u2019re doing can help mitigate the state\u2019s housing crisis, especially as the technology evolves and their companies grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matthew Gile and Don Ajamian lead Emergent 3D, a Redding-based company that\u2019s just days away from printing its first 3D home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019ll be printing what they call the \u201cWildfire Restoration House,\u201d a 1,200 square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home that meets all of California\u2019s requirements for building in wildfire-prone areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe windows have to be certain types of windows, the attic ventilation can only be certain types, exterior finish, the way you treat the eaves, the type of roofing, and so on,\u201d Ajamian explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor families that are moving in, that maybe have been traumatized as a result of having to flee for their lives out of their homes and have their homes burned down, to have a concrete home\u2026can give you some peace of mind,\u201d Gile said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday, if the average home is taking eight months to build just because of supply chain issues, perhaps we can get this 3D printed one done in about six months or so,\u201d Ajamian said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s because only the walls are 3D-printed. Much of the home still involves conventional construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n