A Unique Approach to Building Affordable Housing

At Seeds of Hope Silicon Valley, we strongly believe that resolving homelessness requires a mosaic of solutions. In July, there was a 60 Minutes episode about an Austin-based 3D printing company called ICON that has 3D printed houses for Austin-based Community! First Village (among other projects). This unique approach to building significantly reduces the cost of each home without compromising quality.

In the 60 Minutes episode, Jason Ballard – the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ICON – says the cost of each house is in “the high $400,000 range” and explains how ICON trims costs on materials and labor with their 3D solution. Each house takes 2 weeks to print, which is significantly less time than it takes to build the walls of a traditional home. The roof, windows, and doors are still built and installed using traditional building methods.

3D printing houses is a unique solution to create more affordable housing. We are delighted to see companies thinking creatively about affordable housing. You can read more about these 3D printed houses at Community! First Village on ICON’s website.