When you can just make homes out of your plastic garbage, why "reduce,
reuse, recycle"?
Although it might seem like a crazy notion, a Los Angeles-based firm using
3D printing is attempting to build homes in this manner.
The world's first 3D printed "backyard studio," created with recyclable
plastic components, was unveiled by Azure in April.
And while the firm gets ready to expand its manufacturing line in the Los
Angeles area of Culver City, its plastic-printed studios and auxiliary
dwelling units (ADUs) are already available for presale.
Currently, whether it is a custom mix or pure concrete, most 3D printing
home manufacturers employ concrete to build their homes.
By adopting a more sustainable strategy, Azure is bidding good-bye to this
dull grey appearance.
... providing plastic that was previously destined for landfills or
incineration a second chance.
The naturally waterproof plastic polymer, which is frequently used in
plastic bottles and food packaging, will be used in more than 60% of Azure's
printing materials, the business claims.
Ross Maguire, who cofounded Azure to improve the effectiveness and
sustainability of building, told Insider that it is presently collaborating
with three vendors to find "post-industrial plastic" for its printing
mix.
However, using post-consumer plastic is the plan going forward: "Our supply
chain should never be short in our lifetime," he stated.
The emerging 3D printing homebuilding sector has already been hailed as a
more efficient and ecological construction technique, even without the usage
of recycled plastic.
The majority of its supporters contend that by employing printers in place
of workers, homes may be constructed more effectively while utilizing less
waste, resources, and time.
And Azure won't be any different: the business claims that by 3D printing
the floor, roof, and walls of its models within its factory, it can create
houses 70% faster and 30% cheaper than "conventional home construction
techniques."
And thanks to prefabrication, 99% of a unit's finishing will be finished
before it leaves Azure's 10,000 square foot plant in Los Angeles, according
to Maguire.
The only work required on-site when the home is brought in on a flatbed
truck will be connecting it to its foundation and utilities.
There are now a number of adaptable models available in Azure, ranging from
little studios to 900 square foot two-bedroom ADUs.
And you can pre-order these builds right now for delivery as early as
November.
These units will all be prefabricated and constructed utilizing connectable
modules that can each be printed in under a day, regardless of the model or
size.
The smallest choice is the 120 square foot, $24,900 Sky Backyard Studio,
which has a futuristic appearance. It may be used as a backyard office or
gym.
A 3D-printed wall that flows and has rounded corners connects the floor to
the ceiling. The studio then has glass walls on either side, giving it a
crisp, contemporary appearance.
These studios can be printed in one day, wired in two, insulated in three,
and then delivered on-site in two weeks because of their lower size, Maguire
told Insider.
However, Azure also prints ADUs, which gained enormous popularity in 2020
if you're searching for something more substantial.
ADUs increase the size of the primary residence by acting as Airbnbs or
guest houses in the rear.
Azure's is also available in a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom
size.
These apartments range in size from 180 to 900 square feet.
Despite the fact that, according to local press sources, the cheapest
$39,900 choice already has a three-month backlog.
A bedroom, living room, bathroom, and even a laundry facility are located
inside the bigger constructions.
In contrast to the backyard studio, it is now offered in two
variations.
The larger ADU has the same futuristic look as the backyard studio, while
the smaller ADU has a more conventional design with a pointed roof (as
illustrated below).
According to Maguire of Insider, the business had a "huge surge of
preorders" when it unveiled the previous appearance.
He also thinks the business will sell more of these traditional-passing
ADUs in the future.
Although Azure has another model in the works, it has only printed one so
far.
However, the firm will get the last pieces of gear it requires next month
to start deploying the manufacturing line.
... which should aid in addressing its "huge backlog of orders" that have
already been taxing its one printer, according to Maguire.
However, one printer is insufficient considering the extent of its backlog:
To buy a second or third printer, Azure is now holding a crowdfunding
campaign and talking to venture capitalists about it.
Because of this, the ambitious real estate aspirations of the Los Angeles
startup are just the beginning.
In collaboration with a real estate development firm, Azure will introduce
a neighborhood of 14 3D printed prefabricated homes in California in
December.
Additionally, the startup will start distributing bigger homes in
2024.
Azure may later look at printing dwellings for clients who are not already
housed or who are located abroad.
... and in the future, if the business wishes to grow, you may see a
manufacturing line for Azure similar to a pop-up shop nearby.
As the techniques, technology, and materials are improved, 3D printing
should become a more effective method of construction, according to Maguire.
As we go, "I can only see it becoming more and more prominent in
[building]."
