Our first project is to sponsor the construction of a prototype 3D printed affordable home in collaboration with Apis Cor, an engineering firm that was a NASA finalist to develop housing on Mars. Apis Cor has developed a state-of-the-art 3D printing robot that can print entirely on-site an earthquake reinforced concrete 407 square foot home in 24-hours for a cost of $10,000. The technology is scalable to any sized home. Apis Cor and HTF have entered into a collaboration to construct the first 3D printed affordable home in Santa Barbara County using this innovative robotics construction technology. 

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The first model will be a small one-story home to demonstrate 3D printing technology. We plan to incorporate energy efficient systems and sustainability features into the design of the 3D printed affordable home, including a solar photovoltaic system and drought tolerant and/or edible landscaping, among others. The prototype home may target households with special needs, such as low-income families, farm workers, persons with disabilities or homeless persons. We will evaluate the 3D printing technology’s ability to reduce the time and costs involved in constructing an affordable home and publish the results of the demonstration project.