Action figures, casts, and kayaks. These are just some of the things that can be created using 3D printers. The advance of 3D printing technology has become evident not only in fun things like toys or art, but also in science, medicine, and technology (for example, 3D printed organs or machine components). But what if it could also be used to decrease the amount of time dedicated to labor-intensive construction? Well, the Ukrainian homebuilding startup PassivDom has accomplished this with their 3D printed homes.
Picture this: you find your dream location, the land is purchased or leased, and all you have to do is construct your dream home. Sounds amazing, right? Well, building a house is a labor and time-intensive process, not to mention the effort involved in ensuring that everything is up to code and paying for the entire project. While homebuilders have been automating parts of production to reduce the amount they have to do by hand, PassivDom has revolutionized the industry.
Their 3D printing robot can print multiple components which can be used to construct small homes. Currently, their 410 square-foot printing model can print walls, roofs, and floors in under 9 hours (for their smaller models). Once everything is printed, homebuilders can add the windows, doors, plumbing and electrical components.
What are the key features? PassivDom’s houses are off the grid meaning they do not require external heating or cooling units nor do they require electric or gas hookups. They run using solar energy only so they can be used anywhere (an energy storage unit is included), are better for the Earth, and no foundation is needed for these homes. The homes can be placed on any surface and are easy to relocate should the homeowner decide to move.
These autonomous 3D printed homes can be used as guest houses, vacation homes or even as rental units, the use depends on the needs and wants of the user and which of the two models they choose. The first model, ModulOne, contains a living room studio, kitchen, and one bathroom. It can easily accommodate two people. The price for ModulOne starts from $64,000. The second model, ModulTwo, has a living room, one bedroom, a kitchen and one bathroom, comparable to a single-family house. The cost of this unit starts from $97,000. Both models can come with a microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, coffee machine, toilet, shower, combination washer/sink, sofa-bed, table, chairs, storage, and a closet.The homes also come equipped with climate control (heat pumps, floor heating, air conditioner and IR-absorbing low-emission windows), an air quality system (including a HEPA filter and antibacterial system), solar energy capabilities, a water system (off the grid air to water system is optional) and sewage system (which can be hooked up to an autonomous septic system).
PassivDom has inspired many with their prefabricated, tiny homes all over, in fact, the PassivDom community extends from the United States and Canada to Europe and Asia. The startup, which launched in 2017, has received over 8,000 pre-order requests already just in the United States. The first 100 pre-orders will be fulfilled in the first month of the new year. PassivDom will be fulfilling both standard model orders and custom orders as well. Premium models come with furniture, all of the engineering systems and sewage systems as well. The goal of creating an autonomous house was to allow homeowners to experience the ultimate freedom. Traditional housing can still be their goal if desired, however, homeowners looking to return to nature or take a break from the chaos of civilization can appreciate the ability to do so easily. PassivDom believes that 3D printing presents a cheaper, less time-intensive and more efficient way to construct affordable housing.
Not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge? Well, PassivDom allows you to try a home out! That’s right, you can live in one of their homes for several days to get a feel for how life in your new, small, off the grid home, really can be. Still not sure? Afraid that with the cold winter coming ahead you’ll be freezing in your tiny home? Well, according to the Guinness Book of Records, PassivDom created the warmest residential building in the world. Even at night, the house battery is strong enough to heat the home. It will work at night for at least two weeks of continuous darkness or during 14 straight days of polar night.
Still not convinced? Then must be a tough nut to crack. Why not check PassivDom out yourself? PassivDom provides the rare chance to help the Earth, find peace and finally afford that sweet house you’ve always wanted.
passivdom.com
