Hey, it’s Nathan Derry with JohnHart Real Estate, and today, we’re diving into one of the most fascinating trends in homebuilding: 3D printed homes. Yes, you read that right! We’ve officially entered a new era of construction, where houses are being printed instead of built. If you think that sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, you’re not alone. But believe it or not, the future is here—and it’s pretty incredible.

My ultimate dream is to build a home that’s part 3D printing, part shipping containers, and part greenhouse structure. And guess what? This technology might make that dream closer to reality than ever before.

So, let’s break down the truths behind 3D printed homes and what you should know about this rapidly growing trend.

What Is a 3D Printed Home?

In the simplest terms, a 3D printed home is constructed using large-scale 3D printers that deposit layers of material—usually concrete or other composites—to create the walls and structure of a house. Instead of traditional construction methods that involve wood framing and labor-intensive processes, these machines essentially "print" the house from the ground up, layer by layer.

And it’s not just about basic designs either. Architects and designers now have the ability to create beyond their wildest dreams, producing structures that are not only functional but also futuristic and artistically unique. From curved walls to custom shapes, 3D printing allows for creativity that standard methods just can’t match.

Strong and Sturdy: Will the Big Bad Wolf Blow Them Down?

The first question most people have is: Are 3D printed homes durable? I mean, are we talking about something sturdy here, or could the Big Bad Wolf just blow it down?

Let’s put that concern to rest. 3D printed homes are incredibly strong—and often more durable than traditionally built homes. Most of these homes are printed using concrete, which is one of the strongest building materials out there. Some designs even incorporate reinforced concrete, which makes them even tougher.

These homes are designed to withstand the elements, including high winds, earthquakes, and even fires (in some cases). Plus, because the material is applied in layers and can be mixed with various additives, it often results in stronger walls with fewer seams and weak points.

Benefits of 3D Printed Homes

Here are a few reasons why 3D printed homes are gaining traction:

1. Speed: A 3D printed home can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to build a traditional home. We’re talking days or weeks, not months or years. That’s a huge plus for anyone looking to speed up the building process.

2. Cost: Since 3D printing requires fewer workers and less manual labor, the overall cost of construction can be much lower. That’s great news for affordable housing projects, disaster relief efforts, and anyone on a tight budget.

3. Sustainability: Many 3D printing methods produce less waste than traditional construction. Plus, there’s the potential to use recycled materials, which can make these homes an eco-friendly option.

4. Design Flexibility: 3D printing allows for customization and innovation that’s hard to achieve with traditional construction methods. Curved walls, unusual shapes, and even intricate details can all be printed with ease.

5. Reduced Labor: Since the process is largely automated, there’s less need for a large workforce, which can reduce labor costs and limit on-site accidents.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Like any new technology, 3D printed homes have a few challenges to overcome:

• Building Codes and Regulations: This is a big one. In many areas, building codes haven’t quite caught up with the technology. Getting permits and approvals for 3D printed homes can be tricky.

• Material Limitations: While concrete is strong and durable, it’s not the best material for every part of a home. Right now, 3D printing is primarily used for walls and structural elements, but you’ll still need traditional materials for things like insulation, roofing, and electrical systems.

• Infrastructure: The printers themselves are large and expensive, and they require specialized setup and operation. This isn’t a “DIY” project—yet.

The Future of Homebuilding?

So, will 3D printed homes become the standard in the future? It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s clear that the technology has a lot of potential. Affordable housing, emergency shelters, and even luxury homes could all benefit from this innovative approach.

As for me, I’m dreaming of a home that combines 3D printing with shipping containers and a greenhouse structure. Why? Because why not! The beauty of 3D printing is that it opens the door to creative, sustainable, and efficient designs that were once impossible.

Now, let’s switch gears for a second. Since I’m always talking about homes and food (because who doesn’t love food?!), I thought I’d share a little recipe for the upcoming holidays

French Onion Pot Pie Recipe for the Holidays

French Onion Pot Pie

Here’s a cozy, savory dish that’s perfect for fall and winter:

Ingredients:

• 6 onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions in butter until caramelized.
2. Stir in flour and cook for a minute.
3. Add broth, wine, and thyme, and simmer until thickened.
4. Transfer the mixture to a pie dish, top with puff pastry, and sprinkle with Gruyère.
5. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden.

And if you’re looking for a fun holiday treat, here’s a recipe for

Onion Jam and Goat Cheese Rugelach!

Ingredients:

• 1 batch of pastry dough
• 1/2 cup onion jam
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions:

1. Roll out the dough and spread onion jam over it.
2. Sprinkle goat cheese evenly over the top.
3. Roll up the dough and slice into 1-inch pieces.
4. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.

So, what do you think? Would you live in a 3D printed home? Have questions about the future of real estate? Reach out to me, Nathan Derry, at JohnHart Real Estate—I’m here to help make your dream home (even if it’s 3D printed!) a reality.

All the best,

Nathan Derry, Realtor

📍JohnHart Real Estate

📞(424) 303-0440

📧 nathan@jhagents.com

👨🏽‍💻 itsnathanderry.com

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