In the state of Texas (USA), construction of the world's largest residential area, created using a Vulcan 3D printer, is being completed. This gigantic device, almost 14 meters wide and weighing 4,75 tons, is building 100 houses in the Wolf Ranch village near Georgetown, RBC Life reports, citing Reuters.
The project started in November 2022. 3D printing technology for houses promises a number of benefits: faster construction speed, lower costs, fewer workers on site and minimizing construction waste.
The construction process involves the use of a special mixture of concrete, water, sand and additives. The printer applies this mixture in layers, creating walls with a unique texture. The construction of a one-story house with 3-4 bedrooms takes about three weeks. In this case, the foundation and roof are installed in the traditional way.
The developers claim that walls created using this technology are highly resistant to moisture, mold, termites and extreme weather events. The first residents have already appreciated the advantages of such houses, noting their durability and ability to keep cool in hot weather.
However, there was also a drawback: thick walls make it difficult for the Wi-Fi signal to pass through. To solve this problem, residents have to use special mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Homes in Wolf Ranch range from 450 thousand to 600 thousand USD. More than a quarter of the 100 homes have been sold so far.
The company behind this project, ICON, plans to apply its technology to construction on the Moon in the future. NASA has already signed a contract with her to develop a system for creating lunar infrastructure as part of the Artemis program.