Detroit has officially rolled out its first 3D-printed house, carving a new path in the home construction landscape. Developed by Citizen Robotics in collaboration with Develop Architecture, the Islandview-based dwelling located at 1444 Sheridan St. was affirmed ready for would-be homeowners during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This 988-square-foot abode is drawing attention with its $224,500 price tag. Despite the cost lying far above the median Detroit house value, Citizen Robotics staunchly defends the investment. "All other industries are using automation. ... Why not homebuilding?" Fernando Bales of Citizen Robotics is reported to have said, according to Detroit Free Press. Digital modeling laid the foundation for a robot arm to systematically place the mortar layer by unnervingly precise layer, an innovation that hankers back to Citizen Robotics' ethos of utilizing cutting-edge technology in construction.
With features like universal design for accessibility and energy savings in mind, this house banks heavily on its potential for reduced long-term costs. Unveiled images to long-time resident Mildred Malone drew reactions speaking to the home's spaciousness and novelty. Evelyn Woodman of Citizen Robotics emphasized the home's universal design, saying, "As the homeowner continues to age, or should they have any physical disabilities they would have no problem getting around in this home," as reported by WXYZ Detroit.
Nonetheless, the price point remains a contentious issue. "The median housing value in Detroit is about $80,000. So, this is a house that's worth more than twice as much as the average house in Detroit," said Sam Stragand, a senior program manager at the Detroit Partnership on Economic Mobility. As per Detroit Free Press, Bales retorted, suggesting that an $80,000 home in the city would likely require significant investment to match the new construction in comfort and livability.
Citizen Robotics and Develop Architecture are not stopping here, aiming to extend this innovative approach throughout Michigan. Tom Woodman, co-founder of Citizen Robotics, sees digitalization and robotics as catalysts for solving predominant issues in homebuilding - affordability, labor demand, and sustainability. Echoing this sentiment, Hour Detroit reports on plans to conduct workshops to familiarize others with 3D printing in construction. Michigan's housing agency also appears all in, with MSHDA CEO Amy Hovey claiming, "We need all types of housing for Michiganders, and we are committed to exploring programs and partnerships that advance our goal to not only increase housing supply but also lower construction costs, reduce environmental impacts, and maintain affordability for homebuyers and renters."
