St. Petersburg, FL – Construction is underway on St. Petersburg’s first 3D printed home, a project city leaders say could demonstrate how new building technology may help increase the supply of affordable housing while reducing construction time.
The home is being built through Bright Community Trust in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg as part of the Affordable Lot Disposition Program.
The initiative makes city owned vacant lots available for affordable housing development, with the completed home expected to be sold to a buyer earning no more than 120 percent of the area’s median income.
Unlike traditional construction, the home’s exterior walls are being created by a large robotic printer that layers a specialized concrete material to form the structure.
After the walls are completed, crews will install the roof, electrical systems, plumbing, windows and interior finishes using conventional construction methods.
Engineers involved in the project say the technology can reduce construction time by as much as 50 percent while producing durable concrete walls that meet Florida’s building standards.
The home must still undergo the same permitting, inspections and code compliance process required for any newly built residence.
City officials said the project is intended to evaluate whether 3D printed homes can become a practical option for future affordable housing developments.
If successful, Bright Community Trust plans to build five additional 3D printed homes in St. Petersburg.
The project also supports the city’s Housing Opportunities for All initiative, which seeks to create up to 150 affordable single family homes on city owned property.
Officials say the effort could provide another tool for addressing the region’s growing demand for affordable housing.