Mighty Buildings completes world's first 3D-printed net-zero home in southern California

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In a significant milestone for sustainable housing, Mighty Buildings has successfully completed the world’s first 3D-printed net-zero home in southern California. This innovative achievement comes as part of a larger 40-unit community project in Desert Hot Springs that explores environmental and economic development strategies. The 1,171-square-foot home, known as the Quatro, was designed by Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects and utilizes Mighty Buildings’ flexible, panelized kit of parts. The team claims that the home will produce as much energy as it consumes, thanks to its efficient materials, integrated technologies, and additional components. With the completion of this groundbreaking project, Mighty Buildings aims to prove that sustainable housing can be both profitable and environmentally friendly, revolutionizing the future of housing development.

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Mighty Buildings completes world’s first 3D-printed net-zero home in southern California

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Introduction

In a major milestone for sustainable housing development, Mighty Buildings has delivered the world’s first 3D-printed net-zero home in Desert Hot Springs, southern California. This groundbreaking project showcases the potential of 3D printing technology and sustainable design principles to create environmentally-friendly and economically-viable housing solutions. Designed by Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC), the Quatro home generates as much energy as it consumes, thanks to Mighty Buildings’ innovative panelized construction system and integration of advanced technologies.

The Quatro Home: A Sustainable Living Solution

The Quatro home, spanning 1,171 square feet (159 square meters), offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable housing. It is designed with a focus on achieving net-zero energy consumption, meaning it produces as much energy as it consumes. This impressive feat is made possible through efficient materials, integrated technologies, and additional components carefully incorporated into the home’s design.

EYRC Architects: Designing the Future of Housing

Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC), a renowned architectural firm, took on the task of designing the Quatro home. The design team envisioned a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing living space that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. The result is a beautifully designed two-bedroom, two-bath home that combines functionality with sustainability.

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The Power of Panelized Construction

Mighty Buildings’ panelized construction system serves as the backbone of the Quatro home’s construction. The flexible kit of parts allows for efficient and precise assembly on-site. The exterior composite stone wall panels, made from a proprietary material called Light Stone, are 3D-printed in a factory in Oakland. This alternative to traditional concrete offers improved tensile and flexural strength, reduced weight, and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Prefabrication for Speed and Quality

To further expedite the construction process, Mighty Buildings prefabricates certain components off-site. The home’s roof cassettes and plumbing/mechanical core module, constructed with light-gauge steel, are pre-built before being transported to the site. This approach ensures higher levels of precision, quality control, and speed during the assembly phase. As a result, the installation of the Quatro home’s components on its concrete slab foundation takes less than a day.

Embracing Nature Through Design

The design of the Quatro home embraces its natural surroundings, allowing residents to connect with the breathtaking San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of the mountains while infusing the interior with natural light. The black metal flashing caps the embedded parapet, ensuring a seamless transition between the home and its foundation.

Interior Excellence: Aesthetic and Sustainable

The interior of the Quatro home reflects a minimalistic and sustainable design ethos. The use of white oak casework and flooring, stainless steel fixtures, glazed white tile, and quartz countertops creates a modern and serene living space. Recessed lighting and Brilliant smart home technology combine to provide seamless control and energy efficiency. The interior detailing exemplifies the commitment to sustainable and aesthetically pleasing design.

Achieving Net-Zero Design

Mighty Buildings has successfully achieved net-zero energy consumption in the Quatro home through a combination of design choices and innovative technologies. The use of energy-efficient materials, integrated solar technology, and high-performance windows ensures minimal energy waste. Additionally, the integration of advanced insulation and HVAC systems further reduces energy consumption. The result is a home that generates a significant amount of its energy needs through renewable sources and minimizes its impact on the environment.

Robust and Resilient: Protecting Against the Elements

In addition to its sustainable design features, the Quatro home is built to withstand various environmental conditions. A robotic coating application enhances its resistance to hurricane winds, high water, fire, mold, insects, and extreme temperatures. This durability ensures that the home remains a safe and sustainable living space for its occupants for years to come.

Advanced Automation for Faster Construction

Mighty Buildings’ manufacturing process leverages advanced automation and robotics, significantly reducing construction time. The high degree of automation allows for faster completion, with the entire home constructed within 4-5 months. This streamlined approach benefits homebuyers, onsite workers, and developers, resulting in happier customers, improved productivity, and higher returns on investment.

A Sustainable Community

The 40-unit community where the Quatro home resides goes beyond individual homes. It incorporates accessory dwelling units (ADUs), swimming pools, pergolas, hot tubs, fire pits, and other amenities. This holistic approach to community development promotes sustainable and communal living while fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility for the environment.

Expansion and Future Projects

Mighty Buildings’ success with the Quatro home is not an isolated achievement. The company has previously designed a 15-home 3D-printed neighborhood in Rancho Mirage, California, in collaboration with the Palari Group. Additionally, the team is currently working on a multi-story 3D-printed home in Houston, Texas. These projects showcase the scalability and versatility of 3D printing technology in the construction industry.

Conclusion

Mighty Buildings’ completion of the world’s first 3D-printed net-zero home in southern California is a significant milestone in sustainable housing development. The Quatro home exemplifies the potential of 3D printing technology, efficient materials, and integrated technologies to create environmentally-friendly and cost-effective living spaces. With ongoing advancements and innovative projects in the pipeline, Mighty Buildings is poised to revolutionize the construction industry and pave the way for a sustainable future.

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