Technology

US start-up and charity to 3D print 100 $4,000 homes in El Salvador

San Francisco-based charity New Story has teamed with Texan construction technology firm Icon to 3D print homes for $4,000 (£2,868) each. Each of the 74 sq m units can be built in under 24 hours.

According to New Story, the construction process produces no waste and the homes themselves are able to withstand harsh climates and other constraints such as limited water, power and labour.

New Story has already built 850 units for those in need, but after teaming with Icon, they were able to lower the price of a home from $6,000 (£4,303) to $4,000.

A prototype house has been built in Austin, Texas, and the team plans to build a 100-home community in El Salvador.

New Story is also involved in urban planning, and can build homes around schools, play areas and employment opportunities.

New Story will also train locals in construction and use locally sourced materials.

After construction, the charity will follow up with the community, using what they call “impact data”, which measures the impact of a home on education, well-being, income and community building.

The team are looking for $600,000 for the next phase of research and development and also $400,000 of funding for 100 printed homes.

You can read more about the project and donate here.

Images courtesy of New Story

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