Houston, we have an affordable housing problem.
The large Texas metropolis is known as one of the most affordable major cities in the United States, but home ownership is still out of reach for many. New reports point to a growing affordability gap between what people can afford and how much housing actually costs.
“We’re getting really, really close to a time when young Texas families will be unable to purchase a home and we know that home ownership is really foundational to the financial success of most American families,” Emily Brizzolara-Dove, a policy advisor with the non-partisan policy group Texas 2036, told ABC 13 News.
But an innovative new development aims to meet people where they are.
In partnership with the City of Houston and Cole Klein Builders, a 3D printing construction company, HiveASMBLD, is building a neighborhood of 80 hybrid 3D-printed homes across 13 acres.
It’s called Zuri Gardens.
The development will specifically serve households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income through Houston’s Affordable Home Development Program.
The homes also qualify for up to $125,000 in down payment assistance from the city, which aims to subsidize costs for future and first-time homeowners.
“Zuri Gardens was born from the frustration of watching hardworking families get priced out of safe, resilient housing,” Vanessa Cole, co-founder of Cole Klein Builders told Culture Map Houston.
“We knew there had to be a better way — and with this project, we’re proving that there is.”
The development will include energy-efficient, high-quality homes with an average size of about 1,360 square feet.
HiveASMBLD plans to print two unique home designs, each with a two-bedroom and two and a half bathroom configuration, as well as an office or flex space, and a covered patio.
Pricing for these homes starts in the mid to high $200,000s.
“By combining visionary design, advanced construction technology, and powerful partnerships, we’re building more than just homes,” Cole added. “We’re creating a blueprint for the future of equitable homeownership in Houston and beyond.”
Zuri Gardens is being hailed as the world’s first large-scale affordable housing development to be built using 3D printing technology, and it’s set to be completed in October of this year.
As “hybrid” homes, the houses in Zuri Gardens combine traditional construction methods with newer 3D printing technology, resulting in stronger and more cost-effective housing.
“The community we envision for Zuri Gardens is modern, safe, and one that residents will be proud to call home,” Timothy Lankau, founder and co-CEO of HiveASMBLD, told Culture Map Houston.
“When completed using HiveASMBLD’s innovative technology, this 3D-printed multifamily community will exemplify the future of residential affordable living.”
According to its website, HiveASMBLED uses what they call a Precision Panel System to streamline the construction of roofs and non-structural wall panels by using prefabricated components. The goal is to accelerate home-building projects while minimizing waste.
“At the core of our innovation is a proprietary low-carbon mortar — delivering the same strength and durability at one-third the cost of commercially available alternatives,” HiveASMBLD’s website explains.
The HiveASMBLD 3D printing material is made of a proprietary concrete mix that is printed in layers until a final shell is complete. Mockups of the Zuri Gardens homes show these layered details visible within the home.
“The solid concrete walls are designed to resist hurricanes, fire, and pests far better than traditional wood frames,” a Zuri Gardens floorplan web page explains.
“[The home is] built with a low-carbon cement that is much better for the environment. Walls are filled with foam insulation, creating a super-tight seal that keeps your home comfortable and your energy bills down.”
The Zuri Gardens development is still in an “early launch phase,” though homes are expected to become available this fall.
“Zuri Gardens presents a remarkable opportunity to establish an innovative and flourishing affordable housing development in southeast Houston,” the Cole Klein Builders website states. “... striving to redefine the concept of affordable housing within the city.”
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Header image courtesy of HiveASMBLD
