New York-based SQ4D is looking to disrupt the construction industry using 3D printing technology. The company is aiming to offer 3D printed homes that are built in half the time and at half the price of traditional construction.
The company has already listed the first 3D printed home for sale, and thousands from across the country have inquired about their homes. The key to SQ4D’s efficiency and cost savings is its 3D printing system: ARCS.
SQ4D Printer
ARCS, the SQ4D 3D printing machine, can build homes quickly and with less waste than conventional construction methods. The gantry-style printer is capable of creating full-sized residential and commercial structures. It moves on tracks and has an infinite Y-axis. The X-axis ranges from 16-30.’
How much time can the ARCS 3D printer save?
The printer can print concrete at an impressive 400-700 inches per minute. In addition, each layer is precisely timed to ensure that each layer bonds properly.
SQ4D uses a mix of Portland cement, water and aggregate (sand) for their 3D printed homes.
The ARCS system also 3D prints the home’s foundation, footings and walls. Printing these essential components eliminates the need for conventional methods, which can take considerably more time and complicate the building process.
Furthermore, ARCS saves time because it’s relatively quick to setup. It takes about 6-8 hours to get the system fully set-up. If building multiple developments or communities, the machine can simply be moved down the line to continue working. Because the printer is much quieter than conventional construction methods, it can continue working through all hours of the night.
How the SQ4d Building Process Works
Building a 3D printed home with SQ4D is quick and easy compared to conventional construction methods.
Here’s how it works, step-by-step:
- Prepare the home site and install underground plumbing.
- Setup the printer.
- Excavate footing.
- Print footing.
- Print the foundation wall.
- Install the vapor barrier and conduit.
- Print the foundation.
- Print the walls.
- Cut out electrical boxes.
- Connect electrical boxes, and print on top of them.
- Frame the doors and windows, and print on top of them.
From here, the home is ready to be finished with the placement of the roof and the installation of the finishing touches.
Currently, the ARCS system is not capable of 3D printing a roof, so that will need to be completed using traditional methods.
SQ4D Advantages
The 3D printed homes from SQ4D offer many advantages compared to conventional construction methods. Along with quicker construction, 3D printed houses are:
#1 – Built to Last
The concrete printed homes from SQ4D are reinforced with rebar, providing additional support to a structure that is already naturally wind-resistant.
The material that’s printed by the ARCS printer can also withstand contact with floodwater for an extended period of time without damaging the structure.
Of course, concrete is also naturally resistant to high heat, which helps prevent the starting and spreading of fire.
3D printed concrete homes are resistant to common pests, like ants, termites and rodents.
SQ4D offers a 50-year warranty on their structures, which is a testament to their strength and longevity.
#2 – Lower Cost to Construct
A 3D printed home reduces the cost of construction significantly, particularly in the labor department.
The ARCS system only requires three workers to monitor the machine. Their equipment is also designed for low power consumption that’s equivalent to the use of a hair dryer.
Because the printer system only uses as much material as it needs, there’s less waste during the construction process. This further reduces the cost of building the home.
SQ4D estimates that their homes cost 40% less than homes built using traditional methods.
First 3D Printed Home for Sale
SQ4D has the designation of being the first to put a 3D printed house up for sale. The home is located in Riverhead, New York and was built entirely on-site using the ARCS system.
It’s the first home that’s slated to receive a certificate of occupancy and has been listed on Zillow for sale as a newly constructed home.
The home offers:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 1,407 square feet of living space
In addition, the home has a 750 square-foot garage and sits on a 1/4-acre lot.
What’s even more impressive is that SQ4D will be offering a 50-year warranty on the structure. The home’s footings, foundation and walls were all built using the ARCS system.
The home has been listed at $299,000, which is about 50% lower than the cost of a comparable new home in the area.
Largest 3D Printed Home
Along with creating the first 3D printed home for sale, SQ4D has also made the largest 3D printed house (as of January 2020).
The home has three bedrooms, one bathroom and 1,900 square feet of living space. It took just 48 hours to print the home over an 8-day period and used just $6,000 in materials.
SQ4d 3D Printed House Cost Per Square Foot
Although 3D printed homes can save on costs in labor and materials, it’s still difficult to estimate the cost of constructing the home without any details.
The home in New York was listed at $299,999, which is $213 per square foot.
SQ4D says that there are several factors that will affect material prices, including:
- Your location
- Mix design
- The local supplier
The home site will also play an important role in the cost of the project. The more complex the site, the higher the costs.
SQ4D is changing the way we build homes. The company is hoping to 3D print homes in half the time and at half the cost of conventional building methods. Those who are interested in purchasing one of their 3D printed homes can fill out a questionnaire to see if they are a good fit.
Visit SQ4d.com to learn more and get started.
