Scientists at the University of Maine used one of the world’s largest 3D printers to create ‘Biohome3D’. This is the first house in the world that is 3D printed from 100% natural materials. Despite its modest dimensions – just 55 square meters, the cozy house towers over some of the most colossal residences in the world in its own way – namely because it is the first 3D printed home of its kind, which is made entirely of eco-friendly components. This home is 100% recyclable.
The floors, walls and roof of the “Biohome3D” are 3D printed and made from a mixture of biological resins and wood fibers of sustainable origin. Its creation is the result of a large-scale collaboration between the University of Maine, the US Department of Energy and other countries. And actually putting it together, quite expectedly, is much faster than building a traditional home of this size. In their official press release, the University of Maine notes that the four large 3D modules were printed before the home was assembled in about half a day. It only took an electrician two hours to fully wire it.
Already, $25 million in direct investment has been secured for GEM, including $15 million through the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan — the proposal put forth by Gov. Mills and supported by the Maine Legislature to invest the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan relief funds — and $10 million in the FY22 federal budget thanks to funding requested by Sens. Collins and King. Nearly $40 million in other federal funds championed by Sens. Collins and King are pending for the project.
The Advanced Structures and Composites Center is a world-leading interdisciplinary center for research, education and economic development, encompassing material sciences, advanced manufacturing and engineering of composites and structures. Housed in a 100,000-square-foot ISO-17025-accredited facility, the center has been recognized nationally and internationally for cutting-edge research programs leading and impacting new industries, including offshore wind and marine energy, civil infrastructure, biobased composites, large- scale 3D printing, soldier protection systems and innovative defense-related applications (contact: Taylor Ward, [email protected]).
Photo credit: https://umaine.edu/
