3d printing single-family house with concrete. New technology house building using a modern CNC machine 3d printing single-family house with concrete. New technology house building using a modern CNC machine
BREAKING: Houston has unveiled a groundbreaking solution to its housing crisis with the launch of Zuri Gardens, a large-scale community of 80 energy-efficient homes constructed using 3D printing technology. Developed by local builders Cole Klein and the startup HiveASMBLD, this innovative project addresses the city’s widening affordability gap, now reported at nearly $176,000 according to the Kinder Institute’s 2025 State of Housing report.
The urgency of this development cannot be overstated. With climate change exacerbating risks in low-income neighborhoods, Houston is in dire need of sustainable and affordable housing. Zuri Gardens stands out by using a proprietary concrete blend that allows homes to be built faster, stronger, and with greater resilience against flooding and extreme heat. Each home will sell for the mid to high $200,000 range, with the City of Houston offering down payment assistance up to $125,000 to eligible buyers.
“Homebuyers are ready for something they can afford that’s also built well,” states Robert Spiegel, chief development officer of HiveASMBLD. “And that’s what we’re delivering.” The community will feature homes that are 1,360 square feet, with two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a flexible bonus space, all designed for long-term durability and energy efficiency.
Zuri Gardens redefines affordable housing by ensuring every home is constructed with the same high-quality materials and technology, regardless of price. “A $4 million home and an entry-level home get the same walls,” Spiegel emphasizes. This commitment to quality means that these homes will not only endure but thrive, resisting the deterioration often seen in lower-cost housing.
The 3D printing process at Zuri Gardens is nothing short of revolutionary. Utilizing large robotic printers, homes are constructed layer by layer with custom mortar, creating solid structural walls. Once printed, traditional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are installed, followed by backfilling the walls with concrete foam, resulting in a robust and insulated structure. This approach not only enhances resilience but also reduces construction time and costs significantly.
Houston’s high insurance burdens make the durability of these homes particularly appealing. Homeowners in the area face an average insurance cost of 1.5% of their home’s value annually, nearing the 2% affordability threshold. The climate resilience of Zuri Gardens properties could lead to lower insurance premiums, making homeownership more attainable.
The shift towards 3D-printed homes is not just about cost savings; it’s about improving quality of life. These homes are designed to withstand the elements without succumbing to the issues of traditional materials, such as warping or rot. “If your kid crashes a skateboard into the wall, it’s not sheetrock; he’s not going through it,” Spiegel quips.
As the Zuri Gardens project gains momentum, it serves as a potential blueprint for cities across the nation grappling with similar housing challenges. “The buyers are coming. And the communities will follow,” Spiegel asserts, highlighting the broader implications of this innovative housing model.
This initiative not only addresses the pressing need for affordable housing but also aims to restore dignity to homeownership. Many hardworking families in Houston are currently unable to afford homes, a situation Spiegel describes as “gross.” Zuri Gardens aims to make a significant dent in this problem, empowering families to achieve homeownership with pride.
As the completion of Zuri Gardens approaches, this community stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, showcasing how technology can reshape the future of housing. The project is set to transform the landscape of affordable housing in Houston, making a lasting impact on the lives of its residents.
Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking development as it progresses.
