Sunconomy Teams Up with Nonprofits to 3D Print Homes in the US for Veterans and Others

At this point you probably expect 3D printing to have a hand in everything. From the 3D printed car to the 3D printed office building and even 3D printed engagement rings, it may seem there are no surprises left. We’ll most likely all find that there are though—and with many for years to come. And while the idea of a 3D printed house may not be new to you, and you may have read about them already being constructed with great success in other countries such as China, when one pops up near you, it might seem like a pretty big deal. At first. Count on seeing many of these in the future. Not only that, these constructions are expected to have serious longevity.

This is the word from Sunconomy, the construction company that will be teaming up with Russian engineers to bring the compact Apis Cor 3D construction printer to the US for printing very affordable homes that are produced quickly—and are also expected to last for centuries. This is all very important in a structure, but what makes the Sunconomy homes even more unique is the level of self-sustainability they offer.

“We can print a house in a day using Apis-Cor’s 3D print technology, advanced materials and insulation that could stand up to an EF 5 Tornado, produce its own renewable energy and potable water, last for centuries, not decades and cost no more than a stick built house,” said Larry Haines, Founder of Sunconomy.

The progressive construction company is teaming up with the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Coat of Many Colors Ministries and Restore Texas Ministries in an effort to help those who are challenged to find housing.

A crowdfunding effort is underway also, at Generosity, as they endeavor to raise $563,198 for their expansive project. The rewards are much different from the usual fare, as you’ll see that if you donate $50, they will offer job training to someone in need for two hours. Many of the other rewards revolve around the 21-acre ecological village the group is planning to create, with memorial bricks and plaques to be made and installed, as well as trees planted with donations ranging from $75-$100. You can also get involved in projects such as working on the team of advisors ($2,500), creating floor plans ($5,000), and even paying $20,000 to learn how to become a 3D printing contractor yourself.

Working together, these groups have a strong focus on veterans, and the first home will be built for a veteran who is 100 percent disabled. The other 3D printed home will go to Restore Texas Ministries.

“Disabled veterans have given up a great deal in the service to our country so NCOA wants to thank you for selecting a veteran to receive one of your first homes,” said Vincent W. Patton III, 8th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Retired and President and National Commander, NCOA.

Sunconomy will be using 3D printing as a tool for building their smart and sustainable homes, as well as offering a new skill set for those working with them. Coat of Many Colors, in Montgomery, TX, will provide job training as well as mentoring for families. They also run a food bank in Montgomery. Restore Texas Ministries is a Christian non-profit organization, also offering job training, housing, and mentoring for men. NCOA is another non-profit, but their focus is on veterans as well as their families, helping them to put a priority on health and finances. They also work as public policy advocates for veterans and their dependents.

Working together, these groups focus on helping individuals graduating from crisis intervention programs, and they will be offering training for new job skills as well as good employment above minimum wage. If you’d like to donate or find out more about their crowdfunding efforts, check out their campaign at Generosity. Discuss in the Sunconomy forum at 3DPB.com.