Linda Reisman has placed a significant investment in the advancement of 3D printed homes in Canada. Faced with exorbitant quotes from traditional builders for constructing a home on her acquired land in Ontario’s Muskoka region, Reisman opted to utilize her savings of nearly $700,000 to procure a robotic arm capable of 3D printing concrete walls layer by layer.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the potential of 3D printing, Reisman highlighted the speed and efficiency of the technology, emphasizing the ability to print walls within a day with minimal labor requirements. While Reisman aims to utilize the robotic arm for her personal home construction, she also envisions leveraging it to address the housing crisis in the country by offering 3D printed homes to others.
In her exploration of 3D printing technology, Reisman was inspired by the government’s emphasis on housing innovation, including 3D printing, and the availability of grants for its adoption. Despite some developers incorporating 3D printing into select housing projects nationwide, the widespread adoption of this technique remains uncertain.
While Reisman’s robotic arm can print walls, collaboration with traditional builders is essential to complete a 3D printed home, involving the installation of doors, windows, roofing, and utility systems. However, Reisman has encountered challenges in engaging Canadian contractors willing to embrace this innovative approach.
Demonstrating the feasibility of 3D printed housing, a townhome complex in Gananoque, Ont., represents a significant milestone in Canada’s construction industry. Constructed with the assistance of a robot named Val, this project showcases the efficiency and affordability of 3D printing technology.
By streamlining the construction process and reducing material costs, Horizon Legacy’s CEO, Nhung Nguyen, underscores the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize the housing sector. Nguyen envisions enhanced productivity and cost savings through continued integration of robotic arms in construction projects.
Recognizing the value of government support, federal initiatives have allocated funds for innovative housing technologies like 3D printing. Efforts to expedite housing construction, such as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Build Canada Homes program, underscore the government’s commitment to addressing housing challenges through technological advancements.
While 3D printing offers promising solutions, industry experts emphasize the need for careful integration of new technologies into established construction practices. Considerations such as building codes, zoning regulations, and regional suitability must align with innovative methods like 3D printing to ensure long-term success.
As the construction industry navigates the transition towards 3D printing, Horizon Legacy remains at the forefront of this transformation, embarking on ambitious projects that showcase the potential of onsite robotic construction. Despite initial hurdles, proponents like Linda Reisman advocate for widespread adoption of 3D printing technology to revolutionize home construction in Canada.