HOUSTON – Houston’s first 3D-printed community is about to start production. The developers of Zuri Gardens bill the project as attainable, sustainable and the future.
But how will it stand up to Houston’s severe weather?
The $20-million Zuri Gardens development marks Houston’s first venture into large-scale 3D-printed housing, where robotic arms will lay down layers of specialized concrete to construct the first floors of 80 hybrid homes.
Located along Martindale Road, these two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residences will be priced in the mid to upper $200,000s—a price point specifically targeted at first-time homebuyers, educators and healthcare workers.
The project represents a convergence of cutting-edge technology and affordable housing solutions in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
“We’re at the intersection of technology and attainability, which is what we’re really excited about,” says Vanessa Cole, co-founder of Cole Klein Builders and developer of Zuri Gardens. “We’re constantly seeing land cost rise, construction cost rise, and we’re thinking about how do we achieve affordable housing that’s resilient to Houston’s climate.”
How Do You Print A Home?
The homes will be built using HIVEASMBLD’s second-generation construction printer, capable of printing a 10-by-10-foot wall in approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
The first floor of each home will be 3D-printed using a special rapid-setting concrete mixture, while the second story will utilize traditional construction methods.
“Really, no storm can blow over these walls. No water can damage them. No bugs can eat them. They should be forever materials,” explains Tim Lankau, co-CEO of HIVEASMBLD, the Houston-based company providing the 3D printing technology.
Built To Take On Texas Weather
The homes are specifically designed to address Houston’s unique weather challenges.
The 3D-printed walls can withstand wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, significantly surpassing the city’s requirement of 120 mph wind resistance.
More importantly, the concrete first story provides superior flood protection.
“The nice thing about having a concrete house, especially here where we have a concrete first story, is that it’s impervious to water,” Lankau explains. “If this house ever gets water in it, it’s just not a disaster like it is with a framed home. You could dry it out, and concrete doesn’t mold because mold needs organic materials to feed off of.”
Affordable + Accessible + Sustainable
First-time homebuyers may find these homes particularly attractive, with up to $125,000 in down payment assistance available through various grants and loans.
The development targets educators, nurses, first-year professionals and families looking to downsize.
“Our target market is typically educators, nurses, first-year professionals, that first-time homebuyer, and families that want to downsize,” Cole says. “Really anyone that doesn’t want to be house poor and wants a good sustainable home.”
The homes incorporate several eco-friendly elements, including:
- Energy-efficient design with superior thermal mass for temperature regulation
- Eco-friendly concrete mixture using recycled materials
- Durable construction requiring less maintenance
- Advanced insulation systems for lower utility bills
The 13-acre development will include more than just homes. Houston’s Parks Department purchased five acres to build a community park.
When Will The Printing End?
Construction of the first home is scheduled to begin the second week of November, with an open house planned for November 13.
The entire development is projected to be completed within 18 months, though developers hope to accelerate that timeline.
Cole believes this innovative approach represents the future of housing construction.
“3D printing is essentially indestructible. It’s a fortress,” she said. “If you want a safe house, then I believe 3D printing is the way to go.”