New Story, a non-profit pioneering solutions to end global homelessness, in partnership with Mexico-based ÉCHALE, have announced “the world’s first 3D-printed community” is underway in Mexico.
After 18 months in planning, New Story and ICON have completed, and revealed, the first two printed homes in the State of Tabasco. Each coming in at 500 square feet, the innovative structures were printed in a total time of about 24 hours over the course of several days.
ICON printed the homes using their Vulcan II 3D-printer. This printer, designed to tackle housing shortages for vulnerable populations in rural areas where power can be unpredictable, is the first of its kind. The hope is that this catalytic R&D project will influence the sector as a whole.
Tabascan families living in makeshift, unsafe shelters and living in extreme poverty will be granted the homes and reside in the village, which is due to grow to a total of fifty 3D-printed dwellings.
The 3D printed homes feature two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bath. Co-designed with feedback from the families who will live in them, the homes have been created to meet the specific needs of the community. Resting within an active seismic zone, the community and its homes were engineered above the standard safety requirements, including robust foundations to ensure the homes will last for generations.
In this village, the median family income per month is $76.50 USD, some of the lowest-income families in Mexico as a whole. The families selected for this community are the 50 families with the greatest financial and physical need.
The majority of the families in this area are from an indigenous population that has historically been left out of government programs. Through partnership with the local government, the 3D printed community is to be part of a larger community plan for the overall municipal area. The families will have access to green spaces, parks, community amenities, and basic utilities through this master plan provided by the local government.
The partnership with ICON and use of the 3D printing technology allows New Story to impact more families faster, while simultaneously improving quality and design flexibility. The hope is that this catalytic R&D project will influence the sector as a whole. Through the technology, software, and advanced material, the teams will learn, iterate, and then share the learnings with other nonprofits and governments to help everyone improve and reach families faster.
About New Story:
New Story pioneers solutions to end global homelessness. The nonprofit organization currently works in Mexico, Haiti, and El Salvador and, in just five years, has built more than 2,700 homes for families in need. Their 100% model ensures that every penny of each donation goes to build homes while organization operating expenses and R&D is covered by private donors such as Y Combinator, prominent venture capitalists, and other leading executives. The homes are built to last for generations and each donation is paired directly with a family so donors can see their impact. Learn more at newstorycharity.org.
