# 193. 3 Reasons Why You Should Print Your Next Home

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2024-09-24
- Length: 30m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home-rm_Ivo7N

## Summary

Daniel and Forbode discuss research from ETH Zurich on using additive manufacturing to print homes with earth-based materials, specifically a technique called 'impact printing.' They explain how this method uses high-speed projectile deposition of a mix containing 97% local earth and 3% hydraulic lime to create strong, monolithic walls without visible layer lines. The hosts highlight the benefits of sustainability, reduced supply chain reliance, and lower costs compared to traditional concrete or mud construction, while noting aesthetic and structural challenges like cracking and the need for strategic reinforcement.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home#t=0) Introduction: Housing crisis and ETH Zurich's earth-based printing
- [2:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home#t=165) Sponsor Read: Mouser Electronics and additive manufacturing history
- [4:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home#t=265) Context: Previous 3D printed concrete homes and audience feedback
- [6:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home#t=401) Motivation: Disrupting construction with local earth and sustainability
- [11:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home#t=663) Technology: Impact printing mechanism and software optimization
- [15:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home#t=901) Material Science: 97% earth, 3% hydraulic lime, and waste reuse
- [21:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home#t=1309) Aesthetics and Structural Integrity: Unfinished look and crack prevention
- [27:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-09-24-193-3-reasons-why-you-should-print-your-next-home#t=1636) Conclusion: Market context and final thoughts on the technology

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ETH Zurich (company)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Wevolver (company)
- Prusa (company)
- Zillow (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [A Mission to Decarbonize the Construction Industry with Keegan Kirkpatrick, Founder and CEO of RedWorks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2024-02-29-a-mission-to-decarbonize-the-construction-industry-with-keegan-kirkpatrick-found) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [3D printing a housing revolution with Jason Ballard of ICON](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-02-01-3d-printing-a-housing-revolution-with-jason-ballard-of-icon) (How I Built This)
- [Step into the Future: Doc Sols’ 3D Printed Revolution in Podiatry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2023-08-29-step-into-the-future-doc-sols-3d-printed-revolution-in-podiatry) (Additive Snack)

## Citing this page

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