At an event in Fairbanks, Alaska, senior leaders from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) showcased how innovative technologies can contribute to building quality, affordable, and resilient homes.
FAIRBANKS, AK - Today, HUD officials joined the University of Alaska Fairbanks to demonstrate 3-D printing as a potential solution for increasing the supply of affordable housing.
“We need to think bigger, bolder, and more creatively than ever if we want to build the affordable homes of the future,” said Solomon Greene, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. “Here at HUD, we are using innovative solutions to build the housing our growing nation needs. This 3-D printer is an exciting representation of this new frontier, and we cannot wait to see it at work.”
At today’s event, Solomon Greene was accompanied by Richard Monocchio, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing; Northwest Regional Administrator Andrew Lofton; and Pat Pitney, President of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
“This partnership is instrumental towards our work to invest in new, innovative technologies to address Alaska’s housing challenges,” said Pat Pitney. “I’m grateful to HUD and our private and academic partners for making this happen, and we’re excited to see what this printer will do for our community.”
“This is a momentous day, not only for us at HUD or for our partners but for the future of affordable housing construction in extreme climates in places like Alaska,” said Andrew Lofton. “Today, we showcased the latest example of how technological innovation paired with local knowledge and strong community partnerships can help us build the quality, affordable, and resilient homes our country needs.”
In May 2023, HUD presented a Research Partnership grant of $600,000 to Nome City in Alaska to support this initiative. The project team includes Xtreme Habitats Institute (XHI) and Penn State University. They will conduct design, engineering, materials research development planning necessary for 3-D printing high-quality sustainable housing suitable for sub-arctic regions. In Fairbanks students researchers will refine test design protocols mobile printer that will move Nome where team use mobile 3-D printer construct evaluate prototype home key goals construction project use sustainable local resources construction material.
Additional partners include the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; University of Alaska Fairbanks; Cold Climate Housing Research Center; National Renewable Energy Laboratory; XHab 3D Inc.; Fairbanks Materials Inc.
In April HUD launched Road Innovation tour led Office Policy Development & Research (PD&R) traveling across country uplifting examples investment innovative construction techniques boosting affordable housing supply Fairbanks seventh stop ongoing tour following Detroit Minneapolis Seattle Portland New York City Jersey City during spring.
Under Biden Harris Administration HUD invested innovation boost supply homes partnered entrepreneurs innovators private sector updated rules unleash scale housing innovation At Innovative Housing Showcase Department welcomed thousands visitors National Mall view exhibitors showcasing models innovative housing communities Acting Secretary Todman launched program invest manufactured home communities key affordable option many families July 2022 initiated largest set proposed changes Code over two decades proposing allow materials facilitate modern design approaches improve quality certain ridge roof designs add provisions multifamily manufactured homes up three units update requirements open floor plans add accessibility improvements more For more on HUD’s work boost innovation housing or see photography footage today’s event email HUDPressOffice@HUD.gov
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