Fire-Resistant 3D Printed Homes Reduce Wildfire Risks for Homeowners in California
WALNUT, Calif. – On February 10, 2024, the U.S.’s first fire-resistant, onsite-built concrete accessory dwelling unit (ADU) broke ground in Walnut, California. RIC Technology’s robotic 3D printer will 3D print the ADU’s concrete walls.
In collaboration with the City of Walnut and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the general contractor Builtech Construction Group will lead this project from design to finish. K4K Construction Design will be the subcontractor responsible for 3D printing.
Walnut ADU Laying Ground
At this stage, Builtech Construction Group is leading the installation of the plumbing and sewage system. After the foundation is laid, RIC Technology’s robotic arm 3D printer will be deployed on-site to print the house’s exterior walls. The printing process will take approximately 20 days.
Ziyou Xu, founder and CEO of RIC Technology, explained why this project is a breakthrough in concrete 3D printing’s application to ADU and other affordable housing projects, “Our compact modular robotic 3D printer overcomes conventional gantry systems’ limitations, enabling 3D construction on site, in confined space such as people’s backyards.”
The most noticeable feature of this ADU is that it will be non-combustible and fire-resistant. Philips and Constance, a couple living in Walnut who are eager to contribute to wildfire protection, agreed to assist Builtech Construction Group in building a fire-resistant ADU in their backyard. This 1200 sqft ADU will include 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
“This project can be the beginning of something meaningful – a wider application of 3D printed homes that are less susceptible to fires,” commented Xu.
Most homes destroyed in wildfires are initially set ablaze by embers and minor flames. By reducing a home’s susceptibility to fire, the chances of a home surviving a wildfire are greatly increased, according to Wildfire Risk to Communities, a resources hub created by the USDA Forest Service to help communities identify and mitigate wildfire risks.
“This fire-resistant home will reduce wildfire risks for the homeowners by enhancing resilience during a fire and speeding up post-wildfire recovery,” said Xu. “It significantly saves time and money in the recovery process if residents’ homes survive a wildfire.”
Aaron Liu, CEO of Builtech Construction Group and an NFPA-certified wildfire mitigation specialist (CWMS), has been dedicated to researching how to reduce a home’s susceptibility to wildfires. “During wildfires, ‘heat’ and ‘oxygen’, two of the three components of the fire triangle, are beyond control,”explained Liu. “Therefore, our focus is on eliminating ‘fuel,’ the unique architectural design and building materials in this case.”
For this ADU, the exterior walls will be 3D printed using concrete, a non-combustible material. Additionally, the roof of the ADU will be constructed with light steel and sure-boards, distinguishing it from other 3D-printed homes that often feature wooden structural roofs. Builtech will also strengthen the areas of a home that are traditionally vulnerable to fires, such as eave vents and windows.
“The ADU will be built without a single piece of wood or nail – no ‘fuel’ on the main structure,” said Aaron. “So we significantly minimize the likelihood of fire entering the home, reducing its susceptibility to fire.”
Despite California’s stringent building codes, the project was able to receive construction permits in February. The Walnut project is expected to serve as a catalyst for further collaborations with local governments and fire departments, aiming to expand these fire-resistant constructions to more communities in California affected by wildfires. In the future, RIC Technology plans to continue its partnership with Builtech Construction Group, focusing on the development of non-combustible, fire-resistant homes in wildfire-prone areas.
For additional information on RIC Technology and its impact on the 3D construction printing industry, please visit www.rictechnology.com.
About RIC Technology
RIC Technology, headquartered in Fontana, California, is a global pioneering 3D printing company specializing in robotic construction that transforms the construction and design industry. Leveraging advanced proprietary technology, RIC offers robotic construction solutions that significantly reduce cost, time, and labor, enhancing productivity. The company’s suite of services includes robotic 3D printing, architectural design, tailored material solutions, and expert training and support. Discover the innovative solutions from RIC at www.rictechnology.com.