In an astounding stride forward in housing innovation, Serendix, a Japanese trailblazer, has unveiled a 527-square-foot 3D-printed home, with a price tag resembling that of a new car: just $37,300. This disruptive feat arrives as an answer to Japan’s escalating housing costs, presenting an enticing, budget-friendly alternative.
3D printing, once a niche concept, is rapidly transforming the real estate landscape. The Serendix 50, constructed in a mere 44 hours, encapsulates modern living with its bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. A precursor to this was their 107-square-foot “Sphere,” erected in under 24 hours. Yet, it’s their recent “Fujitsubo” (or “barnacle”) model, tailored for couples, that’s turning heads.
The company maximized efficiency by embracing automated technology, including Winsun and Twente Additive Manufacturing’s printers, and a unique rapid-hardening cement mix. These components were crafted off-site and later assembled, akin to Lego construction. This method, though not without its challenges, drastically slashed costs. For perspective, California’s Azure Printed Homes, utilizing 3D-printed recycled plastic, quotes a hefty $125,900 for a similar space.
Ogata, the company’s CTO, underscored the pressing housing crisis in Japan, provoking frustration among its citizens. But with Serendix’s impending plan to deliver six of these groundbreaking units by the end of October, the future of housing looks set to be redefined.
