Colorado’s 3D-Printed Homes: Fire-Resistant Concrete, Faster Construction

Housing Revolution Layer by Layer

Two innovative homes in Buena Vista, Colorado have showcased the future of resilient, sustainable housing by leveraging 3D printing technology. Built by VeroTouch with COBOD’s BOD2 printer, each 1,100 sq ft house was completed layer by layer using A1-rated concrete in just 16 days—demonstrating the radical productivity leaps and fire resistance of the approach.

Fire Resilience and Local Safety

With nearly half of Colorado’s population residing in wildfire risk zones, the homes’ concrete walls offer the highest available fire resistance rating—outperforming traditional wood construction. These homes promise a legacy of safety and durability, with the builders claiming a lifespan exceeding a century.

Flexible, Faster, and Custom Designs

The open-source printing system allows for rapid adaptation to local conditions, whether for seismic zones or regional architectural preferences. One home highlights the stratified “rippled” look of pure 3D printing, while the other adopts a traditional stucco finish. Fast build times mean resources are freed up for more projects, potentially easing housing shortages.

Commercialisation and the Road Ahead

Supported by grant funding and with plans for a 32-house extension, these homes demonstrate that 3D printing can combine speed, quality, and market-competitive pricing. While US $625,000 per home isn’t cheap, it matches the premium for mountain communities and shows clear market demand for resilient, modern solutions.

Conclusion

Colorado’s pioneering 3D homes point to a future where automation, adaptability, and resilience redefine sustainable building for wildfire-threatened regions.