Creating a collaborative ecosystem for affordable housing

The Iowa Innovative Housing Project (also known as the 3D Affordable Innovative Technologies Housing Project) aims to address the shortage of affordable housing in Iowa by exploring a faster, more cost-efficient solution through the use of 3D-printed homes.

A collaborative effort between Iowa State University and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IDEA), the project utilizes 3D construction printing and innovative approaches, as it seeks to lower construction risks, reduce material usage and waste, provide faster responses to natural disasters, and ultimately deliver affordable, resilient, and sustainable housing options.

Research and Demonstration

Hamburg, Iowa served as an initial site for research, development, simulation and study for impact on 3D affordable innovative technologies housing in Iowa.

In addition, a development and training center has been established in Fort Dodge at Iowa Central Community College East Campus to evaluate the technology and necessary training elements.

Prototypes and processes are being constructed and also include comparative constructions, remote geospatial site development, and digital workflows for design, construction and home occupancy.

Support for the Iowa Innovative Housing Project

  • Strategic Infrastructure Program “SIP”

    The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded a $1.4 million grant through its Strategic Infrastructure Program (SIP) to support the project. This grant funds various aspects of the project, including the acquisition of equipment and materials such as 3D Construction Printers (3DCPs) and other technologies to support design, research, testing, training, and demonstration.

    Major updates include the acquisition and installation of various 3DCP technologies at different scales, fostering extensive research and development tailored to Iowa’s needs. Collaborating with Iowa State University and Iowa Central Community College, we are establishing project sites dedicated to R&D, education, and hands-on training with 3DCP technologies. Additionally, the project integrates cutting-edge drones for geospatial digital site alignment, streamlining 3D digital data workflows. We are continuously evaluating and incorporating supporting technologies to enhance project outcomes and drive innovation in the construction industry.

  • America Recovery & Reinvestment Act “ARRA”

    The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) awarded $222,459 to advance the design, planning, and simulation of Energy Performance for 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) in Iowa. This funding supported essential activities such as materials testing, 3D modeling, coding, printer and material delivery integration, and demonstration print design.

    Major updates include the testing and evaluation of multiple digital design strategies, which resulted in the publication of a conference paper. Additionally, our energy simulation efforts led to the publication of two conference papers, contributing valuable insights to the field. We also hosted multiple exhibits highlighting project developments and demonstrations, featuring partial prints and an integrated test enclosure. This initiative not only showcased our advancements in 3DCP but also emphasized our focus on energy efficiency and sustainability in construction.

  • Community Development Block Grant

    The Community Development Block Grant awarded $549,256 to support 3D Construction Project Integration Management, Curriculum Development, and an Affordability Survey in collaboration with Iowa Central Community College. This funding aimed to train the future workforce through workshops held across the state and to survey existing affordable housing projects. The project focused on comparing these existing projects to 3D model simulations, enhancing the understanding of 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) technology’s potential impact on affordable housing solutions.

    Major updates included the design and development of K-12 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) kits for educational use. A comprehensive first-year curriculum was prepared and delivered at Iowa Central Community College, with materials packaged for implementation at any Iowa community college. Additionally, multiple interviews and surveys were conducted for project analysis to gather valuable insights. To further enhance industry understanding, Iowa State Cybiz Labs was engaged for in-depth 3DCP industry analysis.

  • Support Research

    Supporting Research awarded $100,000 towards Housing Design & Affordability, Zoning and Building Codes, Site Design and Environmental Analysis.

    Major updates included the analysis of potential project sites to assess environmental, community, and regional impacts. A thorough examination of state and local codes and zoning regulations was conducted to determine suitability for various 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) project typologies. Additionally, a novel 3D digital data workflow integration was studied, combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS), photogrammetry, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Computer-Aided Manufacturing/Computer Numerical Control (CAM/CNC). This integration aimed to enhance remote automation and streamline site planning and construction processes. These efforts reflect our commitment to innovative practices that address the complexities of modern construction while prioritizing community and environmental considerations.

Luis Rico-Gutierrez headshot

Nationwide, rural housing issues are often overlooked. For Iowa State, they are central to our priorities as a land-grant institution. This funding allows us to address all aspects of the process, from planning to developing new building codes through construction and the impact on the quality of our lives

Luis Rico-Gutierrez, dean of the College of Design

Partners and People involved in the project

Faculty

Staff

  • Abbie Gaffey, ISU Extension
  • Chloe McAninch, College of Design

Graduate Students

  • Yanjui Bai, Architecture
  • Ehsan Ghaderi, Architecture
  • Hamidreza Khademi, Architecture
  • Mona Kazemian, Landscape Architecture
  • Harris Seabold, Industrial Design/HCI
  • Mina Jahromi, HCI
  • Griffin McLuen, Industrial Design
  • Alireza Baheri, Industrial Design
  • Forough Moheb Elabi, Industrial Design

Undergraduate Students

  • Haylee Gunderson, Architecture
  • Jorge Nunez, Architecture
  • Ryan Piloni, Architecture
  • Sitong Want, Architecture
  • Hugh Duffy, Architecture
  • Sierra Wroolie, Architecture
  • Isabelle Gillette, Interior Design
  • Milan Naumovski, Industrial Design
  • Cole Sampson, Industrial Design
  • Cole Keenan, Industrial Design
  • Garrett Hein, Aerospace Engineering
  • Gonzalo Espinoza, Landscape Architecture
College of Design student researching.

A Cyclone in the Making

Find your place at Iowa State University’s College of Design, where we like to ask questions, poke and prod, create something new, and make a difference through design.