A collaborative project to rebuild a home in historic Coconut Grove using a 3D concrete printer lays the foundation for the School of Architecture to explore new construction technologies and may serve as a prototype to address the housing crisis.
A University of Miami School of Architecture team is advancing a collaborative project with the 3D construction firm Printed Farms that will provide an innovative living space for a Miami family while offering the opportunity to improve these new technologies that hold such promise for the future of housing.
“The construction industry has a lot of room for improvement—it’s basically the same today as it was 100 years ago,” according to Armando Montero, an assistant professor of professional practice who’s overseeing the project team. “We’ve been looking at the use of construction technologies in our curriculum, and this research project is a great opportunity for the University and for us to explore a technology that could seriously impact affordable housing.”
Montero noted that the advisory board overseeing the development includes members from the top construction companies in South Florida and even some global representation.
One of those members, W. Robert “Bob” Miller, who earned his Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering from the University in 1977, was instrumental in engaging the school’s team in the reconstruction of a home located in one of Coconut Grove’s Neighborhood Conservation Districts.
Miller, who serves as chair of the Master of Construction Management Advisory Board at the School of Architecture, is a director on the national board of the nonprofit Rebuilding Together and has collaborated for years with Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade, a local nonprofit organization that provides free rehabilitation services for low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners. Rebuilding Together had identified a Coconut Grove home, badly damaged years ago, for reconstruction and negotiated with the City of Miami to engage a builder.
Miller approached the City of Miami and suggested using the new 3D printing technologies for the rebuild instead of traditional construction, Montero acknowledged.
“This opens the door to use this technology and to go in and design and build a house,” he said.
Max Jarosz, director of fabrication and an adjunct lecturer, is heading the small team engaged in the collaborative Coconut Grove project. While the school is working most closely with Printed Farms, which touts having “the fastest and most flexible 3D concrete printers globally,” Jarosz said collaborations with other firms are also advancing.
The team shared initial designs last week and, based on feedback, is now redesigning plans to satisfy the client and fit the flavor of the historic Bahamian neighborhood where the home is located. The documentation process should be completed, and the permit process launched this semester, according to Jarosz.
The new technologies pose some challenges to permitting, but the University’s participation and support should facilitate the process, he said. The 3D concrete printing—which takes only 10 or so days—should begin by April or May.
Montero explained that the first connection with Printed Farms was made several years ago. Architecture students traveled to a site in Wellington, Florida (central Palm Beach County), to view a 3D barn the firm was building.
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