We Can’t Keep Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again, Expecting a Different Result: As it relates to housing
In watching the past month with the hurricanes devastating the southeastern US, I have been thinking more about why we keep doing the same thing, but expecting something different. Specifically, how and where we build houses…
Let me get one thing out of the way… if anyone builds or buys a traditional house/home right on the beach/on the ocean, or in a dedicated flood plain, you should be on your own. Period.
But for 99% of the people, “the beach life” is not relative. But we have to change the way we think about housing. Specifically, I have been fascinated with articles and new stories around two types of housing: 3D and new hurricane proof housing...
3D-Printed Concrete Homes
3D-printed concrete homes reduce construction costs by as much as 30-50%. The use of automated machinery cuts down on labor expenses, as fewer workers are needed, and construction can be completed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional building methods. Additionally, material waste is minimized because the 3D printing process uses only the exact amount of concrete required. This also translates to lower transportation costs, as materials can often be sourced locally, and the streamlined building process reduces logistical expenses.
Over the long term, 3D-printed concrete homes offer substantial energy savings due to the thermal properties of concrete, which helps regulate indoor temperatures. This leads to lower heating and cooling costs, making these homes more energy-efficient. The durability of concrete also means fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs over time. Concrete homes are less susceptible to common wear and tear, which can reduce the frequency of repairs and replacements that traditional homes often require, leading to long-term cost savings for homeowners.
Hurricane Proof/Net Zero - Hunters Point Community
Net-zero homes like those in the Hunters Point community generate their own energy, usually through solar panels, which immediately reduces or eliminates electricity bills. Combined with energy-efficient appliances and construction techniques, homeowners see a significant reduction in utility costs right from the start. Additionally, these homes often qualify for tax incentives or rebates aimed at encouraging green building practices, further lowering upfront expenses.
The long-term savings of net-zero homes are even more pronounced. By generating their own energy, homeowners can potentially eliminate energy bills over the life of the home, providing substantial financial relief. Homes designed to withstand hurricanes and extreme weather are built with durable materials and reinforced structures, reducing repair and insurance costs over time. This resilience also decreases the likelihood of needing expensive repairs following a natural disaster, which is a common financial burden for homeowners in disaster-prone areas.
Both of these types of homes made it through the latest run of hurricanes without much of an issue. The housing development at Hunters Point NEVER LOST POWER during the hurricanes, including one that had the eyewall just 30 miles away. But if these types of homes are to be more accepted, people’s perceptions have to change. Owners would have to be OK with something different. Concrete walls that look different. No ground floor living and using the outside areas more as a part of the house than just “an extra.”
The new world of the future will be different than today… always is. But is the willingness of people open to new possibilities—new norms? Those that adapt will be better off than those that do not.
