3D Printed Homes could solve housing crisis- Trump Eliminated Funding for it.

Maine was looking at this option - 3D printing for homes - as a possible way of solving the state's homeless crisis. The state needs 80,000+ units, and doesn't have the labor force to build that many homes. Manufacturing looked to be a promising alternative, until the Trump eliminated funding for it. The researchers on this project  lost their jobs and helping combat Maine's chance at affordable housing.

(3D Printed Home created by the University of Maine ASCC)

UMaine center forced to lay off some workers due to funding  

 

WGME-TV. May 25, 2025 

ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center has announced the layoff of nine employees, citing federal funding cuts by the Trump administration as the cause. The affected employees were notified on Monday, with the layoffs set to take effect on June 6.

The center, known for its engineering innovations such as 3D printed houses made from Maine wood waste, as well as technology for national defense and civil infrastructure, has been reliant on federal funding since the 1990s.

ABOUT THE First 100% bio-based 3D-printed home  at the University of Maine

Can you imagine what it would be like to live in a home that was printed on a printer? The first ever bio based 3D home printed right here in Maine on the world's largest 3D printer back in 2022.

On Nov. 21, 2022, the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) unveiled BioHome3D, the first 3D-printed house made entirely with bio-based materials. BioHome3D was developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hub and Spoke program between the UMaine and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Partners included MaineHousing and the Maine Technology Institute.

The 600-square-foot prototype features 3D-printed floors, walls and roof of wood fibers and bio-resins. The house is fully recyclable and highly insulated with 100% wood insulation and customizable R-values. Construction waste was nearly eliminated due to the precision of the printing process.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Poo0-S20irk?si=R-TEJpRNBT0YwPTL

(Video: Matt Pouliot from Pouliot Real Estate takes you on a tour of the first ever bio based 3D home, which is still undergoing research on the campus of the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC). ) 

This is the first 3D-printed house made entirely with bio-based materials. BioHome3D was developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hub and Spoke program between the UMaine and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Partners included MaineHousing and the Maine Technology Institute. 

Here's a more detailed look at BioHome3D:

• Materials:

  The home is constructed using wood fibers and bio-based resins, sourced locally, which reduces dependence on a potentially constrained supply chain. 
• Process:

  The home was printed in four modules, then moved to the site and assembled. 
• Purpose:

  It's serving as a testbed to see how the bioderived materials perform over time, including their ability to withstand Maine's harsh winter conditions. 
• Research:

  Researchers are using data collected from sensors installed in the home to improve future designs and address potential issues. 
• Future:

  The success of BioHome3D could pave the way for mass-producing affordable and sustainable housing. 

We are excited to unveil more videos for you to take a closer look into what is happening at the ASCC and the University of Maine.