Uploaded July 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_Carr
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:44 Factory Tour
2:57 NOT 3D printed
4:27 Insulation
5:28 24 hour print
6:14 ADUs
7:40 Permitting
9:17 Synthetic stone
12:16 Turnkey solutions
12:29 Mighty Houses
13:09 Not social housing
15:16 Conclusion
They would like to add the following:
- they have installed 9 mods
- they do not think the fully printed shell was a failed experiment.
- they believe that they are achieving 95% waste reduction through 3d printing and prefab components
- the unit starts at $328/sqft but it's $600/sqft for the turnkey project
Instead of using concrete, Mighty Buildings uses a proprietary mix called LSM or light stone material. It’s a polymer binder and mineral filler that instantly hardens when exposed to UV light. Its strength is comparable to concrete, but it is a ¼ of the weight and a much better insulator. Every unit has a full kitchen and bath, quartz countertops, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer.
The factory tour gave me a whole new understanding of the company and construction technique. It also reinforced my belief that the realm of 3d printed construction is filled with hyperbole and misinformation. If you haven’t watched my last video on the topic, I’ll link it up here. Journalists and YouTubers are regurgitating lies to their million plus subscribers which cheapens the technology in the long run. So, in this video, we’re going to break the cycle of misinformation and uncover the truths.
First off, this structure that you’ve seen in YouTube videos is not the final unit. It’s set aside in the factory and it’s a goal that the company hopes to get to eventually. It’s not precise, it has a rough finish with obvious seams and massive cracks in the walls. For now, the structure is a traditional heavy gauge steel frame welded and bolted together with light gauge steel interior walls. Other than the one curved wall, the current version of the building is no different than traditional construction.
Next, the unit is said to be well insulated with an R value of 24. If you’ve watched my R value video, you know that double pane windows have an R value of 2. So, even if the solid walls are R24, they are nullified by the expansive R2 glazing.
The next claim is that it prints a home in 24 hours The experimental 3d printed shell did take 24 hours, but that is not the product being shipped out. Printing the curve at the back of the unit is quicker than manually framing it out, but assembling all the other components from the steel frame to the finished unit definitely takes over 24 hours. Related to this is the claim that it uses 95% less labor hours and 95% less waste than traditionally built homes. Now, that’s not with the current version but if they manage to print the entire shell without wood or steel studs, then it may be true.
They make very strategic, incremental improvements. Instead of single or multi family dwelling, they started off with ADUs or Accessory dwelling units. They also work closely with Underwriters Laboratory or UL, state and local officials to create regulatory standards for 3D printing. Their designs are approved throughout the state of California, which speeds up the permitting process. Another reason I am intrigued with this company is because they use synthetic stone or LSM instead of concrete. They intend to create LSM panels that act as air, water, vapor, fire and thermal barriers. Sam Ruben called them “Structurally insulated panels on steroids”.
Mighty Buildings is using their lessons learnt from the Modular Units towards larger Mighty Houses in Rancho Mirage, California, also called Coachella Valley. They hope to eliminate heavy gauge steel completely in this design, and will rely on light gauge steel for interior partitions and fiber reinforced panels with proprietary connections for exterior walls.
Another great thing about this company is that they aren’t marketing these 3D printed units as homeless shelters. They acknowledge the fact that their units aren’t cheap: their smallest unit is $600 per sqft. They are trying to reach the “missing middle”: firefighters, teachers and people who serve communities.
--------------------
SOURCES:
youtube.com/watch?v=_Aq8p8ugojU
youtube.com/watch?v=uo12ImflRYQ
youtube.com/watch?v=DUMVvb7igAw
youtube.com/watch?v=lGyulwSQqC4
youtube.com/watch?v=5fF24CPOyrI
--------------------
Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you
#3dprinting #tinyhome #3dprint #diyhome #adu #california #sanfrancisco #3dprintedconcrete #concrete #design #architecture #construction #design
Link to my Patreon page: patreon.com/Belinda_Carr
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:44 Factory Tour
2:57 NOT 3D printed
4:27 Insulation
5:28 24 hour print
6:14 ADUs
7:40 Permitting
9:17 Synthetic stone
12:16 Turnkey solutions
12:29 Mighty Houses
13:09 Not social housing
15:16 Conclusion
They would like to add the following:
- they have installed 9 mods
- they do not think the fully printed shell was a failed experiment.
- they believe that they are achieving 95% waste reduction through 3d printing and prefab components
- the unit starts at $328/sqft but it's $600/sqft for the turnkey project
Instead of using concrete, Mighty Buildings uses a proprietary mix called LSM or light stone material. It’s a polymer binder and mineral filler that instantly hardens when exposed to UV light. Its strength is comparable to concrete, but it is a ¼ of the weight and a much better insulator. Every unit has a full kitchen and bath, quartz countertops, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer.
The factory tour gave me a whole new understanding of the company and construction technique. It also reinforced my belief that the realm of 3d printed construction is filled with hyperbole and misinformation. If you haven’t watched my last video on the topic, I’ll link it up here. Journalists and YouTubers are regurgitating lies to their million plus subscribers which cheapens the technology in the long run. So, in this video, we’re going to break the cycle of misinformation and uncover the truths.
First off, this structure that you’ve seen in YouTube videos is not the final unit. It’s set aside in the factory and it’s a goal that the company hopes to get to eventually. It’s not precise, it has a rough finish with obvious seams and massive cracks in the walls. For now, the structure is a traditional heavy gauge steel frame welded and bolted together with light gauge steel interior walls. Other than the one curved wall, the current version of the building is no different than traditional construction.
Next, the unit is said to be well insulated with an R value of 24. If you’ve watched my R value video, you know that double pane windows have an R value of 2. So, even if the solid walls are R24, they are nullified by the expansive R2 glazing.
The next claim is that it prints a home in 24 hours The experimental 3d printed shell did take 24 hours, but that is not the product being shipped out. Printing the curve at the back of the unit is quicker than manually framing it out, but assembling all the other components from the steel frame to the finished unit definitely takes over 24 hours. Related to this is the claim that it uses 95% less labor hours and 95% less waste than traditionally built homes. Now, that’s not with the current version but if they manage to print the entire shell without wood or steel studs, then it may be true.
They make very strategic, incremental improvements. Instead of single or multi family dwelling, they started off with ADUs or Accessory dwelling units. They also work closely with Underwriters Laboratory or UL, state and local officials to create regulatory standards for 3D printing. Their designs are approved throughout the state of California, which speeds up the permitting process. Another reason I am intrigued with this company is because they use synthetic stone or LSM instead of concrete. They intend to create LSM panels that act as air, water, vapor, fire and thermal barriers. Sam Ruben called them “Structurally insulated panels on steroids”.
Mighty Buildings is using their lessons learnt from the Modular Units towards larger Mighty Houses in Rancho Mirage, California, also called Coachella Valley. They hope to eliminate heavy gauge steel completely in this design, and will rely on light gauge steel for interior partitions and fiber reinforced panels with proprietary connections for exterior walls.
Another great thing about this company is that they aren’t marketing these 3D printed units as homeless shelters. They acknowledge the fact that their units aren’t cheap: their smallest unit is $600 per sqft. They are trying to reach the “missing middle”: firefighters, teachers and people who serve communities.
--------------------
SOURCES:
youtube.com/watch?v=_Aq8p8ugojU
youtube.com/watch?v=uo12ImflRYQ
youtube.com/watch?v=DUMVvb7igAw
youtube.com/watch?v=lGyulwSQqC4
youtube.com/watch?v=5fF24CPOyrI
--------------------
Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via Youtube comments or email and I will accommodate you
#3dprinting #tinyhome #3dprint #diyhome #adu #california #sanfrancisco #3dprintedconcrete #concrete #design #architecture #construction #design
