Merritt considering 3D printing homes

MERRITT, B.C. — Even prior to the November floods, the city of Merritt was in a severe housing crisis. After the floods, that issues has only been intensified with approximately 100 homes lost to flood damage.

“Our first priority was temporary short-term housing,” said Housing recovery lead, Andrew. “Unfortunately this proposal was unsuccessful in getting funding from the province.”

City Officials did recommend bringing RVs or campers onto their properties while they continue to work on their damaged homes.

Andrew also highlighted an interesting partnership between the city and UBC for bringing new homes quickly to Merritt.

“Our goal is to use a 3D printer that can produce homes of about 600 square feet in size, so they would be classified as tiny homes. The printer is able to produce these homes at a rate of one every 48 hours using just the printer and a crew of two or three people,” said Andrew.

Along with being quick the printed homes are also net-zero buildings.

The Federal Government is currently pushing for net-zero builds and have made grants available for such homes that the City could utilize.

“We hope to do 18-to-20 homes and hope to have them done this year,” added Andrew.