The world's first 3D-printed village could be the answer to affordable housing

Built in a little as 24 hours, this innovative neighbourhood could change the way we build homes forever

As populations around the world continue to surge, access to safe, affordable housing is becoming an increasingly critical issue.

However, a viable solution might be just around the corner as the world's first 3D-printed village is set to arrive in a rural farming community in Latin America.

READ MORE: Amazing 3D-printed homes of the future

Swiss designer and founder of Fuseproject Yves Béhar has teamed up with New Story, a non-profit on a mission to end homelessness, and construction technology business ICON, to bring the innovative housing initiative to life.

Reimagining homebuilding

Built in as little as 24 hours, the project will create affordable housing for the neighbourhood, which mainly consists of local farmers and artisans living on less than £157 ($200) per month.

While the exact location of the village is being kept under wraps, the designs will reflect the community culture, as well as the individual needs of residents.

The printing process, which uses a digital file to print a 3D object layer by layer, means that the structures can be built at low costs and in record time, opening up exciting possibilities for the future of homebuilding.

Innovative designs

Every home will measure approximately 1,291 square foot and includes a garden and an outdoor kitchen space. The cutting-edge technology will even allow for a second level to be added in the future as families expand.

Built to withstand the region's environmental challenges, the properties have a number of clever architectural features, such as slanted roofs and sheltered gardens to protect from heavy rain and reinforced walls that can stand strong against earthquakes.

3D printing even allows for built-in interior fixtures such as kitchen counters, bathrooms and cupboards to be included as part of the build process at no extra cost.

Adaptable, affordable homes

Fuseproject said: "We, in partnership with New Story and ICON will design, construct, and deliver this groundbreaking method of homebuilding to families in Latin America who need affordable housing that adapts to their day-to-day lives.

"Printed in 24 hours, these community-driven designs adapt to the unique culture, climate and needs of the people living there."

"It is our belief that designers, builders and technology innovators have the potential to bring unprecedented speed and scale to housing design, that can elevate the lives of some of the most impoverished populations around the globe," continued the statement.

"3D printing, in particular, offers a new and powerful tool for realising this potential and driving this mission forward."

Access to safe housing is paramount for those who live in environmentally and physically dangerous parts of the world, and typically, low-income communities are the last to benefit from new technology.

However, here, those who need it most are at the forefront of this revolutionary project.

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All images: Fuseproject