3D printer to build duplex in Cairo

CAIRO, Ill. (KBSI) – Some big technology changes are happening in southern Illinois as a 3D printer in Cairo is the first of its kind in the state.

Water and cement powder are added to the printer creating a concrete paste which is added to make the walls. This 16 square foot duplex with two bedrooms and one bath is making history on the grounds of Cairo.

Shannon Winters is the Chief Administrative Officer for Eminence Resource Inc. he says he believes this is the start of the future for construction workers as it cuts down on time, equipment, and manpower.

“The plan to look at Cairo, Illinois as an option because it’s a city that really needed some uplift and new construction because there hasn’t been any housing in over 30 years,” said Winters.

Winters says Cairo is privileged to be living in the future. She says the people who donated and helped make this happen is what’s really special.

“For us to be able to go down there and bring that new technology to the city that hasn’t had any construction in a long time was something they just felt like they wanted to do,” she said.

To be able to make this happen, Eminence Resource provided the funding to get the 3D printer from Black Buffalo in New Jersey.

Josh Burtis is the general manager for Eminence Resource. He says he believes this method of construction is faster and more efficient.

“This is much faster,” said Burtis,” You’re much more resilient. Pretty much getting a home made out of concrete from the exterior walls than traditional stick built. You have a much more resilient home. It’s much more ecofriendly and were able to do all your wall cavity with your interior insulation like you would have and have your full wall pretty much be a stud made out of concrete.”

Burtis says that the 3D printer can produce concrete for 45 print hours to make the walls which they are planning to have done in five to six days before starting plumbing and electrical.

“We’re hoping with this technology it’s going to build more housing and obviously we need housing immediately through the whole area and our biggest thing is building affordable housing and workforce housing as fast as we can to keep more people in these communities and give communities back,” said Burtis.

They plan on construction lasting only a few months before starting their next project.